Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Kokkai-gijidomae — Guide Masa

Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide: Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya — A Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They arrived at Narita Airport a few days earlier and took the Narita Express to their accommodation in the city (staying at accommodation in the Oshiage area). Up until the previous day, they had explored various parts of Tokyo (Tokyo Skytree, the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area, Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc.). From the following day, they planned to visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, then return to Tokyo before flying home.

The tour took place in intense summer heat, so we rested several times along the way. (Their request was that they were interested in Japanese culture and history, and did not need any shopping.)

We met in front of Asakusa Shrine and walked around the grounds of Senso-ji Temple. I explained "an overview of Japanese history," "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "What kind of religion and teachings is Buddhism?" "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "Are there people who believe in religions other than Buddhism?" There was also a question about whether Tokyo had suffered war damage during World War II.

After this, we moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained "the history of Japan and the Imperial family," "the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration," and "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace." There were questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside this Imperial Palace?" "What is the relationship between the Emperor and the Prime Minister?" "How is the Prime Minister chosen?" and "Who will be the next Emperor?"

We then moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the difference between Shinto and Buddhism. We took a break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, and they remarked that it was wonderful to find such a green place in the center of the city.

After that, we moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions such as "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?"

There were also comments such as "The city is so clean. There is no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant, completely different from home," and "The subway is clean, quiet, and comfortable, with good air conditioning." There were also comments and questions such as "There are no homeless people to be seen. Back home, the number of homeless people has been increasing rapidly and has become a problem," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?"

They mentioned that they were heading off to a guided tour inside the National Diet Building after this, so I saw them off at the station near the National Diet Building, and we parted ways.

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