Tokyo in One Day: Iidabashi Station & Harajuku Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Shibuya, and Harajuku

The guests were a family group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous day and reached their hotel by taking the Narita Express and connecting trains. They were staying in Japan for fourteen days, and from the following day onward planned to visit Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and heading home. The previous evening they had strolled around the area near their hotel and had sukiyaki for dinner.

The tour took place under cloudy skies, with several rest breaks along the way.

We first went to Asakusa. From Kaminarimon we walked through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo" and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?"

From there we went to the Akihabara electronics district, at the request of some of the guests. They purchased some LEGO. There was also a question about "maid cafes" and "what kind of cafe they are."

Next, since some of the guests said they were hungry and wanted ramen, we changed the plan and headed to Shibuya first, having lunch at a ramen restaurant chain. The guests mentioned that "there are also ramen shops in their home city, and they often go to them."

After that, they experienced the scramble crossing and went to Shibuya PARCO. There was a question of "why there are so many people here." At Shibuya PARCO they bought a large amount of character goods.

We then moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine I explained "the difference between Shinto and Buddhism," and also spoke about "the Meiji Restoration," "Emperor Meiji," and "the Japanese Imperial family." They said, "It is wonderful that there is such a green place in the center of the city."

They also made comments such as "The streets are clean and there is no litter," "The public toilets are clean and pleasant," "The subway is quiet and clean," and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?"

I saw them off at Iidabashi Station, and we parted ways.

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.