Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Senso-ji & Kamiyacho — Guide Masa

Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. Before arriving, the group had visited relatives in Asia and stopped in another part of Asia, arriving at Narita Airport the previous night and taking the Skyliner to their hotel. They planned to stay in Tokyo for several days before returning home. They mentioned they were going to Disneyland the following day.

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private full-day tour of Tokyo for the group. Since the group included a young child, there was a request to use elevators whenever possible. The tour took place during extreme summer heat, so we took several rest breaks along the way.

Walking from the hotel toward Asakusa Station, I guided the group through Asakusa, which was as crowded as always. I explained in detail the history of Sensoji Temple and the history of Edo and Tokyo. The group asked questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "Are there people who follow religions other than Buddhism?" They purchased omamori (protective charms) as souvenirs.

We then moved to Akihabara and strolled through the electronics district. With the condition of "only one item each," the group purchased toys, Pokemon cards, and similar items. When thunder began to rumble, we hurried into the subway station and traveled from Akihabara Station to Meijijingumae Station.

At Meiji Shrine, the thunder had stopped and we were not caught in the rain, so we enjoyed a leisurely walk. The group asked questions such as "What are the torii gates for?", "How does Buddhism differ from Shinto?", and "Why are the sake barrels displayed?" There were also questions about the Japanese imperial family, "What was the Meiji Restoration?", and "Why did the Meiji Restoration happen?"

After taking a break and having a light meal at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, we strolled along Takeshita Street and Cat Street. We then moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The group asked, "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?"

After exploring Center Gai, we took another break at a coffee shop. The group commented that "Japanese people are all kind and considerate," "They are polite and well-mannered," "The streets are clean with no litter," "The subway is quiet and no one is noisy," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant."

The group then said they wanted to visit Tokyo Tower next and asked to be taken to the nearest station, so I saw them off at Kamiyacho Station and 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.