Tokyo: Asakusa Station & Shinagawa Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Between a Cruise Arrival and a Night Flight? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe, making their first trip to Japan. The main purpose of this trip was a cruise from Asia to Yokohama. The ship docked at Yokohama Port around midday today. Since they were scheduled to fly home from Haneda Airport that night, they wished to use the time in between for a tour within Tokyo.

On its way to Yokohama, the cruise ship had stopped at Nagasaki, Osaka, and other ports, and the guests had enjoyed day trips in Osaka and Kyoto.

Their request was: "With limited time, we would like to visit only the main spots."

It turned out to be a wonderfully clear, sunny day for the tour.

First, they said, "We would like to do something with our luggage (three suitcases plus a backpack)," so we headed to Haneda Airport to check it in with their departing airline (a codeshare flight). I was a little worried about whether they would be able to check it in, but it was accepted without any problem, and we set off carrying only hand luggage.

From there, we first went to Asakusa.

As always, it was very crowded. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto."

There were questions such as, "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teaching is Shinto?"

There was also a question: "Are there Christians in Japan?"

The guests drew omikuji fortunes (both drew "good fortune" and were delighted). They also bought an amulet for "safe childbirth" as a souvenir.

We took a leisurely stroll along the Nakamise shopping street.

From there, we went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, entering before closing time.

We walked through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. A few early-blooming cherry trees could be seen, and we took commemorative photos in front of them.

Again, I explained topics such as "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."

They remarked, "The pine trees are beautiful," and asked questions such as "Does the Japanese Emperor hold political authority?"

They said, "We really want to eat sushi in Japan. We often go to Japanese restaurants back home," so we went to a sushi restaurant in Hibiya.

They said, "It's fresh and delicious. And the price is extremely reasonable."

We moved to Shibuya. I explained about "the history of Shibuya."

We walked across the Scramble Crossing and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue.

They also commented, "Japanese people are all so polite," "There is no litter in the streets," and "We were impressed by how clean the public restrooms are."

I saw them off at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 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.