Tokyo in Half a Day: Shiodome & Akabanebashi — Guide Masa

Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Tsukiji

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. This was a 10-day trip to Japan. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous night and made their way to their hotel by train and subway. They mentioned that they had strolled around the area near their hotel the night before.

They planned to stay in Tokyo for three days, with a trip to Nikko scheduled for the next day. After that, they intended to take their time visiting Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara before returning to Tokyo and heading home. They said they were looking forward to trying various kinds of Japanese food.

Although the sky was overcast, we were fortunate to avoid any rain, and the tour took place in pleasant weather.

We first headed to Harajuku and Meiji Shrine. I explained about the torii gate, Emperor Meiji, the history of Edo and Tokyo, and the Meiji Restoration. I also explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. There was a question about how many Christians there are in Japan.

Everyone purchased a "goshuincho" (stamp book), saying it would make a perfect souvenir. We took a short break at the café at Meiji Shrine.

From there, we moved on to Asakusa. As always, it was very crowded. I explained about Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo, what the five-story pagoda is, and about Buddhism. There was a question about whether all Japanese people believe in Buddhism.

Here too, everyone lined up in the long queue to have their "goshuincho" stamped. We then took a leisurely stroll along the Nakamise shopping street.

Next, we moved on to Tsukiji, where there were large crowds. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the difference between the Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. They looked around the various shops, and became fond of "wasabi peanuts," which they purchased.

There were questions such as "Why are there so many people here?" and comments like "This is the first time I've seen real wasabi," and "Do all the people in Tokyo come here to buy fish?"

They also commented, "Tokyo really feels like a city with a huge number of people," "But Japanese people are all quiet and polite," "The city is clean with no litter scattered around," and "The public toilets are clean and pleasant."

They also expressed some regret that they were unable to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

After this, since they planned to go to Tokyo Tower, I saw them off at Akabanebashi Station, ending the tour.

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.