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

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests was visiting Japan for the second time, while the other was visiting for the first time. They had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight the previous evening and traveled to their hotel by taxi. This time they were on an eight-day trip to Japan, staying in Tokyo for the first part, then traveling to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and heading home. One of the guests was interested in Japanese history. They also mentioned, "We love Japanese food. We want to try many things and enjoy them." The weather during the tour was rainy, windy, and humid.

We started at Asakusa. The Sanja Festival was in full swing, and the procession of portable shrines made it difficult to move forward. We began in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "the history of Senso-ji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took many commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate, the five-story pagoda, and the torii gate of Asakusa Shrine. There were questions such as "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?"

At the request to buy a digital camera, we went to Akihabara. In addition to a compact digital camera, a large amount of anime goods was purchased. At the request for coffee, we took a break at a café.

We moved to the Imperial Palace. In the rain, we strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. There was a question, "When are the cherry blossoms at their best?" I explained "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo." There were questions such as "Are there no more samurai?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?"

We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," and "why wine barrels are displayed there." There were also questions such as "What kind of teaching is Shinto?" "When did Shinto originate?" and "How many shrines are there in Japan?"

We went to Shibuya. First, we walked across the Scramble Crossing, then took photos looking down from the entrance of the Keio Inokashira Line platform. There was a question, "Why do so many people gather here?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and strolled around Center Street. There were comments and questions such as "It's amazing that there is no trash on the streets. It's completely different from North America." "Does everyone avoid littering on the streets?" "This was my first time riding the subway, and it was very comfortable and convenient." and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?"

As they found it difficult to find their way back to the hotel, I saw them off at Ginza 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.