Tokyo in One Day: Kaisei High School & Asakusa — Guide Danda

What Is a Private New Year Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

I guided the group on a New Year visit. During our email exchanges, since they were visiting during the New Year season, I suggested the "Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage," and they were very keen. Although I had done it many times myself, it was my first time taking guests, and they enjoyed it more than I expected, so I was glad I suggested it. Like a stamp rally, it became more fun as the stamps accumulated, and they were moved when a temple staff member said "Congratulations" as they received a stamp, and it was heartwarming to see them offer the same greeting themselves. Thinking it would be a shame if the precious sheet got creased on the way home, I had purchased a cylindrical certificate case in advance at a 100-yen shop, and when I handed it over, they were delighted, saying, "When we get home, we'll frame it and display it." Since their work is related to film, I made sure they remembered the last deity, Benzaiten. Along the way, since Kaisei High School was on our route, I introduced it, and they said, "It's a wonderful building, like a university," and asked, "By the way, what are the tuition fees?" When I answered "About one million yen per year," they said, "That's cheap. A top high school in North America costs 100,000 dollars a year." A moment later I thought I must have misheard, but it really was equivalent to about fifteen million yen, which surprised me. After that, at their request, we walked around Yanaka Ginza and Ueno Park. For lunch, they had requested a sushi restaurant in Ameyoko, so I took them to a sushi place. They love both sea urchin and raw shrimp, and while eating we chatted happily about how each of us had met our respective partners (the guests through a dating app popular in Japan too, and myself on a graduation trip). Afterwards, when I suggested dessert and we arrived at an insect-food vending machine, they said "Interesting," took photos, and carefully checked what each item was. Since I had realized along the way that they were interested in Pokémon, in Akihabara they looked at Pokémon cards and bought the cheapest set as a souvenir for a relative. The maid café felt a little iffy to them, but they seemed to accept it, saying, "It's kind of like Hooters." Finally, we visited Asakusa and finished. This time too I nearly forgot to take photos, but I managed by having the guests take one, so it was just safe. They were very friendly, easy to talk to, and approachable, so we were able to spend a very enjoyable day together. As this was my first guiding of 2026, I feel relieved in a way that it bodes well for the year. I look forward to working with everyone at [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) throughout this year.

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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.