Tokyo in One Day: Daiba Station & Shimbashi Station — Guide Masa

What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan. They had arrived the previous day at Haneda Airport on a direct flight and taken a taxi to their hotel.

Their visit to Japan was for a trip, during which they planned to take a day trip to Mount Fuji the day after next, then travel to Kyoto and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and heading home. The following day, they planned to visit Disneyland.

Upon arrival, they were surprised by how cold it was. They mentioned that they loved Japanese food and wanted to try a variety of dishes during their stay in Japan. Unfortunately, the tour took place in very cold and rainy weather.

We first headed to Asakusa. After purchasing rain ponchos along the approach, we began our stroll. Despite the rain, it was extremely crowded. I explained about Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo, what a five-story pagoda is, what Buddhism is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. There was a question: "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" We drew omikuji fortunes (they were disappointed to draw "bad luck"). We then took a leisurely stroll along the Nakamise shopping street.

We moved on to the Imperial Palace and strolled through the East Gardens. In the rain, the cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom, and we took commemorative photos in front of several cherry trees. I explained about the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, and an overview of the current Imperial family. There was a comment that the pine trees were beautiful, and a question about whether the Emperor of Japan holds political power.

After this, we moved to Harajuku, first visiting Meiji Shrine. I explained about torii gates and Emperor Meiji, and again about the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. There was also a question: "How many Christians are there in Japan?" We then strolled through the crowded Takeshita Street.

We moved on to Shibuya, which was also full of people despite the rain. I explained about the history of Shibuya. We walked across the scramble crossing and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions such as "Why is the scramble crossing so crowded?" and "Are they all locals?"

Since they wanted to eat ramen, we had a late lunch at a ramen restaurant. They mentioned that gyoza were a favorite. They commented that the people passing by were so quiet, that there was no litter on the streets, and that there were no homeless people. They also commented that the trains and subways were clean and quiet, with no one chatting, and that the public restrooms were well-equipped and clean.

I saw them off at Daiba 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.