Tokyo in Half a Day: Iidabashi Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania, all visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived at Narita Airport the previous day and took a taxi to their Hotel. The previous day, they explored the area around their Hotel. This time, they were on an 8-day trip to Japan, planning to spend time in Tokyo before heading to Kyoto, and also planning a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima. The next day, the group planned to visit Disneyland together. They shared their wish, saying, "We are looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Japan."

It was a tour under clear skies for the first time in a while, with weather warm enough to feel almost hot.

First, we headed to Shinjuku. Since they were very keen on buying a "Welcome Suica Card," we first went to the Ekitabi Concierge at Shinjuku Station. From there, we moved to the Shinjuku East Exit. I explained "the history of Shinjuku" and "the difference between the Shinjuku East and West Exits." We strolled through Kabukicho. They enthusiastically photographed the "3D cat billboard" and the "Godzilla Head."

We strolled through Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho. They enthusiastically photographed the "3D cat billboard" and the "Godzilla Head." They also commented, "Unlike other streets, there is litter scattered around here."

Next, we went to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained "the history and current state of Shinjuku Gyoen." The garden was full of many tourists. Here too, the cherry blossoms were almost in full bloom. They took commemorative photos eagerly in front of cherry trees here and there. They also said, "The pine trees in the garden are wonderful," and took many photos in various spots. They further remarked, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. I am also building a Japanese garden in my own garden."

We then moved to Harajuku. Meiji Shrine was also full of tourists. I explained about "Shinto," "torii gates," "Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How does Buddhism differ from Shinto?" We found a family performing the "Shichi-Go-San" ritual and, with permission, took photos. We took a short break at "Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu."

We moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as "How many people gather here at the busiest times?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue.

There were comments and questions such as "It's so quiet inside the trains. No one is talking loudly," "Tokyo is clean throughout the city, with no litter on the ground," and "It's surprising that the public restrooms everywhere are clean and free."

We saw them off at Iidabashi Station, and the tour concluded.

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.