Tokyo in One Day: Nippon TV Large Clock & Azuma Bridge — Guide Danda

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Asakusa

The guests were a friendly group of visitors from North America who had a warm, cheerful, and easygoing atmosphere. They were very free-spirited throughout the day, which made for a lively and busy tour. When we met, they mentioned that they would be boarding a cruise ship in the evening and wanted to return to their Hotel by 14:30, but they did not know which of the three terminals they would be departing from. They asked if I could accompany them, but since I have no knowledge of Yokohama Port, I explained that I would not be able to be of help there and instead recommended they take a taxi and allow about an hour for the trip.

In our prior communication, the request had been to "visit as many places as possible," and in the morning meeting on the day, the plan was to first go to Tsukiji, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and then Asakusa. However, since one of the guests could not tolerate the smell of fish, we ended up visiting only Namiyoke Shrine and Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, aside from a brief stop at the main branch of Sushizanmai on the way back. The guests listened attentively to the stories about the temple and shrine, and since they were especially interested in Buddhism, they enjoyed it very much.

As for the next destination, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we went as far as the Otemon Gate, but for some reason they said they did not need to see the garden, so we headed on to Asakusa. That said, they took many photos around the Imperial Palace area (for some reason they were especially fond of the willow trees), so there is no doubt they were enjoying themselves. Today I was more of a photographer than a guide, taking commemorative photos over a dozen times, and I only had to retake one, which personally pleased me (as I am really not good at taking photos).

As a lucky coincidence, a Yosakoi dance was being held on Miyuki-dori, and everyone enjoyed watching the dancing. One of the guests asked a woman in a kimono who was taking part why her facial skin was so beautiful, and when she answered that she had grown up in Toyama, a snowy region, they were deeply impressed, which was amusing.

At the meeting, they had said they would not need lunch today, but in Asakusa they suddenly said they wanted to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken, so we had lunch there. Given the timing, it was fortunate that we had not gone to the East Gardens. In addition, in Asakusa they stopped at many shops along the way, so it took over an hour just to get from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate, and we ran out of time for the main hall and had to turn back. Since the guests had requested Japanese washi paper and matcha powder, we stopped at Kurodaya and the Nakamise-dori branch of Kaminari Issa (the staff there are very pleasant, so I recommend it), where they were able to purchase what they wanted and were delighted.

Before arriving at the Hotel, I was asked to confirm the cruise ship terminal, but the voucher only listed Yokohama Port, so in the end I called Yokohama Port myself, confirmed it was Osanbashi Pier, and passed that on. However, after arriving at the Hotel, rather than picking up their stored luggage and immediately getting into a taxi, they said they would "have some tea first before going" and invited me to join them. Since I was concerned about them being late for boarding, I said goodbye to the group there. It was a fun day, but also a tough and whirlwind one. I hope they enjoy their cruise trip around Japan.

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.