Tokyo: Otemachi Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

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

The guests were visitors from Europe, both visiting Japan for the first time. Their purpose for this trip was to board an 11-day cruise departing from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal starting the day after next. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous night and taken a taxi to their hotel, where they enjoyed dinner. They wished to visit the main sights of the city today and then relax at the hotel the following day, planning to visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on their own. It was a tour under clear skies.

First, we headed to Tsukiji, which was as crowded as ever. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. The guests asked, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and commented, "It's crowded, but it does seem like there are many tourists." They wanted to try some food, and in the end sampled grilled king crab and grilled beef skewers. They also purchased some matcha.

After that, we moved to Asakusa. Starting from the front of Kaminarimon Gate, I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, what Buddhism is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and other spots, and slowly strolled through the crowded Nakamise shopping street. 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?" There was also a question about why some people wear kimono within the temple grounds.

Next, to Tokyo Tower. As it was during a holiday period, the interior was very crowded. We could not go up to the Top Deck and had to settle for the Main Deck. For some reason, we were able to faintly see Mount Fuji. The guests remarked, "I really understand now how vast a city Tokyo is."

At the guests' insistence for lunch, we went to Hibiya Chanter, where they enjoyed sushi at Tsukiji Sushisei.

We moved to Harajuku. Meiji Shrine was full of tourists. I explained about Shinto, the torii gates, Emperor Meiji, why sake barrels are displayed, and why wine barrels are also displayed. There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We came across a wedding procession, which the guests eagerly photographed.

We moved to Shibuya. Looking at Scramble Square, the guests said, "I wouldn't want to walk inside there." There were questions such as "How many people cross at once?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests made comments and asked questions such as "The streets are clean and free of litter. London is full of trash everywhere," "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why?", "Everyone is quiet on the trains," "The subway is far better designed than the London Underground," and "There are vending machines everywhere."

I saw them off at Otemachi Station, where 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.