Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Tetsuo

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Hamarikyu, and Asakusa

The guests were visitors from Africa who arrived in Japan via a transit hub in Asia. Since I had informed them in advance that the Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Yamanote Line would be suspended for construction on the day, after arriving at Narita in the morning they took the Narita Express to Tokyo and then took a taxi to check in at their hotel. After resting for only about an hour, we started the tour at 12:30. As they had just arrived, I was concerned about jet lag, but they said they were fine and were very energetic. We reconfirmed the itinerary we had agreed upon in advance and set off.

We first visited Meiji Shrine, where they listened attentively to explanations about the etiquette of visiting a shrine. We took commemorative photos in front of the camphor trees and other spots. We also happened to come across a wedding, and they were very interested in the groom's formal montsuki hakama and the bride's white shiromuku attire.

We then moved on to Hamarikyu Gardens. Since there was a tree resembling one that appears in Harry Potter, we took commemorative photos in front of it. I mentioned that there is also a Warner Bros. Studio for Harry Potter in Japan, but as they had already visited the one in London, they decided to skip it this time. Since we were running slightly ahead of schedule, I added a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market, which they had mentioned wanting to see beforehand depending on the timing, and we walked there. They showed interest in ichigo daifuku, but since payment was cash only, they had to give it up.

We then moved to Asakusa. After visiting Senso-ji, one of the guests said they had a headache and wanted to buy pain medicine, so I guided them to a nearby drugstore. They also expressed a wish to visit a 24-hour shop selling souvenirs that they had seen on social media, and when I asked more about it, it turned out to be Don Quijote, so I guided them to the nearby Don Quijote Asakusa store.

Afterward, I accompanied them to Jimbocho Station, the nearest station to their hotel, and we parted at the station.

It was their first visit to Japan, with a plan to spend time in Tokyo, then move to Kyoto, for a total trip of about nine days including the final departure day.

They had been looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms, but unfortunately the season had already ended in Tokyo. I let them know that they could still see them if they traveled to the Tohoku region, but since the latter half of their trip was to Kyoto, it seemed unlikely this time.

They mentioned that many of their friends want to visit Japan, and it was a pleasure to receive the kind comment that they would be happy to recommend this guided tour when their friends come, bringing the tour to a close.

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Tour Report by Tetsuo

I love traveling and know how travelers feel. I would like to welcome you to Japan and help you discover good things of Japan, including its history, traditions, culture, and food. Please let me know if there are any places you would like to visit or experiences you would like to have. Having lived in the U.S., Germany, and the U.K. myself, I believe I can explain the differences between Japan and the West. I would like to help make your stay in Japan an impressive and memorable one.
I am in my late 50s and have traveled extensively in Japan and abroad. I would like to support your travel by making the most of these experiences.