Tokyo: Asakusa & Haneda Airport — Guide Masa

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

The guests were friends visiting Japan for the first time, from North America. The purpose of their trip to Japan was a cruise around Japan departing from Asia. Yesterday morning, the cruise ship called at an international cruise terminal in Tokyo, and they spent the night on board. Yesterday they strolled around Ginza and other areas. Today, their wish was to visit the main sights of Tokyo. They were scheduled to fly home from Haneda Airport in the evening. One of the guests had sprained a leg the day before departure, so they requested a very slow pace of walking while using a cane.

The tour took place under overcast skies and slightly chilly weather.

First, we went to Asakusa. As always, it was extremely crowded. We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about Sensoji Temple and the history 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 various other spots. We strolled slowly along 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 other religions do people believe in?"

We met the hired car at Nitenmon Gate and headed to the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area. They wished to see the old townscape of Tokyo. We strolled slowly along Yanaka Ginza. The guests both purchased chopsticks and matcha as souvenirs. They said they liked this kind of townscape.

We moved to Nezu Shrine. Despite the rain, many families were visiting the grounds for the Shichi-Go-San celebration. With permission, we took photos. I explained about Shinto, about the torii gates, and about the history of Edo and Tokyo, and while passing through the torii gates, I also explained about Inari shrines. There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "Why did Shinto arise?"

We moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, entering through Ote-mon Gate. I explained about Japan's history from Edo to Meiji, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history of the imperial family, and the present-day imperial family. There were questions and comments such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "Does the current emperor of Japan hold political power?", "Who were the emperors of each era?", and "Can a woman become emperor?" One of the guests, who had an injured leg, waited at the entrance.

We moved to Tokyo Tower, visiting only the Main Deck. Walking around the Main Deck, I explained the main buildings. Unfortunately, we were not able to see Mount Fuji. They said they now understood well that Tokyo is a city that spreads out in all directions. There were questions about Tokyo's population, commuting methods, and average salaries.

From here, we headed to Haneda Airport while I explained the surrounding scenery. There were comments such as "The city is clean and there is no litter," "Everywhere, Japanese people are all well-mannered," and "I was surprised that the public toilets were so clean." We saw them off at the check-in desk at Terminal 3 and 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.