Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple — Guide Seizo

What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa

The guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. Before coming to Tokyo, they had already visited Kyoto and Hiroshima, and had traveled from Kyoto to Tokyo this morning. In Tokyo, in addition to sightseeing, they planned to watch the World Athletics Championships at the National Stadium. At Shibuya, because it was a public holiday, many people had gathered at the Scramble Crossing, and the guests showed great interest in the lively atmosphere. At Meiji Shrine, the guests seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the guests appeared impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. At the Imperial Palace, the guests listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, the guests listened with interest to explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

Regarding the accommodation, the guide request (confirmation) email listed the Hotel, but when I checked at the Hotel on the day, the guests' reservation was not found. After confirming again by phone with the guests, I learned that a different Hotel was the correct one, and we had to relocate. Since both the car and the guide had arrived at the originally scheduled Hotel more than 30 minutes early, we were able to start on time; however, under normal circumstances the start would have been delayed. I keenly realized that when there is a Hotel with a similar name nearby, it is necessary to reconfirm with the guests.

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

Tour Report by Seizo

I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto