Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam
January, 2025
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 1. 08:55 Meet up@MIMARU TOKYO STATION EAST
- 2. 09:00 Transport: Car (Driven by Mr. John from Japan Global Travel)
- 3. 09:30 Stay@Asakusa
- 4. 10:10 Transport: Car
- 5. 10:50 Stay@Tsukiji Uogashi
- 6. 11:10 Lunch@Sushizanmai Annex
- 7. 12:10 Transport: Car
- 8. 12:50 Stay@Otter Cafe HARRY Harajuku Terrace
- 9. 13:40 Stay@Takeshita Street
- 10. 14:10 Transport: Car (14:20~14:25 Photo shoot at Shibuya Scramble Crossing)
- 11. 14:55 Disband@MIMARU TOKYO STATION EAST

**Title:** What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Harajuku, and Shibuya
The guests were a group from Oceania. I had been told there would be a group of several people, but as some members did not join, the group ended up being smaller than expected.
Because there was a considerable difference between the itinerary proposed by the guests' travel agency and what the guests actually wanted, I reworked the itinerary on the spot before the tour began, while listening to their preferences. Since they wanted an early lunch at Tsukiji, I first took them to Asakusa, which was relatively nearby. In the afternoon they had a reservation at an animal cafe in Harajuku, so I prioritized that timing, but since the cafe did not open until 13:00, we ended up with time to spare after arriving early, which was a bit unfortunate.
The guests asked to return to their Hotel by 15:00 because they were heading to the airport right after the tour ended. I wanted to save as much time as possible at the animal cafe and on Takeshita Street, but it was challenging to keep everyone together, as some of the guests were often drawn to items in the shops and kept leaving the route. I had thought it would be difficult to include the Shibuya Scramble Crossing within the time available, but thanks to the driver, John, we were at least able to set aside time for some of the guests to take photos.
Fortunately, it was a weekday and the roads were not very congested, so we were able to return to the Hotel before 15:00. I would like to thank John from the transportation company.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations
