Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku-sanchome & Shibuya — Guide Masa

Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Covering Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe, visiting Japan for the first time. They had lived in Europe for many years before relocating. This time they were on a longer trip to Japan, planning to stay in Tokyo for a few days before traveling to Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, then returning to Tokyo before heading home. They had arrived at Haneda Airport that morning on a direct flight and taken a taxi to their hotel. The day before, they had explored the east exit of Shinjuku and the Kabukicho area.

The tour took place under light rain.

We started in Asakusa, which was as crowded as ever. Beginning in front of 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 Kaminarimon Gate, in front of the pagoda, and at various other spots, and strolled leisurely along the Nakamise shopping street. The guests asked questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" As they had visited China several times, they also asked about the differences between Buddhism in China and Japan.

Next we moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of Japan from the Edo period to the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, and the Tokyo air raids. They asked questions and made comments such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?", and "Who was the emperor at the time?"

After that, we moved to Harajuku. I explained Shinto, the meaning of torii gates, Emperor Meiji, and why sake barrels and wine barrels are displayed there. They asked questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?", "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?", and "Why did Shinto originate in Japan?" We took a break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu and also strolled along Takeshita Street.

From there we moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing, and they asked "Why do so many people gather here?" and "How did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests made comments and asked questions such as "Everyone in Japan is so quiet and polite," "We were amazed that the public restrooms are free and clean — so different from Europe," "The streets are clean and there is no litter," and "Why are there no trash cans in the streets?"

As they mentioned that taking the subway still felt difficult, I saw them off at Shinjuku-sanchome Station, where 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.