Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Meiji-jingumae — Guide Masa

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

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, all coming to the country for the first time. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening via connecting flights. This was a trip of about ten days, with the main purpose being sightseeing in Osaka (the Osaka Expo, Universal Studios Japan, and exploring Osaka's food scene). From the next day they planned to travel to Osaka, stay for seven days, then return to Tokyo before flying home. Despite it being September, the tour took place in hot and humid weather.

Since they had not yet been able to reserve their Shinkansen tickets to Osaka for the following day, we went to the "Ekitabi Concierge" at Shibuya Station to complete the reservation.

After that, we first headed to Tsukiji, which was as crowded with tourists as ever. We strolled through the Tsukiji Uogashi and then moved on to the Outer Market. I explained the history of Tokyo's fish market dating back to the Edo period, as well as the differences between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. There were questions and comments such as "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It is crowded, but it seems like there are a lot of tourists." At the request of one of the guests, we bought and sampled tuna sushi and matcha ice cream.

We then moved to Asakusa. Starting from in front of the Kaminarimon Gate, I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, an introduction to Buddhism, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon, in front of the pagoda, and at various other spots, and leisurely strolled along the Nakamise shopping street. There were many questions such as "What are the major religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?", "Are there Christians in Japan?", and "Are there weekly sermons like in a church?" We took a break at a café.

From there, we moved to Shinjuku. I explained the origins of Shinjuku, the differences between the east and west sides, and the history of Kabukicho. The guests especially liked the "Godzilla Head" and the "cat billboard," and enthusiastically filmed them on video. Regarding Omoide Yokocho, they said they would come back in the evening.

We then moved to Harajuku, first visiting Meiji Shrine. I explained about Shinto, torii gates, Emperor Meiji, and why sake barrels are displayed there, as well as why wine barrels are also on display. There were questions such as "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?"

From there, we went to Shibuya, where the guests said they would do some shopping. There were also comments and questions such as "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" and "Are there no homeless people?" We parted ways at Shibuya Station.

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.