Tokyo in One Day: the b Hotel & Shinjuku — Guide Danda

What's a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like in Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Oceania. Since they planned to visit Shibuya the following day, they left everything else up to me, so we started from there. Based on my advance research, I incorporated into the course the fact that a university graduation ceremony was being held at the Budokan, and that the weeping cherry blossoms at Rikugien were about half in bloom as of the previous day. They had set up Mobile Suica, but at first they went to the trouble of opening the screen each time they used it, so after I told them that was not necessary, they got used to it and found it very convenient. At Kitanomaru Park, they were more interested than expected in the students in hakama attire, so they took photos together with two groups and were allowed to photograph two other groups (with prior permission, of course, and everyone kindly agreed, for which I am grateful. Congratulations on the graduation). They also took photos from a distance because it was so beautiful. They enjoyed the views of Chidorigafuchi from both above and below, though these were completely overshadowed by the students in hakama attire. At Rikugien, as expected, we were able to see the weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom, and finding them simply beautiful, they took many photos from various angles and also enjoyed, laughing happily, the Edo Daikagura performance held in the garden. I had thought to decide the final destination based on information gathered during the tour, and since they were going to Hakone by Romancecar on Friday, I decided on Shinjuku. After having them confirm the location of the Odakyu Line ticket gate at Shinjuku Station (Central West Exit) so they would not get lost on the morning of departure, we proceeded to Kabukicho, where they enjoyed the 3D cat, the Godzilla head, and the advertising photos for girls' bars and host clubs. In the 25°C heat, we walked about 20,000 steps, and by the end the guests were a little tired, but they were sturdy on their feet and used the stairs rather than the escalator, which was a great help. I am grateful to have spent such a springlike time of cherry blossoms and graduation ceremonies with wonderful guests. Also, on a personal note, I was glad to be able to guide to the very end without any hay fever symptoms.

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Tour Report by Danda

Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.