Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Shinjuku & Ueno — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on an Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe, both visiting Japan for the first time. The main purpose of this trip was a cruise voyage arriving at Yokohama Port. They had arrived at Yokohama Port the previous day and taken a taxi to their hotel in the city. The night before, they had strolled around the area near their accommodation. They planned to stay in Tokyo until the day after next, then return home by flight.

Their request was: "Tomorrow we intend to visit the famous sightseeing spots on our own. Today, we would like you to guide us to places that ordinary tourists don't usually visit." The tour took place in pleasant, warm weather.

First, we took the Yamanote Line to Komagome. I explained the origins and history of Rikugien Garden. The weeping cherry tree at the entrance was in about half bloom, which delighted the guests. We took commemorative photos. One remarked, "I've planted a cherry tree in my own garden at home, but it never turns out like this." They also said, "I would love to create a Japanese garden like this in my own yard."

Next, we took the Yamanote Line to Nippori Station. I explained the history and current state of Yanaka Ginza. They commented, "There aren't too many tourists, and this atmosphere is wonderful." They purchased a furoshiki wrapping cloth as a souvenir.

We visited Nezu Shrine. I explained topics such as "what Shinto is," "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto," "the history of Edo and the Meiji Restoration," and "the Japanese Imperial Family." There was also a question: "How many Christians are there in Japan?"

We then went to the former Iwasaki Garden. There were few tourists and no international visitors to be seen, and the guests were very pleased. I explained topics such as the Meiji Restoration and the Mitsubishi zaibatsu. They said, "The interior furnishings are magnificent," and "It preserves a sense of old England."

After this, they expressed a wish to "peek into a Japanese market," so we went to the Ameyoko shopping street. They said, "It's noisy, but you can feel the energy." They also commented, "Japanese people are all so quiet in the streets and very polite," "The streets are clean and there's no litter scattered about," "It's quiet inside the subway," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant."

I saw them off at the new 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.