Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Private Cruise Port Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This visit to Japan was a one-day trip during a stopover on a cruise, with the cruise ship arriving in port this morning and departing tonight. The cruise route was Singapore – Vietnam – Hong Kong – Osaka – Tokyo – Hawaii – Los Angeles. The guests expressed the wish, "While in port in Tokyo, we would like to visit as many spots in the city as possible, and also have lunch." The morning was sunny and the afternoon was cloudy during the tour. Because one of the guests had difficulty walking, it became a tour that proceeded at a slow pace.

First, we transferred via the Yurikamome and the Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji. We managed to make our way slowly through the crowded Tsukiji Market. Along the way, we strolled at a relaxed pace while sampling things such as roasted soybeans, nuts, and wasabi peanuts.

From here, we went to Shinjuku Gyoen, which the guests had strongly wished to visit. One of the group, who had difficulty walking, rested on a bench at the entrance and did not enter the garden. I explained the origins of Shinjuku Gyoen and the history of Edo and Tokyo. They seemed especially fond of the pond and pine trees in the Japanese garden. They remarked, "It's wonderful that there is such a green place in the center of the city," and asked, "Who administers and maintains this park?"

After this, the guests said, "We are getting tired, so we would all like to have a relaxed lunch. Japanese food would be nice." I made a reservation at a sushi restaurant in Shibuya and managed to secure seats. They were pleased, saying, "It's fresh and delicious."

After this, we went to the Scramble Crossing. Although it was crowded, everyone in the group, including the guest with difficulty walking, managed to cross the intersection. We also viewed the Hachiko statue. At this point the guests said, "We are tired, so we would like to head back," and I saw them off to the cruise ship via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and the Yurikamome, where we parted ways. The guests commented, "There are no homeless people to be seen," "There is no litter on the streets, and no trash cans placed around," and "Somehow, everyone is polite."

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.