Tokyo: Asakusa Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya

The guests were friends visiting Japan from Europe. It was the first visit to Japan for both of them.

They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening. They took a taxi to their hotel, but due to a mistake by the agency, it turned out that no reservation had been made. After finally learning the name of the correct hotel by phone, they took another taxi to the hotel where their reservation had actually been made. They mentioned that they had felt quite tired by then.

This time they were on an approximately two-week visit to Japan. Starting the day after next, they planned to travel to Hakone, Hida-Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, before returning home from Kansai Airport.

They said they had enjoyed shabu-shabu at a restaurant near their hotel the previous evening.

They expressed the wish to explore Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree on their own another day, and to visit the other main spots with a guide. They also said they wanted to experience a variety of Japanese cuisine during their stay in Japan.

The tour took place under cloudy skies and rather chilly weather.

First, we went to Tsukiji. We strolled slowly through the market area. Although the market was closed for the day, it was crowded with tourists from abroad. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. They commented that it was very crowded, that there seemed to be more tourists than locals, and that there are no fish markets this large in Europe.

We moved on to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history and current situation of Shinjuku Gyoen, as well as the history of Edo and Tokyo. The cherry blossoms had begun to bloom, and we took commemorative photos in front of several cherry trees. They remarked that the pine trees were wonderful, and eagerly took photos everywhere, saying they always make a point of photographing the places they visit.

Since they wanted to try sushi for lunch, we went to a sushi restaurant in the Shinjuku Isetan building. They shared that they had first eaten sushi ten years ago and had been fascinated by it ever since. The chef kindly cooperated with various photo requests, and they took many pictures.

We moved on to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about Shinto, the torii gate, Emperor Meiji, and why sake barrels are displayed there, as well as why wine barrels are displayed. There were questions such as what kind of religion Shinto is, and how Buddhism and Shinto differ. We also walked through the crowded Takeshita Street.

We moved on to Shibuya. We actually crossed the scramble crossing. There were questions such as how many people gather at peak times, and why it became famous. We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue, and also strolled through Shibuya Center Street.

Afterwards, we took a short break at a coffee shop. There were comments and questions such as how clean the streets are with no litter, why there are no trash cans on the streets, and surprise that the public toilets are clean and free, whereas in Europe they are paid and often dirty.

I saw them off at Asakusa Station, where we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour 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.