Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Harajuku Station — Guide Masa

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

The guest came to Japan from Europe and was visiting the country for the first time (one member of the group had visited Asia many times before but had never been to Japan). The main purpose of this visit was to participate as a runner in the Tokyo Marathon, having finally been selected after applying for three consecutive years. The guest mentioned an interest in mountain climbing and ski touring, and expressed great confidence in their physical fitness.

Three days earlier, the group had arrived at Kansai Airport from Europe via Asia. After enjoying a trip to Kyoto, they traveled to Tokyo by Shinkansen the previous day. For the following day, they planned to do a jogging loop around the Imperial Palace and watch a sumo show. After the marathon in March, they planned to return home by air the next day.

The tour took place under cloudy skies, but the weather was pleasantly warm.

We first went to Tsukiji. After strolling through the Tsukiji Uogashi, we took a leisurely walk through the market area. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. There were questions and comments such as, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it seems like there are many tourists here." There was also a comment that it resembled the atmosphere of markets in Asia.

We moved on to Asakusa. The grounds of Senso-ji Temple were crowded with tourists and student groups on school trips. I explained the history of Senso-ji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, the basics of Buddhism, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon Gate, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various other spots, and strolled leisurely along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as, "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Christians are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?"

At the guest's request to check the gathering and starting point of the Tokyo Marathon in advance, we went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. An information desk had already been set up, and we asked about matters such as how things would proceed on the morning of the event.

After that, we went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory. Unfortunately, we were unable to see Mount Fuji, but the guest remarked, "It was great to get an overall view of Tokyo. I really understood what a huge, expansive city it is." I explained the size and area of Tokyo, the population of Tokyo and Japan, and some of the challenges Tokyo currently faces.

We then moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the famous scramble crossing. There were questions such as, "How many people gather here at peak times?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and also strolled leisurely through Shibuya Center Street. At the guest's request to eat ramen, we went to a ramen restaurant.

We moved on to Harajuku. Despite it being a weekday, it was quite crowded. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about Shinto, torii gates, Emperor Meiji, why sake barrels are displayed, and why wine barrels are displayed. There were questions such as, "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How does Buddhism differ from Shinto?" We also strolled along Takeshita Street, and at the guest's request, visited a sportswear shop. There were comments and questions such as, "The city is so clean, with no litter on the streets," "I was surprised at how clean the public restrooms are," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?"

We saw the guest off at Tokyo Station and 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.