Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Shibuya Crossing — Guide Danda

What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Oceania who had just finished a cruise tour around Japan. When I arrived (15 minutes early), they were already waiting, and since I had shared my description in advance, the guests called out to me. Because a family member was fond of Japan and had visited many times, they had chosen the places to visit after consulting with that person. The guests enjoyed conversation, and I was able to guide them happily throughout the day. They were very sharp: among the quiz questions I posed, they correctly answered in one shot the giboshi (ornamental railing caps), the flame monument, and the number of trees planted at Meiji Jingu, prompting a comment along the lines of "the best student." They also showed interest in many things. For example, perhaps because their work was related to nature observation (a family-run business), they asked many questions about trees and materials, such as "Why is that one cedar, and why is this one cypress? The way we describe camphor is different in Oceania." They understood and were interested in the Japanese fear of fire, but rather than sightseeing information, we mostly got into casual conversation about topics such as school education, employment, and healthcare. Comments included things like "Japanese is the most popular second-language choice at school and many students take it, though hardly anyone can speak it, so come over and be a Japanese teacher," "One young family member has already changed workplaces five times, so young people these days switch jobs every few years," and "If the job-offer ceremony is held tomorrow, we might get to see many young people walking around Shinjuku in new suits, which would be fun." Before lunch, when I asked about their preferences, the reply was that seafood was off the menu and gluten-free was needed, and the only place that came to mind was a fully vegan dining spot in Asakusa. Fortunately, at 11:30 just after opening, we got in without waiting, and both said, "It was delicious, and even better because it's a local place tucked away in the back — thank you for bringing us here," giving it high marks (I usually hesitate a bit because it's very much vegan cuisine, but it may be good for gluten-free needs). Conversely, at Meiji Jingu, after quite a bit of walking, when I said, "Shall we take a short break? You can have free green tea," the reply was, "Green tea is a total no for me, I can't drink it," which was unusual for a guest these days. As they were heading to Kamakura the next day (they seemed disappointed that a Mount Fuji tour had been canceled because no guide could be found), I introduced how to get there from Shinjuku, how to get around in Kamakura, and the sightseeing spots, which brought the tour to a close. Partly because we were able to exchange all sorts of information with each other, and partly because the guests were cheerful and warm, I was able to spend a very enjoyable day.

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

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.