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

What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening and took a taxi to their accommodation. The night before, they enjoyed conveyor-belt sushi for dinner near their accommodation in the Takadanobaba area. This time they were on a 10-day visit to Japan, staying only in Tokyo (with a separate 3-day trip to Kyoto planned for one of the group). They said, "In Japan, we want to visit as many places as possible," and also, "We want to try and enjoy a wide variety of Japanese food."

Unlike the previous day, the tour took place under clear skies.

First, we headed to Shinjuku. Early in the morning, we strolled around the Kabukicho area. I explained "the origins of Kabukicho" and "the history of Omoide Yokocho." We took many commemorative photos with the Godzilla Head in the background. Noticing litter and empty cans scattered here and there, one of the guests commented, "This doesn't feel like Tokyo—it's like downtown New York."

We moved by subway to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained "the history of Shinjuku Gyoen." One of the guests said, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. I'd like to build one in my own yard at home."

From there, we moved to Shinjuku West Exit and went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck. I explained "the differences between Shinjuku's East Exit and West Exit." Unfortunately, we were unable to see Mount Fuji, but the comment was, "I really understand now how vast and sprawling Tokyo is. It's similar to Los Angeles."

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

We also strolled along Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Omotesando.

Then we moved to Shibuya. First, we took photos at the Scramble Crossing. There was also a question: "Why do so many people gather here?" We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue as well.

The guests said, "We want to buy anime goods," so we went to the Pokemon Center inside Shibuya Parco. There were comments and questions such as, "It's amazing that there's no litter on the streets," "Doesn't anyone throw trash on the streets?" and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?"

I saw them off at Takadanobaba Station, where 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.