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

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

The guest was a solo traveler visiting Japan from North America for the first time. The main purpose of this trip was a two-week cruise from Hong Kong to Bangkok. On the way back, the plan was to stop in Japan for a short stay before returning home from Haneda. The previous evening, the guest arrived at Haneda Airport from Bangkok and took a taxi to the hotel.

The guest's request was: "I don't need lunch. Short visits are fine, but I'd like to see as many places as possible."

The first half of the tour took place under light rain.

First, we went to Asakusa.

We walked from Kaminarimon Gate through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. Despite the rain, it was quite crowded. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teachings does Buddhism have?"

Next, we went to the Tsukiji Outer Market. We looked around various shops, and the guest bought an "orange juice." The guest asked, "Why are there so many people here?" and mentioned, "I don't eat raw fish myself, but the rest of the family loves sushi and often goes out to eat it."

We then moved to the Imperial Palace.

I explained about "the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "the current challenges of the imperial household." The guest said, "The pine trees are beautiful," and asked, "Does the emperor really live inside here?"

We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I again explained about "the Meiji Restoration," "Emperor Meiji," and "why wine barrels are displayed here." The guest commented, "It's wonderful that there's such a green space in the city center. It feels great."

We moved to Shibuya.

The guest experienced the scramble crossing. There was also a question: "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or mostly tourists?"

The guest also made comments such as: "Is it safe to walk around the city at night?" "Japanese people are all so polite." "Why aren't there any trash cans?" "The subway seems very well made, but it's hard to understand until you get used to it." "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant."

Finally, I saw the guest off at Shiodome 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.