Tokyo: Higashi-Shinjuku & Shinjuku-sanchome — Guide Masa

What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Akihabara, Asakusa, and Skytree

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. Two weeks earlier they had arrived at Kansai Airport and, after visiting Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, had come to Tokyo the previous night. They planned to stay in Tokyo before returning home from Narita Airport, and mentioned they would visit Disneyland the next day. Since the group included young members, they requested that we walk slowly and use elevators whenever possible. The tour took place during extreme heat, so we made frequent stops to drink water and take breaks.

First, we headed to Tsukiji, where I explained the difference between Tsukiji Market and Toyosu Market. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, the guests eagerly explored in every direction and purchased some bean snacks. They also sampled tuna sashimi and grilled beef skewers. They asked and commented, "Why are there so many people here?" "There are so many kinds of fish." "Do all people in Tokyo come here to buy fish?"

In Akihabara, we strolled through the electronics district, and the guests purchased character figures. They also asked about maid cafes, wondering what kind of places they are.

After that, we moved on to Asakusa, which was as crowded as ever. I explained the history of Senso-ji Temple as well as the history of Edo and Tokyo. There were questions such as, "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" "Are there people who follow religions other than Buddhism?" "What is the difference between Buddhism and Shinto?" Some of the guests drew omikuji fortunes and were delighted to draw "great blessing" and "blessing."

Next, we went to Tokyo Skytree, where I waited at the elevator exit. The guests said, "We really understood how vast Tokyo is. The view was wonderful."

They also commented, "Japanese people are all kind and considerate," "They are polite and well-mannered," "Just like in Kyoto and Osaka, the streets in Tokyo are clean with no litter," "The subway is truly convenient," "It is quiet on the subway, with no one making noise," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant."

Since they wanted to return to their accommodation and rest, I saw them off at Shinjuku-sanchome Station, ending the tour.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Family-Friendly Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.