Tokyo in Half a Day: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo & Togo — Guide Danda

What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku

The guests were visitors from Oceania. This was a group that had been passed to me at the last minute because the previous guide had been injured, so I did not have much detail and felt a little anxious, but we met safely at 9:00. One of the guests took a while to come down, and the other said, "Sorry, they're probably running late with a shower and getting ready," and finally appeared in the lobby after about 30 minutes. In the meantime we were able to chat about various things, which was nice, and since one of the guests seemed slightly affected by the heat from the morning (finishing a whole bottle of water in the lobby), it turned out fine in the end. The guests had joined a tour the day before as well, and when I checked which places they had visited, they had no memory of anywhere except the Imperial Palace. Since they mentioned they had walked a lot and gotten tired at the Imperial Palace, I checked on their condition throughout the day. Today we decided to visit Harajuku and Shibuya, which were noted in the handover from the previous guide, but the guests kept saying, "We don't really know, so just take us." They did, however, have two requests in the morning: to check the meeting point for a food tour at 18:00 the next day, and to visit the Starbucks at the Shibuya crossing.

At Meiji Shrine, we enjoyed the solemn atmosphere while I talked about various aspects of Japanese culture and history. The differences in how numbers are viewed in Japan, Thailand, China, and Oceania were especially interesting. Apparently the lucky number in Thailand is 9. Also, at the sake barrels, one of the guests asked whether there was "Ozeki sake" (related to a name meaningful to them), and I looked but unfortunately could not find it. As always, everyone was captivated by the fan-shaped camphor tree in front of the main hall. They did not show much interest in Takeshita Street and passed through quickly, and the carp and wind chimes at the pond of Togo Shrine were reasonably well received. Neither of the guests particularly enjoyed walking across the crossing in Shibuya, but they were absorbed in filming videos from both sides — from the second floor of the requested Starbucks and additionally from the second floor of Mark City.

Finally, in Shinjuku, after confirming the meeting point for the next day's food tour (AOKI Nishi-Shinjuku), we had some time, so I suggested two options, Kabukicho or the Metropolitan Government Building. The guests said, "We don't really know, so either is fine," so we strolled around Kabukicho. They seemed to find the 3D cat amusing. We had originally planned to part ways here, but the guests asked, "We don't know how to get to Akabanebashi. Which way do we go after the ticket gate to reach the Hotel, right or left?" and requested, "We'd like you to take us if possible," so I accompanied them to Akabanebashi and we parted there.

Today was hot and, to be honest, quite a tough day, but when I checked the temperature it was still 32 degrees. It may be because my body has not yet adjusted, so I want to take enough care on upcoming guiding assignments. It was an enjoyable day, and we were also able to exchange information about Japan and Thailand.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by Danda

Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.