Tokyo in One Day: @ Meiji Shrine & @ Shibuya Hikarie — Guide Hide

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Nakameguro Cherry Blossoms Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a cheerful group visiting from Europe. We started with the purchase of PASMO cards, and I introduced Japan's subway network using the metro route map. Before we knew it, we arrived at Meiji-Jingumae. While explaining the contrast between Harajuku and the shrine, we passed through the torii gate. On this day as well, a wedding ceremony was being held at the shrine, and the guests observed the procession with great interest.

After experiencing the quiet and solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, we took in the lively bustle of Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a district popular among young people, and the guests found the contrast fascinating. They seemed to enjoy the youthful energy of Takeshita Street. For lunch, we had a yakitori set meal at a restaurant nearby.

To admire the cherry blossoms, we headed to Nakameguro after lunch. About 50 to 60 percent of the blossoms were in bloom, which was more than enough to enjoy. However, there were strict announcements telling people not to stop and not to take photos at the edges, and I thought this might discourage tourists from coming as much in the future. (Many of the cherry tree branches had also been cut back, so the feeling of them overhanging the river as before was completely gone, which felt a bit sad.) After that, I recommended some Japanese sweets made with cherry blossoms at Shibuya Hikarie, and they made a purchase. It seemed to be a trip in which they were able to fully enjoy spring in Japan.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Hide

I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.