Tokyo: Shiodome Station & Shinagawa Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of East Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Having arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening and taken a taxi to their Hotel, they planned to stay in Japan for about two weeks. After spending several days in Tokyo, they intended to visit Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, before returning home from Kansai Airport. A day trip to Nikko was planned for the following day, and another full day of sightseeing in Tokyo the day after. One of the guests followed an ovo-lacto vegetarian diet, while the others had no dietary restrictions.

The tour took place under clear skies, though the weather was somewhat chilly. We mainly explored the eastern side of Tokyo.

We first visited Hamarikyu Gardens (arriving early, with the closing time in mind). I explained "the history of the garden" and "the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration." The guests commented, "The contrast between the Japanese garden scenery and the modern buildings in the background is wonderful," and "It's like Central Park in New York."

We then walked to the Tsukiji Outer Market. I explained "the history of Tsukiji Market" and "the difference between Tsukiji Market and Toyosu Market." The guests browsed various shops, took a liking to roasted soybeans and bought a large quantity, and sampled strawberry daifuku and ice cream. They asked questions such as, "Is it always this crowded?" and "Do all the people in Tokyo come here to buy fish?"

Taking the subway and JR lines, we headed to Rikugien Garden. I explained "the history of Rikugien." Here too, the guests said, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. I'm thinking of building one like it in my own home garden."

From there, we returned to Ueno Station and had lunch at ramen shops inside the station. One of the guests wanted vegan vegetarian ramen while the others wanted regular ramen, so we split up and had lunch at separate ramen shops.

We moved on to Asakusa. From Kaminarimon Gate, we passed through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall, which was extremely crowded. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." The guests asked questions such as, "What are the lanterns for?" "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?"

Since the guests expressed concern about how to reach the train for Nikko the following day, I guided them to Tobu Asakusa Station so they could see the entrance and ticket gates.

We then returned to Nippori and visited Yanaka Ginza and Nezu Shrine. One of the guests said they loved old shopping streets, and they bought apple pie and sweet bread as souvenirs. They also commented, "The whole town is clean. Why is there no litter on the streets?" "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" "It's really quiet inside the subway," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant."

Finally, taking the subway and JR lines, I saw the guests off at Shinagawa 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.