Tokyo in One Day: Shinagawa Station & Asakusa Station — Guide Masa

Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Government-Licensed Guide: Tsukiji, Ueno-Ameyoko, and Asakusa — A Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America, all traveling to Japan for the first time. One member of the group had originally migrated from another region and spoke mainly Spanish, so the tour was conducted partly in Spanish. This private Tokyo day tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

The group had arrived at Haneda Airport two days earlier via a connecting flight, then taken the train to their hotel. The previous day they had explored the area around their hotel, and they planned to visit Disneyland the following day. Their trip to Japan was planned for one week, with a visit to Nagoya scheduled to follow, before returning home. They mentioned that they had come to Japan on the recommendation of friends who had traveled here before.

Under clear skies, the tour included several breaks, and the departure was about 30 minutes late. Wherever possible, we used elevators to move around.

Starting from Shinagawa, we first headed to Tsukiji (Toyosu Market was skipped due to the late start). We took our time strolling through the Tsukiji Uogashi and the Tsukiji Outer Market, and I explained the differences between the Tsukiji Market and the Toyosu Market. First, we bought coffee at a café, and afterward we sampled items such as fried sweet potato, ice cream, and fried shrimp. The guests also bought a T-shirt as a souvenir. There was a question about whether it is always this crowded.

From there, we moved to Ueno and Ameyoko. The comment was made that the atmosphere was different from Tsukiji Market and that prices seemed lower. Here too, feeling hungry, the guests bought and sampled kebabs. In addition, thinking everything seemed inexpensive, they purchased a large quantity of clothing and shoes.

After a quick walk around Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, we headed to Asakusa. We passed through the Kaminarimon and the Nakamise shopping street to reach the main hall, and I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and of Edo becoming Tokyo, as well as the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. There were questions such as whether all Japanese people believe in Buddhism and what kind of teaching Buddhism is. Amid the large crowds, there were also questions about why it was so crowded and whether Japanese people wear traditional clothing when visiting temples, since many people were wearing kimono. Here as well, toys were purchased as souvenirs.

There were also comments such as how clean the streets were with no litter, how clean and pleasant the public restrooms were, and how quiet and clean the subway was, along with a question about why there are no trash cans on the streets, and whether people in Tokyo drive cars.

We ended the tour by seeing the guests off at the Takanawa exit of Shinagawa Station.

Click here for more details: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, 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.