Tokyo in Half a Day: Yotsuya-sanchome & Harajuku — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Fast-Paced Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe, both visiting Japan for the first time. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides led this private one-day tour of Tokyo.

They had arrived at Narita Airport two days earlier and gone to their accommodation, and the previous day they had explored Shibuya and Shinjuku. They planned to stay in Japan for a longer period, visiting not only Tokyo but also Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. Both guests were big fans of motorsports and planned to stop by Fuji Speedway and Nagoya as well. They also planned a day trip to Mount Fuji the following day.

For today, their request was to "cover the main spots in Tokyo at a quick pace." The tour took place in warm, sunny weather. They mentioned that it was currently rainy back home.

First, we headed to Tsukiji, which was quite crowded. After a quick look around the Tsukiji fish market area, we took a leisurely stroll through the outer market. I explained the history of the fish market since 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 seems there are many tourists." They wanted to try something to eat and sampled tuna sushi.

We then moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of Japan from the Edo to the Meiji period, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history of the imperial family, World War II and the Tokyo air raids, and how the stone walls were built. There were questions such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" "Who is the next Emperor?" "Can a woman become Emperor?" and "Is the Emperor loved by everyone?"

Next, we moved to Harajuku, which was quite crowded with tourists. At Meiji Shrine, I explained Shinto, the torii gate, Emperor Meiji, why sake barrels are displayed there, and why wine barrels are also displayed. There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We came across a wedding procession, which the guests photographed enthusiastically. They made comments and asked questions such as "Tokyo is so clean everywhere, with no litter on the streets," "The public restrooms are clean and free, which is wonderful," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?"

We saw them off at Yotsuya-sanchome Station and parted ways.

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.