Tokyo: Asakusa & Ginza — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. All of them were visiting Japan for the first time. Although originally from a different region, they now live in the same town in North America. They came to Tokyo as the final destination of a Pacific cruise, having departed from North America and traveled through Oceania, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Okinawa before arriving in Tokyo the previous day. They stayed in Tokyo for one day and planned to fly home from Haneda the following day.

The guests wished to take a quick look at Tokyo's famous highlights in a single day. They also mentioned that they had been looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms, and that unfortunately they had not been able to see Mount Fuji even once from the ship.

Since the guests preferred to move at their own pace, the tour proceeded very slowly. It was a tour under clear skies.

First, we headed to Asakusa. In the vehicle, I explained the history and significance of Tokyo. We started in front of the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, what Buddhism is, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon Gate, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various other spots. The temple grounds were very crowded (full of visitors from overseas), and we strolled slowly along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "How many Christians?". There was also a question asking why so many people wearing kimono could be seen on the temple grounds, and whether they were all Japanese.

At the Nitenmon Gate, we boarded a microbus and moved to Tsukiji. The market area was very crowded. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. There were questions and comments such as "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it does seem like there are a lot of tourists." Everyone wanted to try matcha ice cream, and all of them bought some and enjoyed it.

From here, we moved to the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace. From the bus stop, we walked through the plaza to the area in front of the Nijubashi Bridge. (Some of the guests said they did not want to walk and waited in the bus.) I explained the history of Japan from Edo to the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history and current state of the Imperial family, and the history of the Dai-ichi Life Building. There were questions and comments such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" and "Who will be the next Emperor?".

We took a short break at a coffee shop near the parking area. Here again, many of the guests enjoyed matcha ice cream.

We moved to Harajuku. Meiji Shrine was full of visitors. I explained about Shinto, the torii gate, 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 do Buddhism and Shinto differ?". We encountered a family celebrating Shichi-Go-San and took photos. We also took a short break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu.

We moved to Shibuya and actually crossed the famous scramble crossing. There were questions such as "How many people cross here?" and "Why did it become so famous?". Everyone crossed the very crowded scramble crossing together and were very excited, saying "Even though it's crowded, somehow it's fun." We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were comments and questions such as "Tokyo is so clean, with no litter on the streets," "There are no trash cans on the streets—why?", and "There are vending machines everywhere."

Finally, I saw the guests 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.