Tokyo in One Day: Kyobashi Station & Otemachi Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Eastern Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, with some of the group visiting Japan for the first time and another having visited once before. One of the group had a long career and was now retired. They had arrived at Narita Airport via a connecting flight two days earlier, taking a taxi to their hotel, and had strolled around Ginza the previous evening. The group requested a slow-paced walk. This was part of a roughly 14-day trip to Japan, with about four days in Tokyo followed by visits to Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, before returning to Tokyo and heading home.

Today the group wished to visit notable spots on the eastern side of the city. The tour took place under early-autumn skies, though it was still quite hot.

First, we went to Tsukiji, which was very crowded with tourists. We strolled through Tsukiji Uogashi and then the Outer Market. I explained the history of Tokyo's fish market from the Edo period and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. There were questions and comments such as, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it really seems like there are a lot of tourists." At the group's request, we bought and sampled tuna sushi, matcha ice cream, and mango ice cream. One of the group mentioned that there are no fish markets back home.

From here, we walked to Hamarikyu Gardens. The group remarked, "The Japanese garden is wonderful, and the pine trees are especially beautiful," but also said they were tired from the long walk, so we rested at the tea house.

We walked back to Tsukiji Station and headed to Asakusa. Starting from the front of Kaminarimon Gate, I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and Edo becoming Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, what Buddhism is, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the pagoda, and various other spots, and strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as, "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?", "Are there Christians in Japan?", and "Are there weekly sermons like a pastor gives at church?"

We took a break at a coffee shop.

We then moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained the history from the Edo period into the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, and why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace. There were questions such as, "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "I've seen 'The Last Samurai,'" "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?", and "Who will be the next Emperor?" There were also comments and questions like, "Japanese people are all so quiet and polite," "Why aren't there trash cans on the streets?", and "Are there no homeless people?"

As the group said they were tired and wished to return to their hotel, I saw them off at Kyobashi Station, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed 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.