Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku & Roppongi — Guide Masa

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. One of the guests was returning to Japan after 55 years, while it was the first visit for the group. Two days earlier they had arrived at Haneda Airport and traveled to their hotel by taxi. The previous day they had taken a day trip to Mount Fuji. They planned to stay in Tokyo for a few more days before returning home.

This time, one of the guests wanted to relive their earlier visit to Japan 55 years ago, and it was something of a sentimental journey with a wish to revisit places from their memories. The guests also mentioned some family heritage connected to Japan.

Please note that one of the guests had difficulty walking and could not walk more than about 300 meters at a time.

The tour took place under clear skies and in warm, pleasant weather.

The request was to visit the major spots in Tokyo.

First, we went to Shinjuku. The guests were especially keen to see the "Godzilla Head" and the "3D cat billboard." I explained the origins of Shinjuku, the differences between the east and west sides of Shinjuku, and the history of Kabukicho.

Next, we went to Shibuya. The guests had already booked "Shibuya Sky," so I guided them to the entrance. I explained the history of Shibuya and the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as "Shibuya seems to have changed greatly compared to the past" and "Why do so many people gather at the Scramble Crossing?"

Next, we went to Akihabara. One of the guests recalled, "I once came here and bought a transistor radio to take home." I explained the origins, history, and current state of Akihabara.

Then we went to Ginza. The guests took photos standing at the Ginza 4-chome intersection. I explained the history of Ginza. One comment was, "It seems both changed and unchanged from my previous visit, though the European brand shops really stand out."

The guests also mentioned wanting to visit an observation deck in Roppongi, so we went to Roppongi Hills. We parted ways at the entrance.

There were comments such as "The city is so clean, with no litter on the streets," "I was amazed at how clean the public restrooms are," and "Aren't there any pickpockets or robberies?"

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.