Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Metropolitan Marunouchi — Guide Danda

What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Shibuya, and Shinjuku

I guided a group visiting from North America. The guests and I got along very well. The weather forecast predicted rain after 2:00 PM, but we never encountered any rain, and since there was no strong sunshine, the guests were delighted that it turned out to be perfect weather for sightseeing. At Tsukiji, they listened attentively to stories about the temple and shrine, and in the market they enjoyed sushi, strawberries, amanatto (sweet candied beans), and dried mango (they mentioned they would be doing a Nihonbashi food tour the next day). At Hamarikyu Gardens, they not only savored the matcha and sweets they had been looking forward to at the Nakajima teahouse along with the scenery, but were also delighted to take photos with the cherry blossoms. It was an extremely lucky day, including the weather: at the Nippon TV Ohdokei (Big Clock) on the way to Shinbashi, it started moving right as we arrived (three minutes before 1:00 PM), and in Shinjuku, we arrived at Kabukicho just before 3:00 PM, so we were able to see the Godzilla Head roar. When aiming for those exact times, one inevitably ends up leaning forward, walking fast, or even skipping ahead, so I proceeded with the itinerary without worrying about it at all, and this was the result — I think that approach is better (treating it as a bonus if we happen to catch it). Also, because of the concern about rain, we decided to have lunch after Shinjuku Gyoen, and since there was a request to eat yakitori, we went into a shop in Omoide Yokocho, where the guests thoroughly enjoyed the extraordinarily narrow space. In the end, I joined them for a beer (I have a low tolerance for alcohol and my face turns bright red), which left my head a little foggy, leading to a few moments of misunderstanding and hearty laughter, but the guests seemed to enjoy that as well, and I am nothing but grateful. They were on very good terms and had a wonderful atmosphere, and were guests who were always mindful of good manners.

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Tour Report by Danda

Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.