Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku-nishiguchi & Shinjuku — Guide Masa

What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for Families? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group of three visiting Japan from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived at Narita Airport last night via Hawaii and took a taxi to their hotel. In the evening, they explored the surrounding area.

They planned to stay in Japan for ten days. After spending three days in Tokyo, they would travel to Kyoto and Osaka, then return to Tokyo before heading home. They mentioned that they had come to Japan to give the younger members of the group an experience abroad.

In the intense summer heat, the tour included several rest breaks along the way.

We first went to Asakusa, where I explained the history of Senso-ji Temple and the history of Edo and Tokyo. There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "Are there people who follow religions other than Buddhism?" A protective charm was purchased as a souvenir.

We then moved to Akihabara and strolled through the electronics district. Several character figures were purchased. There was also a question about maid cafes: "What kind of place is that?"

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were crowded despite the heat. I explained "Japanese history and the imperial family." There were questions such as "When was it built as a castle?" "Why did Edo Castle become the Imperial Palace?" and "What was the Meiji Restoration?" There were also questions such as "Does the Emperor live inside here?" "Can we meet the Emperor?" "What is the relationship between the Emperor and the Prime Minister?" and "Who will become the next Emperor?"

At Meiji Shrine, the comment was, "This green environment is wonderful." There were also questions about the Japanese imperial family, such as "What was the Meiji Restoration?" and "Why did the Meiji Restoration happen?"

After taking a break and having a light meal at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, we strolled along Takeshita Street.

We then moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions such as "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?" There were also comments such as "The whole city is clean. There is no litter on the ground." and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant."

I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, ending the tour.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day 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.