Tokyo in Half a Day: Takadanobaba & Shibuya — Guide Masa

What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest was a first-time visitor to Japan, arriving from Europe. Originally from Southern Europe, they mentioned that their family and relatives still live there and that they return to visit from time to time.

The guest had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous day and traveled to the hotel by train. They spent the previous day exploring the area around the hotel.

This time, the guest planned an eight-day visit, staying only in Tokyo and its surrounding areas.

Today, the guest expressed a wish, saying, "I'm looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms." The tour took place amid continuous light rain.

We first went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom despite the rain. I explained topics such as "Japanese history 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 air raids on Tokyo," and "how the stone walls were built."

The guest asked questions and made comments such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?", "Who will be the next Emperor?", and "Can a woman become Emperor?"

We then moved to the east exit of Shinjuku. I explained "the history of Shinjuku" and "the difference between the east and west exits of Shinjuku." We strolled through Kabukicho. The guest enthusiastically photographed the 3D cat billboard and the Godzilla Head.

We walked through Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho, and the guest enthusiastically photographed the 3D cat billboard and the Godzilla Head. They also remarked, "Unlike other areas, there is litter scattered around here."

We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, despite the rain, the grounds were full of visitors. I explained topics such as "Shinto," "torii gates," "Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed."

The guest asked questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How does Buddhism differ from Shinto?"

We took a short break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu.

We then moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing, and the guest asked questions such as "How many people gather here at the busiest times?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue.

The guest made comments and asked questions such as "The trains are so quiet—no one is talking loudly. Germany doesn't have a subway system this complex, and there are fewer trains," "Tokyo is so clean throughout the city, with no litter on the ground," and "I'm surprised that public restrooms everywhere are clean and free."

I saw the guest off at Takadanobaba Station, where we 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.