Tokyo: Asakusa/Hotel & Odaiba — Guide Masa

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

Body:

The guests were a group of twelve visiting Japan from North America, all on their first trip to Japan. The group consisted of university students and their accompanying instructors. Most were studying architecture and interior design, with one specializing in a different technical field.

The group had arrived at Narita Airport two days earlier and traveled to their hotel by bus. They were planning a day trip to Kamakura the following day. For today, they expressed the wish to briefly see the famous sights of Tokyo.

According to the instructions from the guests' travel agency, the requested destinations were Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Hama-rikyu Gardens. However, since Meiji Shrine had already been visited, and it seemed difficult to reach the guests directly, a change of destinations became necessary. The group leader also did not appear to be in close contact with the agency, which caused some confusion.

The tour took place under clear skies. Asakusa was in the middle of the Sanja Festival, and the driver had some difficulty finding parking.

We first headed to Hama-rikyu Gardens. I explained the history of Hama-rikyu and its former use for duck hunting, and we strolled slowly through the grounds. The guests commented, "I love Japanese gardens," and asked, "The pine trees are interesting — are they the same as bonsai trees?"

Next, we moved to Tokyo Tower. I explained the history of Tokyo Tower and the differences between it and the Skytree. Mount Fuji was visible despite the many clouds. One of the guests remarked, "I really understand now that Tokyo is a city spread over a very wide area." Some of the guests purchased souvenirs on the third floor.

We then moved to the Imperial Palace Plaza. Walking from the bus stop across the plaza to Nijubashi Bridge, 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 and present situation of the imperial family, and the history of the Dai-ichi Life building. There were questions and comments such as, "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" and "Who will be the next Emperor?" We walked around the East Gardens, where someone asked, "Why can't we get closer to the Emperor's residence?"

When the group requested lunch somewhere, we headed to Odaiba. I explained the origins of Odaiba, and we saw and photographed the Gundam statue and the Statue of Liberty. The guests then had free time indoors, enjoying lunch and shopping. There were comments and questions such as, "Tokyo is so clean — there's no litter on the streets," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?"

Finally, I saw the group back to their hotel, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car 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.