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

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Shibuya

The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The guest was staying in Japan for about a week before continuing to another destination in Asia. After arriving in Japan in June, the guest first went to Disneyland and DisneySea, then moved to Shinjuku before noon today. A day trip to Kyoto was planned for the following day. The guest expressed a wish to "visit as many spots as possible." The tour took place under hot and humid weather.

As soon as we met, the guest said, "I'm hungry, so I'd like to eat ramen before we set off," so we first went to a ramen restaurant. After that, the guest wanted to buy a SUICA card, so we went to the ticket office at Shinjuku Station.

From there we set out, first heading to Tsukiji. We first strolled through the "Tsukiji Uogashi" building, then moved to the outer market. Despite it being the afternoon, it was extremely crowded, and the guest seemed a bit overwhelmed. After that, we took a leisurely walk through the market. The guest bought "tuna sushi" and "grilled crab," sampling them standing up. The guest also bought "wasabi peanuts" and "strawberry mochi" to take away. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji outer market. The guest asked, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?"

After this, we went to Asakusa. As always, there were large crowds, especially many foreign tour groups and school excursion students. Starting from the Kaminarimon gate, I explained the history of Sensoji 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 commemorative photos in front of the Kaminarimon gate and strolled leisurely through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as, "What are the major religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" The guest also asked, "Do people go to temples every week?"

We moved to the Imperial Palace and strolled through the East Gardens. The guest asked, "When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?" I explained the history of Edo, the transition 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, "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?"

We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained about Shinto, the torii gate, Emperor Meiji, and why wine barrels are displayed there. There were questions such as, "What kind of teachings does Shinto follow?", "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. The guest commented on having a dog at home but not being interested in "pet cafes."

Then we went to Shibuya. We crossed the scramble crossing on foot and took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions and comments such as, "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" and "The Tokyo subway is orderly and well-made, but it's hard to figure out when you're not used to it." The guest also commented, "Shinjuku Kabukicho is just like downtown, is it safe there?"

I saw the guest off at Shinjuku 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.