Tokyo: Shinjuku・Hotel & Shibuya — Guide Masa

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

The guest was visiting Japan for the first time, coming from North America. Before arriving in Japan, the guest had spent time on holiday in Asia, and afterward came to Japan alone. The guest had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous day and traveled to the hotel by taxi. This visit to Japan was for a longer trip, with a stay in Tokyo followed by plans to visit Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo and heading home. Today, the guest wished to get a quick overview of Tokyo's famous sights. It was a tour under clear, almost hot skies.

First, we headed to Asakusa. In the vehicle, I explained the history and significance of Tokyo. We started in front of 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 Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various spots. The temple grounds were extremely crowded (full of visitors from overseas), and we strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street. The guest asked questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "What about Christians?" There was also a question about why so many people were seen wearing kimono on the grounds, and whether they were all Japanese.

In front of Nitenmon Gate, we boarded the minivan and moved to Higashi-Ueno. The guest expressed a strong wish to try a hamburger that has been a hot topic in North America, so we went to a specified restaurant. The specialty was said to be a hamburger dipped in cheese. The guest was very pleased. Incidentally, the previous night the guest had yakitori for dinner, and also bought and tried an egg sandwich from a convenience store, describing it as "Amazing." The guest also had a reservation for sushi that evening.

We went to Tsukiji, which was as crowded as ever. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, the differences between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market, and the tuna auctions. The guest asked whether everyone in Tokyo comes here to buy fish, and commented that despite the crowds, it seemed there were many tourists. The guest said, "I'm full, but I'd like to try something," and ended up sampling matcha ice cream. The guest also bought wasabi peanuts as a souvenir.

We moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of Japan 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 the stone walls were constructed. The guest asked whether the current Emperor of Japan holds political authority, who the next emperor would be, and whether a woman could become emperor. The guest remarked that the pine trees were wonderful. We also visited Nijubashi Bridge.

We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained Shinto, torii gates, Emperor Meiji, why sake barrels are displayed, and why wine barrels are displayed. The guest asked what kind of religion Shinto is and how Buddhism and Shinto differ. A wedding ceremony was taking place, and we took photos of the procession. We took a short break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu.

We moved to Shibuya, which was extremely crowded. We viewed the Scramble Crossing and walked across it. The guest asked why so many people gather there, roughly how many people cross at once, and why it became famous. We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guest commented that Tokyo's streets were clean with no litter, that many people dressed neatly, and asked why there were no trash bins on the streets, noting also that vending machines were everywhere. The guest said that Japanese convenience stores were well-stocked and convenient, and that they were fond of the egg sandwiches.

Finally, I saw the guest off at the hotel entrance, 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.