Tokyo: Tsukiji & Shimbashi — Guide Masa

Can You Do a Private Day Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu Gardens, and Ginza

The guests were visiting from North America. This was the first time in Japan for the group (though one of the guests had previously stayed in Fuchu for three years from 1957).

They arrived at Haneda Airport in March and took a taxi to their hotel.

The main purpose of this visit to Japan was a 12-day cruise around Japan starting the following day.

They had already explored most of Tokyo's main sightseeing spots up to the previous day, so before departing we adjusted the destinations somewhat.

The guests had retired a year earlier and were now enjoying their post-retirement travels together.

They said they were looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of Kyoto.

They also said they wanted to enjoy the cherry blossoms to the fullest in various places around Japan.

Light rain continued through the morning, but the rain stopped in the afternoon during the tour. One of the guests had some difficulty walking, so we proceeded at a slow, relaxed pace.

We significantly changed the originally planned destinations as we went (since they had already visited various spots by the previous day). First, we went to Tsukiji Market.

Despite the rain, it was extremely crowded. After a quick look around the Tsukiji Uogashi (it was already open, even before 09:00), we took a leisurely stroll through the outer market.

I explained about "the history of the fish market since the Edo period," "the differences between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji outer market," and "the tuna auction at Toyosu 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."

Wanting to try something, they sampled tuna sushi and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet).

Next, we went to Hamarikyu Gardens.

We took a slow stroll in the light rain.

I explained about "the origins and history of Hamarikyu Gardens," "duck hunting," and more.

They mentioned they planned to join a tea ceremony class in Kyoto, said "Japanese gardens really are wonderful," and "I love pine trees."

They also commented, "Looking at the surrounding buildings, it's just like Central Park in New York."

We moved on to Chidorigafuchi.

The cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom. Despite the light rain, there were many tourists. Along the way, one cherry tree had fallen, so part of the path was closed off.

Regarding the Imperial Palace, 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," "World War II and the air raids on Tokyo," and "how the stone walls were built."

There were questions and comments such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" "Who will be the next Emperor?" and "Can a woman become Emperor?"

While viewing the British Embassy, we met the chauffeured car at Hanzomon.

At their request, we headed to Ginza. By this point the rain had stopped, making things easier.

They said they wanted to buy souvenirs for their grandchildren (they mentioned having four children and nine grandchildren).

We visited several stores, including Mitsukoshi, Mikimoto, Itoya, and Kyukyodo, and they purchased a large amount of souvenirs.

They commented, "Everywhere in Tokyo is so clean," and "You don't see any homeless people."

We saw them off at their hotel 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.