Tokyo in Half a Day: Tokyo Gyoko-dori Avenue & Shibuya — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See in Tokyo in One Day? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report (Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Akihabara, Shibuya)

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was a short visit of only a few days. Before coming to Japan, they had traveled through Asia over an extended period, mainly for scuba diving, and stopped in Japan on their way back. They had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight the previous day, then taken a taxi to their accommodation in Shibuya, a B&B.

They said, "We'd like to see only the major spots in Tokyo," and also, "We want to learn how to use the subway and trains before we leave." It was a hot and humid day under fine weather.

We met at a hotel near Tokyo Station, walked along Gyoko-dori Avenue to the Imperial Palace, and then strolled through the Imperial Palace East Gardens. One of the guests remarked, "It's a shame we can't see the cherry blossoms. When is the best time for them?" I explained about "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo."

There were questions such as "What happened to the shogun and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" The guests also commented, "It's wonderful that there is such a large, green space right in the center of the city."

We moved on to Asakusa, starting from the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of the Kaminarimon Gate and slowly strolled through the Nakamise shopping street.

There were questions such as "What is the main religion of Japanese people?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" There was also a question, "Do people go to temples every week?"

We then moved to Akihabara, where I explained about "the origins and history of Akihabara." We strolled through the electronics district, and the guests purchased character goods as souvenirs.

Next, we headed to Shibuya. First, we took photos at the Scramble Crossing, where there was a question, "Why do so many people gather here?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests commented, "It's amazing that there's no litter on the streets," and "It was our first time on the subway, but it was very comfortable and convenient." We parted ways at Shibuya Station.

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.