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

Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Shibuya

The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first visit to Japan. They had originally come from another part of North America and had relocated years ago.

They had arrived at Haneda Airport by plane a couple of days earlier and taken a taxi to their hotel. The previous day they had explored Shibuya and Harajuku, but because it rained and there were few people out, they said it "wasn't very interesting" and that they would like to visit Shibuya again.

They were on a 12-day trip to Japan. From the next day they planned to head to Mount Fuji, then visit Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, before returning to Tokyo and flying home. They expressed a wish to "continue seeing the main spots in Tokyo" and, "if possible, see the cherry blossoms."

It was a cloudy day for the tour.

We moved to Tsukiji, which was as crowded as ever. I explained "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." The guests asked and commented, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it really seems like there are a lot of tourists."

They said they "wanted to try some food," and sampled a large amount, including tuna sushi, grilled king crab, Kobe beef skewers, and matcha ice cream (they said they hadn't had breakfast yet). They also purchased matcha and nori (saying they make maki sushi at home).

Next we went to Asakusa. Starting in front of Kaminarimon gate, I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and of Edo becoming Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and various other spots. We strolled slowly along the very crowded Nakamise shopping street (full of visitors from overseas). There were questions such as "What is Japan's main religion?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" There was also a question about "why so many people wearing kimono are seen within the temple grounds."

At Asakusa Shrine they purchased a goshuincho (stamp book). They also bought an omamori (amulet) as a souvenir.

After this, they said they "wanted to take photos in front of a torii gate," so we went to Hie Shrine in Akasaka. We took photos several times along the sloped path. Here too they purchased an ema (souvenir to take home).

We went to the East Exit of Shinjuku and strolled through Kabukicho. I explained "the history of Shinjuku" and "the difference between the East and West exits of Shinjuku." Strolling through Kabukicho, they eagerly photographed the "3D cat billboard" and the "Godzilla head." They also commented, "Unlike other neighborhoods, there is litter scattered around here."

They said they "wanted to take a short break," so we went to a nearby coffee shop.

We moved to Shibuya and actually crossed the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as "About how many people cross here?" and "Why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue.

There were comments and questions such as "The city is clean and there's no litter on the ground," "There are no trash cans in the streets—why is that?", "Everyone is quiet on the trains," and "There are vending machines all over the place."

I saw them off at Ginza Station, where 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.