Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Blossom & Shinsen Station — Guide Masa

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were two families visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This trip to Japan was for ten days. The evening before, they had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight, taken the train to their Hotel, strolled around the neighborhood, and enjoyed dinner at an izakaya. From the day after next, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka, then return to Tokyo before heading home. Tomorrow they planned to visit Tokyo DisneySea.

They also said, "We love all kinds of Japanese food and want to try many different dishes during our stay in Japan."

Unfortunately, the tour took place under overcast and chilly weather.

First, we explored the east exit of Shinjuku. We walked around "Omoide Yokocho," the "Kabukicho area," and "Golden Gai," taking photos here and there as we strolled. Their impression was, "It's lively. It reminds me of downtown Los Angeles." They also asked, "Is it safe to walk here late at night?"

We moved on to Harajuku. First we went to Yoyogi Park and enjoyed the cherry blossoms in full bloom. After that, we went to Meiji Shrine. I explained about "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "torii gates," "Emperor Meiji," and "the Meiji Restoration," among other topics. I also explained "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." They asked, "How many Christians are there in Japan?" They commented, "The greenery and the quiet environment are wonderful."

We came across a wedding procession and also met children dressed for Shichi-Go-San, and took photos.

We had a light lunch at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu.

After this, we strolled along the very crowded Takeshita Street and Cat Street.

Then we moved on to Shibuya. As always, there were huge crowds. I explained about "the history of Shibuya." We walked across "Scramble Square" and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions such as "Why are there so many people at the Scramble Crossing?" and "Are they all locals?"

After this, the guests said, "We'd like to see a Japanese supermarket," so we went to "Tokyu Food Show." They bought "sushi," "inari sushi," and "kushikatsu," and sampled them in the eat-in space. They commented, "The people passing by are so quiet and polite," "There's no trash on the streets," and "There are no trash cans on the streets, which is inconvenient." They also commented, "The trains and subways are clean and quiet," and "The public restrooms are well-equipped."

After this, since they were going to ride go-karts, I saw them off at the meeting point at Shinsen Station, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day 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.