Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya — Guide Yoko

What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe for the first time. The booking came through a travel agency, so I was unable to contact the guests directly before the day of the tour. The guide from the previous day had apparently gone to the wrong hotel, so the guests were worried about whether they would be able to meet me. I reassured them that I always go to the hotel in advance and confirm the reservation, so there would be no problem. Even so, during the busy season the number of bookings can get overwhelming, so I make a point of checking the guide reservation system many times. Since the guide reservation system was introduced, schedule management has become much easier, which is a great help.

On the day, following arrangements made through the travel agency, I guided the group around Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya. The guests showed no particular interest in Takeshita Street or in sweets, so we moved along briskly, and I began to worry that we would end up with too much time to spare. However, the guests expressed an interest in modern architecture, so I showed them Harakado and GYRE, where they shopped at the MoMA Design Store inside GYRE, ordered coffee in the rest area, and chatted for a while, which brought us to just the right timing. During our conversation, I learned that the guests were fans of Haruki Murakami's novels. Had I known in advance, I would have loved to take them to the Haruki Murakami Library at Waseda. I did at least mention it to them.

Finally, I showed them the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and took them to the restaurant floor at Mark City for lunch, where the tour concluded.

The group was smiling from the very beginning and easy to talk with, though one of the guests looked rather displeased even with a neutral expression, so I felt a bit nervous while guiding. Still, at GYRE they shared stories about their home region, which was fascinating. As it happened, they liked Nordic textiles and had several favorite brands, so the conversation finally became lively, and I felt relieved.

I felt that when working through a travel agency, it can be difficult to know the guests' preferences, and there is a risk of showing them places that don't quite match their interests. I received words of thanks from one of the guests, though I'm not sure whether the others were fully satisfied. Even so, I was glad the tour ended on a good note.

I hope the group enjoys their trip together after such a long time.

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

Tour Report by Yoko

I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

I live with my husband and one teenage son.
I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.