Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Station & Shimbashi Station — Guide Masa

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

The guests were two groups of friends visiting Japan from North America, all on their first trip to Japan. The purpose of this visit was a cruise, which had departed from North America. The ship arrived at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal this morning and was scheduled to set sail again tonight. After returning to Shimizu Port and several other Japanese ports, they planned to call at ports in Asia before finally disembarking in Asia and flying home. Today, the guests requested, "We would like to see the main spots in Tokyo," and also mentioned, "We would like to buy some souvenirs in Tokyo."

Although it was cloudy, the tour was carried out without any rain. First, in line with their wishes, we headed to Asakusa, starting in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-storied pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and various spots. Despite the weather, we slowly strolled through the Nakamise shopping street, which was crowded with school excursion students and others. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?"

At this point, one of the guests suddenly mentioned being asked to buy character goods and cards as a souvenir, so with the agreement of the other guests, we went to Akihabara. After this, we headed to Tsukiji. I explained about "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 is crowded, but it seems there are many tourists."

We moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the history of Japan from Edo to Meiji," "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." There were questions such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?", "Who are the current members of the imperial family?", and "Who will be the next emperor?"

We then moved to Harajuku to visit Meiji Shrine. There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?", "How is Buddhism different from Shinto?", and "Why did Shinto arise in Japan?" We took a break at the café terrace near Meiji Shrine.

We moved to Shibuya. From in front of the Keio Line platform, we looked out over the scramble crossing, and then actually crossed it. Here again, one of the guests expressed a wish to buy stationery and a kimono as souvenirs, so we went to Shibuya Scramble. I saw them off at the boarding entrance of Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, 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.