Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Tokyu & Starbucks Wadakuramon — Guide Danda

What Is a Private Tsukiji, Imperial Palace, and Asakusa Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

I guided a group of friends visiting from Europe. The tour was originally scheduled for one date, but at the guests' request after checking the weather forecast, it was moved to the following day (having a flexible schedule worked out well). It was their third day in Japan, but due to fatigue and rain they had not moved around much beyond Shibuya, so we followed the planned course of Tsukiji, the Inui-dori path, and Asakusa. At Tsukiji, rather than eating anything, they seemed to enjoy Honganji Temple and Namiyoke Shrine more than anything else. Since they eat a lot of eggs, we took a commemorative photo in front of the egg monument at Namiyoke Shrine, and they visited Honganji Temple twice, carefully examining the Buddhist altar. The Inui-dori path, on the other hand, was extremely crowded despite it being a weekday (my previous two visits had not been busy at all), and we unexpectedly had to wait over an hour, which caused some inconvenience for the guests. When I explained the giboshi ornaments at Wadakura Bridge, one of the guests even joked, "They should just place a giboshi on top of a traffic cone instead of doing a security check (laugh)," but with the sun coming out it became quite tough. Beforehand, taking a break at Starbucks to use the restroom and happen to have a drink turned out to be a good call. That said, the Inui-dori path itself, with its wonderful combination of cherry blossoms and the castle, was thoroughly enjoyed, which was fortunate. We arrived in Asakusa well past the scheduled time, had lunch at Asakusa Azuma, and then, to save time, walked the usual route in reverse — heading to the main hall of Sensoji Temple first, then Nakamise and the Kaminarimon Gate. They were very drawn to the traditional buildings and customs. I also learned they had a strong interest in washi paper, so we stopped by Kurodaya in Asakusa. At the end, the guests told me, "When you come to Copenhagen I'll be your guide, and when you come to Stockholm she will guide you, so just let me know," and we parted ways in front of Kyukyodo in Ginza. After Tokyo they planned to travel around western Japan by cruise, and I hope they can enjoy the cherry blossoms in each region.

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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.