Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Tochomae & Shinjuku — Guide Masa

Can You Do a Private One-Day Tsukiji, Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, and Shibuya Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived at Narita the previous evening on a direct flight and taken the Narita Express to Shinjuku. This trip was an approximately two-week visit to Japan. They planned to stay in Tokyo for four days, then travel around Hakone, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo and heading home. They said they wanted to enjoy many different kinds of Japanese food. It was a sunny but rather chilly day for the tour.

First, we went to Tsukiji. After walking around Tsukiji Uogashi, we headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market and slowly made a full loop through the area. I explained the "history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period" and the "differences between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." They browsed shops here and there and bought matcha as a souvenir. After that, they purchased and sampled tuna sashimi, snow crab, and matcha ice cream. Everyone in the group said sushi was a favorite.

We then moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained topics such as "the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "current issues facing the Imperial Family." One remark was, "The pine trees are beautiful." There were also questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside here?", "Who will be the next Emperor?", and "What are the characteristics of Japanese gardens?"

Next, at the group's strong request, we visited Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the "history of Shinjuku Gyoen." They took photos again and again in many places, commenting, "The Japanese garden is so tasteful and wonderful," and "I would love to come back again during cherry blossom season."

After this, we moved to Shibuya, where they experienced the Scramble Crossing and took photos. We also took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. Here too there was a question: "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or mostly tourists?"

We then went to the Pokémon Center and the Nintendo Store (at the strong request of one of the guests), where they bought a large amount of Pokémon goods. There were also comments such as, "Japanese people are all so polite," "The streets are clean and there is no litter scattered around," "Why aren't there any trash cans?", "The subway is very well designed, but it is hard to understand until you get used to it," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant." There was also a question: "We'd like to go out to Kabukicho in Shinjuku at night — is it safe?"

I saw them off at Shinjuku 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.