Tokyo: Tokyo Tower & Shibuya Scramble Crossing — Guide Toru

What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report

1. The tour and the guests' reactions

The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania who had arrived by cruise ship. They lived in the same area and were a very close-knit group.

We began the tour with the Top Deck Tour at Tokyo Tower. The day was perfectly clear, and as soon as we reached the observation deck, Mount Fuji appeared crisply right in front of us, which greatly moved the guests. They had visited Oshino Hakkai on a bus tour the previous day, and while showing me photos of a hazy Mount Fuji under a cloudy sky, they were delighted, saying, "Today's photos are more beautiful, with the lovely contrast between the blue sky and the white snow at the summit."

At the Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden, they came to understand the design and concept of a typical strolling-style garden. When I explained that seawater used to be drawn into the garden in the past, they were impressed at how skillfully the Japanese incorporate nature.

At the Tsukiji Outer Market, we stopped at a stand-up sushi restaurant I frequent for lunch. The guests thoroughly enjoyed both the taste of the sushi prepared by the young head chef and the "stand-up" style, and showed big smiles. Afterward they had grilled wagyu skewers and seemed very satisfied. We also stopped by Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, where they sat for a while inside the main hall and enjoyed the Buddhist-style interior. The interior of the main hall was very quiet, and they enjoyed the contrast with the liveliness of the Tsukiji Outer Market.

In Asakusa, they were surprised by the crowds at Senso-ji Temple. When I explained that Asakusa Shrine and Senso-ji Temple exist within the same precincts as a remnant of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, they were impressed, remarking, "The Japanese have flexibly incorporated new things since ancient times."

At Meiji Jingu Shrine, they were impressed by the size and tranquility of its forest and grounds despite being in the heart of the city. In contrast, they were surprised by the chaos of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing afterward, and I believe they enjoyed both the stillness and the movement of Tokyo.

2. Other impressions, notes, and requests

Although it was a group of around senior travelers, everyone was a strong walker, easily covering 22,000 steps during the 8-hour tour. As someone who has passed sixty myself, I found myself hoping to enjoy a healthy retirement of overseas travel like these guests.

Since I had once attended an academic conference held at a university in the area where the guests live, our conversation was lively as we talked about beer bars along the river running through that area and debated which Japanese beer is better, Asahi or Sapporo. Thanks to the beer and the clear skies, it was a very enjoyable tour.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Toru

Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

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