Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Guide ends — Guide Shuji

September, 2024

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

  • 9:00　Asakusa, Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine
  • 11:20　Tokyo National Museum
  • 12:30　Lunch
  • Return to the hotel once, then escort to the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the venue for the next guide assignment (sumo watching)
  • 14:10　Guide ends

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The itinerary covered Asakusa, Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine at 9:00, Tokyo National Museum at 11:20 and Guide ends at 14:10.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Akabanebashi to Asakusa by subway (220JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by subway (180JPY); Hamamatsucho to Ryogoku by train (180JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 580JPY per person.

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Asakusa and the Tokyo National Museum Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

We started the tour first thing in the morning. In Asakusa, I explained the characteristics of Buddhist temples by comparing them with the Shinto shrine we had visited the previous day. I explained that there are Buddhist statues, that the Nio guardian figures originally came from India, that dragons are symbols of happiness and success, that the five-story pagoda has an earthquake-resistant design, and that the altar is extremely gorgeous. I also guided the group around the neighboring Asakusa Shrine. At the Tokyo National Museum, we saw art ranging from the Jomon period to around the Meiji Restoration, including Buddhist statues, sliding-door paintings, ink paintings, armor and helmets, Japanese swords, kimono displays, tea ceremony utensils, kabuki costumes, and much more. The guests listened very attentively. For lunch, since they wished to try casual local comfort food, they ordered Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and diced steak. The guests also had a couple of beers.

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi～Asakusa220JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
Section 3TrainHamamatsucho～Ryogoku180JPY
Total580JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Asakusa, Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo National Museum and Guide ends.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 580JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.

Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?

Shuji is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?

Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.

Tour Report by Shuji

My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

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A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

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