Tokyo: Departure: Kyobashi Station & Shinjuku Station — Guide Masa

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku

The guests were a group visiting from North America, all traveling to Japan for the first time. On this trip they were staying in Japan for a two-week period, with plans for a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo, followed by visits to Kyoto and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and heading home. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous day and taken the Narita Express to their accommodation, buying dinner at a nearby convenience store that evening. Tomorrow they were planning a day trip to Mount Fuji, then continuing on to Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara before returning to Tokyo and flying home.

The tour took place under clear skies, though it felt a little cold at times.

We first went to Asakusa. I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?", "How do Shinto and Buddhism differ?", and "Are there Catholics in Japan?" The Nakamise shopping street was very crowded as usual.

We moved on to Tsukiji, which was as busy as ever with large crowds. I explained "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." We browsed various shops and purchased and sampled "strawberry candy" and "wasabi peanuts." There were also questions such as "Why are there so many people here?" and "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?"

We then moved to the Imperial Palace and strolled through the East Gardens. We saw some early-blooming cherry blossoms and took commemorative photos in front of them. I explained about "the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "an overview of the current Imperial Family." There were comments such as "The pine trees are beautiful," and questions like "Does the Emperor really live inside here?"

From there we moved to Hibiya and had a light lunch at a sushi restaurant in Hibiya. The comment was that "the fish was fresh and the price was extremely reasonable."

We moved on to Harajuku, first visiting Meiji Shrine. I explained about "what Shinto is," "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto," and "the history of Edo and the Meiji Restoration." There was a comment that "it is wonderful to have such a green park in the middle of the city." We walked briskly through the grounds.

We moved to Shibuya, and I explained about "the history of Shibuya." We walked across the Scramble Crossing and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue.

We then moved to Shinjuku. Passing through "Omoide Yokocho," we headed to Kabukicho and took commemorative photos in front of the Godzilla Head. I explained an overview of Shinjuku's history and its current state. There were comments and questions such as "How is public safety? Is it safe to walk alone?" and "It resembles Times Square in New York." There were also comments such as "Japanese people are all polite," "Why are there no trash cans?", "The public restrooms in Japan are clean and pleasant," and "I don't see any homeless people." There was also a comment that "everywhere in the city there is no litter and it is clean. I can't believe it."

I saw them off at Tokyo 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.