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

What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Shibuya from a Licensed Guide

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was a vacation trip of about twelve days, during which they planned to visit Tokyo as well as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, before returning to Tokyo and then flying home. The previous day they had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight and taken a taxi to their accommodation. They mentioned that the previous evening they had strolled around Shinjuku and Kabukicho.

The tour took place under clear skies, in weather that was almost hot.

First, we went to Asakusa. We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon Gate and various other spots, and slowly strolled along the Nakamise shopping street, which was crowded with tourists. There were questions such as "What is Buddhism?", "What is the difference between Buddhism and Shinto?", "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?"

Next, we went to Tsukiji, which was also very crowded. I explained the "history of the fish market since the Edo period," the "difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market," and the "characteristics of Tsukiji Market." There was also a question: "Do all the people of Tokyo come here to buy fish?" After that, we walked around and the guests purchased and sampled "tuna sashimi" and "grilled Kobe beef skewers."

We then moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained topics such as "the history of Japan from the Edo to the Meiji period," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the history and current status 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 any political power?", "Who will be the next Emperor?", "Can a woman become Emperor?", and "Is it not possible to see the Imperial Palace directly?" There was also a question: "How were the stones for the walls transported?"

Next, we went to Meiji Shrine. I again explained topics such as "Shinto," "torii gates," "Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?", "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?", and "Why did Shinto arise in Japan?" As the guests seemed a little tired, we took a rest at the Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu.

We then moved to Shibuya. From in front of the Keio Line platform, we looked out over the Scramble Crossing, and then actually crossed it. We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were comments and questions such as "The streets are clean and there is no litter," "There are no trash cans in the streets. Why is that?", and "The subway is complex but very well made."

From Shibuya, I escorted them via Shinjuku to Tochomae Station, where 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.