Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Tokyo Ginza & Shibuya — Guide Danda

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

The guests were visitors from North America. As soon as they arrived at Tokyo Station, they asked me, "We're going to Kyoto on Wednesday, where can we buy Shinkansen tickets, and is there somewhere we can store our luggage?" So while walking toward the Marunouchi North Gate, I pointed out a ticket office along the way and showed them a luggage storage facility near the North Gate. However, after returning home and looking into it more carefully, I found that facility does not allow overnight storage, so I followed up with the guests to inform them of the storage facility inside the Marunouchi Central Gate (I'm glad I caught it, though I apologize for the confusion). On the day of the tour, there were road restrictions due to the men's marathon of the World Athletics Championships, so I was a little worried about whether we would have to wait on the road in front of the Imperial Palace or take a detour via Nijubashi, but fortunately the restrictions had already been lifted by the time we arrived at the Imperial Palace. Since the Imperial Palace grounds are vast, I checked with the guests about how they wanted to proceed, and since they were fine with walking, we decided to go all the way to the far areas. As one of the guests loved gardens, they took many photos at the East Gardens. Another of the guests was fond of art museums and showed less interest in ruins and history. At the Wadakuramon Gate, I always ask guests what the giboshi (ornamental caps) look like to them, and today, unusually, I received the answer "chess pieces," so I plan to make use of that in the future. Although there was no direct sunlight, the humidity was extremely high, and I sensed that they were gradually running low on energy, so on the way back we walked through the underground passage from the basement of the Palace Hotel all the way to catch the Tozai Line. Along the way there was a question, "What is that vending machine for?" and since I wasn't sure, I confirmed with someone who was making a purchase before answering. For future reference, I would like to experience the Tokyo Metro escape game myself to see whether it's enjoyable. In Asakusa, rather than Sensoji Temple itself, they enjoyed Nakamise and the West Approach. On Hoppy Street, for some reason the topic turned to the 2000-yen bill, and I was told, "I got this when I exchanged money in North America. Apparently it's rare in Japan, so here, take it." Since it was money, I declined, but they insisted I take it, and thinking it would be rude to refuse too firmly, I accepted it (it's a bit odd to receive it mid-tour, even as a tip). We had grilled meat skewers on the West Approach (they said it was delicious, though the salt was a bit too strong), and since they were still hungry, after seeing the Asahi Beer monument, we went into Ichiran ramen. Although we had to wait quite a while, since they make it to your own preferences, they said it was the best and finished every bit. One of the guests dozed off on the Ginza Line and seemed quite tired, but upon arriving in Shibuya they regained their energy and said with a smile, "Tomorrow we're going to see the tuna auction at Toyosu, so we're leaving at 4:30 in the morning" and "We can't wait."

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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.