Tokyo in Half a Day: Yotsuya-sanchome Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were friends visiting Japan for the first time. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. In their own words, they were "traveling with backpacks."

The guests were on a three-week holiday. They first spent two weeks in Asia, then arrived at Haneda, and planned to stay in Tokyo for one week before continuing to Europe. The day before, they had taken a day trip to Kyoto. This evening, they had a reservation at Tokyo Skytree. Their request was: "We are fine with spending only a short time at each spot, so we would like to visit as many places as possible." In the intense summer heat, the tour became a rather demanding, fast-paced itinerary.

First, we went to the Tsukiji Outer Market. I explained "the history of Tsukiji Market" and "the differences from Toyosu Market." The guests asked, "Why are there so many people here? Is it always like this?"

After that, we went to Asakusa. I explained "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo" as well as "the differences between Buddhism and Shinto." They asked questions such as, "Is Buddhism in Asia different from Buddhism in Japan?" and "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?"

Next, we moved to the Imperial Palace. The East Gardens were closed that day. I explained "the history of the shift from Edo to Tokyo," "the Meiji Restoration," and "the current Imperial family." They asked, "Does the Emperor really live inside here?" They also asked, "Was Tokyo damaged during World War II? In their home region, many cities were bombed and destroyed."

After this, we moved to Hibiya and Ginza, strolling through department stores and other spots (added to the original plan). The guests commented, "The streets are clean, with 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."

They also commented and asked, "We don't see any homeless people. In our home region, homelessness has been increasing rapidly in many places and has become a problem," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" They also noted, "Tourist spots in Japan are far more crowded than those in Asia."

At their request to be taken to Shinjuku, I saw them off at Shinjuku Station 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.