Tokyo in Half a Day: Nishi-Shinjuku & Shinjuku-gyoemmae — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Shinjuku, Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They arrived at Haneda Airport the previous night and reached their accommodation by transferring trains. They mentioned they had strolled around the neighborhood and bought sandwiches at a convenience store to eat.

This time, they were on a longer trip through Japan, staying in Tokyo for only a few days. Afterward, they planned to travel to Hida-Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, then return to Tokyo before heading home. The following day they planned to visit Disneyland.

Today, they requested a tour focused mainly on the Shinjuku area. The tour took place in warm, almost hot weather, with fairly strong winds, and amid yellow sand and cedar pollen in the air.

Since they wanted to buy a Suica card, we first went to the Ekitabi Concierge. After that, we headed to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Amid long, crowded lines, we waited and made our way up to the North Observatory. I explained topics such as "the history of Edo and Tokyo" and "the current state and challenges of Tokyo." There were questions about "Tokyo's population, transportation network, average rent, and the number of foreign residents." They remarked, "We now understand what a vast, sprawling city this is."

Next, we moved to Shinjuku Gyoen. Some cherry blossoms had already begun to bloom, and the garden was crowded with many visitors. I explained "the history of Shinjuku Gyoen." They took photos again and again in front of the blooming cherry blossoms and were delighted. There was also a question: "Are there any events that Japanese people hold during the cherry blossom season?"

After that, we went to the east exit of Shinjuku. Since they wanted to eat ramen, we went to a ramen shop. Following that, we first visited Golden Gai, where I briefly explained its origins and current state. Even though it was midday, two or three shops were open, and several groups of foreign tour groups were strolling through. They said, "We'd like to come out here tomorrow night."

After this, we walked through and I guided them around the Godzilla Head, Kabukicho, and Omoide Yokocho, offering explanations along the way. They commented, "Unlike London, Japanese people are all polite," "The streets are clean and there is no scattered trash," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "It's hard to find trash bins on the streets."

We parted ways at Shinjuku Station.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local 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.