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

What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. This was a 20-day trip to Japan, with 5 days spent in Tokyo before continuing on to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, and Okinawa, then returning to Tokyo before heading home. They had arrived at Narita Airport two days earlier and traveled by train and taxi to their accommodation in Tokyo. The previous day they had spent walking around the area near their accommodation.

Their request for the day was, "We'd like to visit the main sights around Tokyo today." One of the guests was unable to join due to a stomachache, so the tour proceeded without them.

It was a hot and humid day under cloudy skies.

We first headed to Asakusa, as requested. I guided them to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, where we could get a panoramic view of Senso-ji Temple as well as Tokyo Skytree, the Asahi Beer headquarters, and the surrounding area.

We then set off from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and other spots, and strolled slowly through the crowded Nakamise shopping street.

There were questions such as, "What are the major religions in Japan?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" The guests purchased omamori charms as souvenirs.

We moved on to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained "Japan's history from Edo to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the history of the Imperial Family," "World War II and the air raids on Tokyo," and "how the stone walls were built."

There were questions such as, "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" "Who will be the next Emperor?" "Can a woman become Emperor?" "How many members are in the current Imperial Family?" and "Is it not possible to see the Imperial Palace directly?" There was also a question of "How were the stones for the walls transported?"

We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as, "What kind of religion is Shinto?" "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" and "Why did Shinto originate in Japan?"

We took a short break at the cafe terrace at Meiji Shrine.

Afterward, we strolled leisurely along Takeshita Street and Cat Street. The guests said, "We'd like to try an animal cafe tomorrow."

There were comments and questions such as, "The city is so clean, there's no litter on the ground." "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" and "The trains and subways are well maintained, and the air conditioning works well. It's far better than the London Underground."

I saw them off at Itabashi 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.