Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest was visiting Japan for the first time, having come from Europe. They had arrived in Japan a week earlier for meetings and a conference, flying into Haneda Airport and heading to the conference venue at a hotel near a theme park. After the conference ended, they moved to a hotel in Shinjuku the previous night. Today was their only day off in Tokyo, and the following afternoon they were scheduled to continue on to another destination in Asia for their next meeting, before traveling further and eventually returning home.

Despite cloudy skies with occasional sunshine, it was a cold day for the tour.

First, we went to Asakusa. As always, it was very crowded.

Starting from the front of Kaminarimon Gate, I explained "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto."

We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and various other spots. We strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street.

The guest asked, "What is the main religion in Japan?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" They also mentioned that their family sometimes visits a temple in North America.

Next, we went to Tsukiji.

The guest asked about Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, "What is that?" I explained "the history of Tokyo's fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between the Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market."

As always, it was very crowded.

The guest asked, "Can we see the tuna auction?" "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and commented, "It's crowded, but it seems there are mostly tourists."

We bought and tasted tuna sashimi. The guest mentioned having a nut allergy.

We moved on to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.

I explained "Japan's history from the Edo to the Meiji period," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "the history of the Imperial family."

The guest asked, "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" "Does Japan's current emperor have political power?" "Who will be the next emperor?" "Can a woman become emperor?" and "How is the emperor regarded by the people—are they revered?"

We moved to Harajuku.

At Meiji Shrine, I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed."

The guest asked, "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?"

After a break at the cafe terrace near Meiji Shrine, we also strolled along Takeshita Street.

From here, we moved to Shibuya.

We actually crossed the Scramble Square intersection. The guest asked, "Why do so many people gather here?" and "Why did it become famous?"

We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue.

The guest commented, "The streets are so clean with no litter," "There are no homeless people to be seen," "Is it safe to walk around late at night?" and "Why are there no trash bins on the streets?" They also mentioned, "Shinjuku was very noisy and difficult last night."

I saw them off at Shinjuku Station and explained in detail "the platform for the Narita Express," then we parted ways, as they would be heading from Shinjuku to Narita Airport the next morning.

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.