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

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Cherry Blossom Season

The guests were visitors from Europe, visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous day via a connecting flight, then taken the Narita Express to their Hotel. The night before, they had strolled around Ginza and enjoyed dinner at an izakaya. The purpose of their visit to Japan was a cruise around Japan departing from Yokohama Port the day after next. They were also planning a day trip to Mount Fuji the following day. They mentioned they had been surprised by how cold it was after arriving in Japan the previous day.

Unlike the day before, the tour took place under clear, pleasant weather.

We first went to Shinjuku Gyoen. Since admission required advance reservation that day, I had booked entry in advance. Despite the early hour, it was very crowded with many tourists. With quite a large crowd, the cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom. I gave a brief explanation of "the history of Shinjuku Gyoen." We strolled leisurely, taking photos here and there. There was a question about "how many types of cherry trees there are."

From here we moved to the Imperial Palace. We strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The cherry blossoms ranged from nearly full bloom to just beginning to fall. 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." They remarked, "The pine trees are beautiful," and asked, "Does the Japanese Emperor hold political power?"

After this, the guests said they really wanted to try ramen, so we went to a ramen shop in Shimbashi. Both ordered miso ramen.

We then moved to Tokyo Tower. Inside it was extremely crowded with visitors. We went up to the main deck for a panoramic view of Tokyo. I explained about "the formation of Edo and Tokyo" and "Tokyo Tower and the Skytree." They commented, "Now I really understand how vast and sprawling a city Tokyo is."

We moved to Shibuya. Despite it being daytime, there were huge crowds. 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 are there so many people at the Scramble Crossing?" and "Are they all locals?"

They commented, "The people crossing all walk in such an orderly and quiet way," "The whole city is so well planned and maintained, and everything runs in an orderly manner," and "There is no litter on the streets." They also remarked, "The trains and subways are clean and quiet, and no one is chatting," and "The public restrooms are plentiful and clean."

I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, ending the tour.

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.