Tokyo: Ginza Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

Can You Do a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They shared that they now enjoy traveling every year and are currently on a long journey through Japan, staying in Tokyo before continuing on to Hakone, Hida-Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Okinawa, then returning to Tokyo before heading home.

They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous morning, took a taxi to their accommodation, and then strolled around Ginza. They told me, "We've really been looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms."

Since one of the guests had some concern about their legs, we proceeded slowly. Although the sky was cloudy, we were not rained on, and the tour took place in surprisingly mild weather.

First, we went to Tokyo Tower. I explained "the history of Edo and Tokyo" and "an overview of the city of Tokyo." Unfortunately, the clouds were thick, so we could not see far into the distance, and we were unable to see Mount Fuji. There were questions about "Azabudai Hills," such as "How tall is it?" and "What's inside?" The guests remarked, "We really understand now how vast and enormous a city Tokyo is."

Next, we went to Shinjuku Gyoen. Although it was a Monday, it happened to be a special opening day. I explained "the history and current state of Shinjuku Gyoen" and "the history of Edo and Tokyo." The cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom, and the guests eagerly took commemorative photos in front of various cherry trees. They said, "The pine trees are wonderful," and enthusiastically took pictures here and there. They also said, "The Japanese garden is superb. We have made a Japanese-style garden in our own yard and planted a cherry tree as well."

We then moved to Shinjuku's Kabukicho. We visited the requested spots — "Omoide Yokocho," "the 3D cat billboard," and the "Godzilla Head" — and they took photos eagerly. I explained "the history of Shinjuku" and "the difference between the east and west exits." They commented, "Unlike other parts of the city, it's noisy and there's litter scattered on the streets, so it's not very clean," and asked, "We don't see many homeless people though?"

We moved to Harajuku. Meiji Shrine was full of tourists. I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We encountered a wedding procession, which they photographed with great interest, and we also came across a family celebrating Shichi-Go-San, whom they photographed after obtaining permission.

We took a break at "Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu." We also walked through the very crowded Takeshita Street. Afterward, we had a leisurely lunch. Both guests seemed a little tired.

We moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing, and there were questions such as "How many people gather at the busiest times?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and also walked through Shibuya Center Street.

The guests made various comments and asked questions, such as: "Except for Shinjuku, the city is clean and there is no litter on the streets," "The public restrooms are clean and free, which we appreciate, but there are no hand dryers," "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" and "Everyone is quiet on the trains."

Finally, I saw them off at Ginza Station, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour 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.