Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Station & Hibiya Station — Guide Masa

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

The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. It was everyone's first visit to Japan.

They arrived by cruise ship. Today's Tokyo tour took place while the ship was docked at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.

The cruise ship was scheduled to depart this evening. They were also planning a day trip to Kyoto while the ship would be docked at the Port of Kobe.

Their request was: "Today, we would like to see as many of Tokyo's major spots as possible."

Since everyone's native language was different from English, communication was a little challenging.

It was a clear but chilly day for the tour.

First, we headed to Tsukiji.

We strolled leisurely through the area.

I explained "the history of Tokyo's fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market."

There were also questions and comments such as "Can we see the tuna auction?" "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but there really do seem to be a lot of tourists."

They purchased and sampled "tuna sashimi," and also bought "wasabi peanuts" as a souvenir.

We moved on to Asakusa.

We started from the front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Senso-ji 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 various spots, including in front of Kaminarimon and the five-story pagoda. We strolled leisurely along the Nakamise shopping street.

There were questions such as "What are Japan's major religions?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what religions do people follow?" One of the guests also mentioned that their relatives sometimes visit temples abroad.

After this, at the strong request of one of the guests, we went to the "Samurai Museum." I waited outside.

They commented, "I am very interested in the philosophy and culture of the samurai. I really enjoyed it."

Next, we went to Akihabara.

I explained "the origins, history, and current state of Akihabara."

They purchased character goods as a souvenir.

After this, we went to the Imperial Palace. The East Gardens were closed, so we strolled around the Nijubashi Bridge area. They commented, "It's hard to believe such a vast space is in the city center — what a wonderful landscape."

There were also comments and questions such as "The city is so clean, with no litter on the ground." "There are no homeless people to be seen." "Aren't there dedicated bicycle lanes?" "Is Tokyo safe to walk around late at night?" and "Why aren't there trash cans on the streets?"

I saw them off at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station, and 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.