Tokyo in One Day: Roppongi Station & Ginza Station — Guide Masa

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

The guests were visitors from North America, one visiting Japan for the first time and one returning after about 30 years. The main purpose of this trip was a celebratory journey. They had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight the previous night and planned to stay in Japan for an extended period, spending some days in Tokyo before leisurely visiting Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, then returning to Tokyo before flying home. The next day they planned to sightsee in the city, and the day after they planned a day trip to Mount Fuji. They expressed a wish to visit the main spots that give a sense of what Tokyo is like. One of the guests enjoyed photography as a hobby.

In the morning we had light rain, but the weather was fairly warm during the tour.

First, we went to Tsukiji. Although it was a market holiday, it was quite crowded, and we strolled leisurely through the market area. I explained the history of the fish market since 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 there are many tourists." As a result, they tried grilled eel and tuna sushi.

After this, we went to Asakusa. The grounds of Senso-ji Temple were crowded with tourists and student groups, partly because it was a Sunday. I explained the history of Senso-ji and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, what Buddhism is, 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 of Japan?", "How many Christians are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?"

We moved on to Ueno Park and strolled along Sakura Street. The weeping cherry trees at the entrance were nearly in full bloom, but the cherry trees along the street were only just beginning to bloom. There were many food stalls out, and we browsed as we walked.

We then moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of Japan from Edo to Meiji, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history of the Imperial family, World War II and the Tokyo air raids, and how the stone walls were built. There were questions and comments such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political authority?", "Who is the next Emperor?", "Can a woman become Emperor?", and "How many members of the Imperial family are there in total?" The guests seemed very interested in the Japanese Imperial family.

After this, since they very much wanted to have lunch, we went to a shopping complex in Hibiya. After browsing around, they chose a restaurant, and remarked, "We can finally take a break."

We then went to Ginza and strolled leisurely along the pedestrian street. They commented that it was full of famous European shops. There were comments and questions such as "The whole town is clean, with no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are beautiful and clean," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" They also had various questions about the spots they should visit the following day.

I saw them off at Roppongi Station, ending the tour.

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.