Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza Area & Harajuku End — Guide Hideaki

Title: What Does a Private Meiji Shrine and Harajuku Walking Tour in Tokyo Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

During the tour, the guests from Europe shared many interesting reflections, and our conversation touched on a wide range of cultural topics. We talked about how the Emperor had recently visited parts of Europe, and about the long-standing ties between those regions and the Japanese Imperial Family. One of the guests noted that the Emperor holds no political power and serves as a symbol of the nation. As we walked, I pointed out the hollyhock crest of the Tokugawa family. I also shared a famous waka poem composed by Emperor Meiji, enshrined at Meiji Shrine, which carries the message that there is no excuse not to keep studying and improving oneself.

The conversation also turned to differences in daily life and society. The guests mentioned that in their region, the balance between women and men in the workforce is close to equal, and that cooking and household tasks are shared at home. They explained that people in their region often continue working at companies and tend to retire around the age of 63. We also discussed languages, as they study several European languages while relying on English for international communication. This naturally led to a lively exchange about why many Japanese people find it difficult to speak English.

At 14:07, the guests decided to continue on their own on foot toward Takeshita Street and the Shibuya crossing, so we said goodbye in Harajuku. Before parting, I shared information about notable sights and dining spots in Ginza, as they planned to head in that direction later that evening.

A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, it is surrounded by a large forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, creating a peaceful green sanctuary in the heart of the city. Visitors often come to write prayers, witness traditional ceremonies, and experience a quiet atmosphere just steps away from the busy streets of Harajuku.

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

Tour Report by Hideaki

Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?