Tokyo: Roppongi Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

What's a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like for Business Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were work colleagues visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening by air, then transferred via the Narita Express and a taxi to their hotel. This visit was for business purposes, meeting and negotiating with an important client company. Today was their only free day, so they wanted to see the main spots in Tokyo, as the following days would be filled with meetings. The previous evening they had strolled around the area near their hotel, and tonight they planned to join a food tour in Shinjuku. Possibly due to the influence of a typhoon, the tour took place amid rain.

First, we headed to Asakusa by train. We started in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and various other spots, and slowly strolled through the crowded Nakamise shopping street. The guests asked questions such as "What are Japan's major religions?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?"

We moved on to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained about "Japan's history from Edo to Meiji," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the history of the Imperial Family," "World War II and the Tokyo air raids," and "how stone walls were built." The guests asked questions such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?", "Who is the next Emperor?", "Can a woman become Emperor?", "How many members are there in the current Imperial Family?", and "Can the Imperial Palace not be seen directly?" There was also a question about "how the stones for the stone walls were transported."

We moved on to Shinjuku Gyoen. We walked slowly through the light rain, taking photos along the way. I explained about "the origins and history of Shinjuku Gyoen," as well as "cherry blossoms in Japan." We also experienced the inside of the greenhouse. The guests remarked, "It feels wonderful, unlike the dry, less green place we come from," and "I'd like to create a Japanese garden at home."

We moved on to Harajuku, to Meiji Shrine. I explained about "Shinto," "the torii gate," "Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." The guests asked questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?", "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?", and "Why did Shinto arise in Japan?" We took a short break at the cafe terrace at Meiji Shrine, where one of the guests mentioned wanting to try an egg sandwich. After that, we strolled along Takeshita Street and Cat Street. One of the guests said, "Next time I'd like to bring the family and visit an animal cafe."

The guests made comments and asked questions such as "The city is clean and there's no litter on the ground," "There are no trash bins around the city. Why is that?", and "The train system is complex but very well made — far better than the one back home." I saw them off at Roppongi Station, where we parted ways.

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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.