Tokyo: Asakusa & Otemachi — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Before a Cruise Departure? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. This time, they were on an approximately 140-day round-Japan cruise (including Busan) departing from Yokohama Port. They would set sail from Yokohama Port the next day, and after returning to Yokohama, they planned to stay in Tokyo for a further three days before flying home. They said, "We'd like to see what Tokyo is like before we set sail." They also commented, "We had been looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms, but…" The tour took place under clear skies.

First, we headed to Asakusa. In the car, I explained "the history and significance of Tokyo" and "the history of Yokohama."

We started from in front of the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition 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 at various spots, including in front of the Kaminarimon Gate and the five-story pagoda. The temple grounds were extremely crowded (full of overseas tourists), and we strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the major religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what religions do people follow?" There was also a question: "We see many women wearing kimono in the temple grounds — why is that? Are they all Japanese?" They purchased an "omamori" (protective charm) as a souvenir for their grandchild.

We moved on to Tsukiji. Despite it being a market holiday, it was crowded. I explained "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." There were questions and comments such as "Do all people in Tokyo come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it seems like there are a lot of tourists after all." Saying "We'd like to try something," they tried "grilled Kobe beef skewers." We also visited Namiyoke Shrine, where I gave further explanation about "Shinto."

We moved on to Koishikawa Korakuen. One of the guests was a big professional baseball fan and a huge fan of the Chicago White Sox, Shohei Ohtani, and Ichiro. They said, "We wanted to see a Giants game at Korakuen Stadium, but unfortunately we couldn't get tickets." We stopped by the stadium shop, and they bought a Giants cap and were in high spirits. We strolled slowly around Koishikawa Korakuen, and I explained "its origins and history." They said, "A Japanese garden really is calming," and "It feels wonderful." We took a break at the teahouse in the garden.

We went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Most of the cherry blossoms had already fallen, but a few weeping cherry trees remained, and they photographed them eagerly. I explained "Japanese history from Edo to Meiji," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the history of the imperial family," "World War II and the air raids on Tokyo," and "how stone walls are built." There were questions and comments such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?" and "Who is the next-generation emperor?" We also strolled around the Nijubashi Bridge area.

There were comments and questions such as "Tokyo's streets are clean, with no litter. It's such a difference from Chicago," "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?", and "There are vending machines everywhere." Finally, I saw them off at the entrance of the Hotel, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed 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.