Tokyo in One Day: Hotel 38th Floor Lobby & Kiyosumi — Guide Danda

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Fukagawa

I had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful, refreshing, and courteous group. It was very hot, exceeding 30°C, but for some reason many of the sightseeing spots were uncrowded today, which made it a lucky day in that respect. At the start, the guests had no cash, so after obtaining Japanese yen at an ATM in a convenience store, we visited Tsukiji Hongan-ji. As the birthday of Shinran Shonin fell the next day, we were once again unable to see the Buddhist altar, but it was nice that the market was relatively uncrowded and easy to walk through. In Asakusa, when I asked what the flame monument of Asahi Beer looked like to them, one of the guests gave a great answer — "President Trump's hairstyle" — which I think I'll use next time. I was glad this topic created laughter for quite a while. Since they had eaten sushi and meat in Tsukiji, I delayed lunchtime, but we arrived at Monzen-Nakacho too early, so we ended up eating here after all. It was my first time at the restaurant, tucked away on a back street, but the set meal with obanzai side dishes was tasty and well received, so I recommend it. At the goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudo-do, I had them purchase a 1,000-yen goma stick for good health and we took our seats. It was wonderful that we were able to sit in the central seats despite arriving just before it began. As always, both guests were startled by the first large drum, which was charming. Also, during the okaji blessing where belongings are held over the goma fire, one of the guests (who had no luggage) tried to take the other's hat, but they said "this is mine" and handed over the bag instead, which was a heartwarming exchange. Apparently there was worry that the strap of a favorite hat might be burned. They showed great interest not only in the goma ritual but also in the prayer corridor, the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage circuit, and the other Buddhist statues. Since sake came up as a topic during lunch, we had drinks at a sake shop before Kiyosumi Garden. We took photos there, and the guests spoke to me with carefree, beaming smiles about how they looked forward to being featured by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), which was perhaps the highlight of the day. At Kiyosumi Garden, the carp we had hoped for did not appear, perhaps due to the heat, but instead many turtles and softshell turtles charmed us with their presence. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the turtles and the atmosphere of the Japanese garden. Finally, I took them to Mitsukoshimae and ended the tour by telling them to find the Ginza Line (or the Hanzomon Line) and head for exit A7 to return to their hotel. It was a truly enjoyable day.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

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.