Tokyo: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibamata, Yanaka, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meiji Shrine

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. This was the first visit to Japan for all of them. Unfortunately, one of the guests could not join today's tour due to a cold. The purpose of this visit to Japan was a 12-day cruise around Japan, after which the group arrived in Tokyo two days ago. The previous day, they had visited Sensoji Temple and the Imperial Palace with the help of an acquaintance. Today was the final day of their stay, and they planned to return home from Haneda Airport the next day. They expressed a wish to visit the main spots in Tokyo. It was a sunny day with almost hot weather.

First, we headed to Shibamata. There were surprisingly many tourists, and we strolled slowly along the approach path. I explained the history and current state of Taishakuten Temple, as well as "what Buddhism is" and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." Since the guests had seen a film set in this area, they were quite familiar with its background. We entered the temple grounds and paid our respects. One of the guests remarked, "Asakusa was too noisy for my liking. This place is more relaxing and pleasant." We also strolled around Yamamoto-tei.

We moved to Nippori. I explained the history and current state of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi areas. However, Yanaka Ginza was extremely crowded with tourists from overseas. The guests commented, "Compared to other areas of Tokyo, it's quiet and calm — this is exactly the kind of place I wanted to visit." At Nezu Shrine, we passed through the torii gates of the Inari shrine and paid our respects. The azaleas had already finished blooming. One of the guests said, "It's quiet, and I prefer this side."

We moved to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history and current state of Shinjuku Gyoen. Despite the almost hot weather, the garden was full of many tourists. In the Japanese garden, the guests enthusiastically took commemorative photos. One of the guests also said, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. I am building a Japanese garden in my own yard." We took a short break at a teahouse in the garden.

We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. 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?" A wedding ceremony was taking place, and the guests photographed the procession. We had lunch at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, where the guests said, "The soba is delicious."

We moved to Shibuya. After that, we viewed Scramble Square and crossed the scramble crossing on foot. There were questions such as "why are so many people gathered here?", "about how many people cross at once?", and "why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests made comments and asked questions such as "there are public restrooms everywhere, which is very helpful," "vending machines are everywhere too, which is convenient," "Tokyo's streets are clean and there is no litter," and "everyone is quiet on the trains."

I saw them off at Shimbashi 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.