Tokyo in One Day: Tsukijishijo & Kinshicho — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was a short one-week trip to Japan. The previous evening they had arrived at Haneda Airport and taken a taxi to their hotel. They planned a day trip to Osaka the next day, and mentioned they wanted to try a variety of Japanese foods. They requested to visit as many places as possible, even if only for a short time at each. The rain from the previous night had cleared, and the tour took place in weather that was almost hot.

First, following their wishes, we headed to Tsukiji. We visited the Tsukiji Outer Market. Although it was a closed day, there was a large crowd. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. We browsed various shops, and they bought and sampled tuna sushi and scallops. They asked, "Why are there so many people here?" and "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?"

We moved on to the Imperial Palace. I explained the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, and the current challenges facing the Imperial Family. They remarked that the pine trees were beautiful, and asked whether the Emperor really lives inside.

We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I again explained the Meiji Restoration, Emperor Meiji, and why wine barrels are displayed there. They said it was wonderful to have such a green place in the middle of the city and that it felt refreshing. We encountered a wedding procession, and they mentioned they were interested in weddings in Japan, as they plan to hold a wedding next spring. After this, we strolled along Takeshita Street and Cat Street. They said they were interested in vintage clothing and would come back again the day after next.

We moved to Shibuya. As they said they were hungry and wanted to have sushi for lunch, we went to a sushi restaurant in Shibuya. They said it was far fresher and more delicious than the sushi they eat back home, and cheaper too. We experienced the Scramble Crossing. They asked, "Why are there so many people? Are they Japanese, or are they tourists?"

As they wanted to buy their bullet train tickets for Osaka the next day, we went to the ticket office. They also commented, "Is it safe to walk around town at night?" "Everyone in Japan is polite." "Why are there no trash bins?" "The subway seems very well made, but it is hard to understand." "Back home, homelessness has increased and public safety has worsened. The streets are full of trash and graffiti and are dirty. Japan is truly clean."

I saw them off at Kinshicho Station, where 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.