Tokyo in One Day: Tochomae Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, and Shibuya

The guest visited Japan from Europe. It was their first visit to Japan. They had previously run a company but were now retired.

They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous day and taken the Narita Express to Shinjuku.

The main purpose of this visit to Japan was a 14-day cruise around Japan starting the following day.

Their hobbies were gardens and plants. They mentioned that in Europe they also do volunteer work maintaining public parks. They said, "I would like to visit various Japanese gardens." They also said, "I would like to take my time viewing the cherry blossoms."

It was a tour under cloudy skies.

First, we headed to Asakusa.

We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and of Edo becoming Tokyo, what the five-story pagoda is for, what Buddhism is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto.

We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various spots. The weeping cherry blossoms in the temple grounds were beginning to fall. Despite the rain, the area was full of tourists absorbed in taking photos. Amid the crowds, we strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street.

There were questions such as "What is the main religion in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?"

We then went to the Imperial Palace.

I explained the history of Japan from Edo to the Meiji era, 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 and comments such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?", "Who will be the next Emperor?", and "Can a woman become Emperor?"

Next, we went to the East Exit of Shinjuku.

We strolled through Kabukicho. I explained the history of Shinjuku and the difference between the East and West exits of Shinjuku. Walking through Kabukicho, the guest eagerly photographed the 3D cat billboard and the Godzilla head.

We strolled through Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho. The guest eagerly photographed the 3D cat billboard and the Godzilla head.

They also commented, "Unlike other areas, there is litter scattered about here."

Since they said, "I would like to eat ramen," we went to a ramen restaurant.

We moved to Shinjuku Gyoen.

I explained the history and current situation of Shinjuku Gyoen. Despite the rainy weather, the garden was full of many tourists.

Here too, the cherry blossoms were beginning to fall. The guest enthusiastically took commemorative photos in front of cherry trees here and there.

They also said, "The pine trees in the garden are wonderful," and eagerly took photos in various spots. They added, "The Japanese garden is also wonderful. I am creating a Japanese garden in my own garden as well."

We moved to Shibuya.

We actually crossed the Scramble Square crossing. There were questions such as "About how many people cross here?" and "Why did it become famous?"

We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and strolled through Shibuya Center Street.

There were comments and questions such as "The streets are clean and there is no litter," "The public toilets are clean," "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why?", "Everyone is quiet on the trains," and "There are vending machines everywhere."

I saw the guest off to Shinjuku 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.