Tokyo in One Day: Finally gathered & Shimokitazawa — Guide Masa

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, and Shimokitazawa

The guests were visitors from the Middle East, on their first trip to Japan. This was an eight-day visit to Japan. After arriving at Kansai Airport, they traveled through Osaka, Kyoto, and Hakone, and arrived in Tokyo today. Some of the guests had prior experience traveling in Japan and had given the group various pieces of advice. They planned to stay in Tokyo for three days before returning home.

[Points of note] 1. At the time of departure, I checked with the hotel front desk and was told that the guests had "not yet arrived and had not yet checked in." After waiting 30 minutes, the guests finally arrived.

2. Along the route, there were some challenges regarding certain habits, which I addressed several times.

3. Regarding traffic signals, I explained the local rules and asked the guests to wait at red lights.

4. Regarding the itinerary: Prior communication from the guests' travel agency had stated that the guests very much wanted to go to "Shimokitazawa." However, during the discussion on the day, the request changed, and they asked to be taken elsewhere since the next day's schedule was already decided. (The following day's plan was set for "Asakusa," "Harajuku," and "Shibuya.")

I quickly reorganized the itinerary and changed it to the "Imperial Palace," "Shinjuku," and "Shimokitazawa."

In the rain, we first went to the Imperial Palace. We strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. There was a question about when the cherry blossoms were 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 political power?"

We then went to Shinjuku. First, we visited the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building at the west exit. I explained "the history of Edo and Tokyo and more." The comments were: "I understand well that the city of Tokyo spreads out over a wide area," and "However, there are also buildings of more than 45 stories back home, so I am not entirely sure why I was brought here."

We went to the Shinjuku west exit. I explained "the origins and history of Shinjuku" and "the difference between the east and west sides of the station." We walked around and explored "Shinjuku Golden Gai" (which was mostly quiet, though a few groups of foreign travelers were strolling around), Kabukicho, the Godzilla Head, and Omoide Yokocho. There were comments and questions such as "For some reason, the atmosphere feels completely different from other areas of Tokyo," and "Why do so many people gather here?"

We moved to Shibuya, viewed the Scramble Crossing, and then went to Shimokitazawa. We took our time strolling around various parts of the neighborhood. The comment was: "It seems fun, but it is different from the town I had imagined. It is not that interesting." There were also comments and questions such as "It is strange that there is no litter on the streets," "Does no one throw trash on the streets?" and "This was my first time riding the subway, but it was very comfortable and convenient."

In addition: 1. "In Hakone, it rained and I could not see Mount Fuji. I was dissatisfied." 2. "Carlos Ghosn is a hero back home. I do not understand why he was caught by the justice system in Japan or why he is spoken of poorly."

Since the guests said "I have no idea how to get back to the hotel," I saw them off to 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.