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

Today I guided a group visiting from Oceania. As it was their first full day of serious sightseeing in Japan, I designed the tour around Tokyo's representative attractions, aiming to help them deepen their understanding of Japanese history, traditional culture, and religious customs.

First, we headed to Asakusa via Shinjuku Station, the nearest station to the Hotel. Partly because it was the morning commuting hours, the journey took about an hour. In Asakusa, we passed through Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and Hozomon Gate, and visited Senso-ji Temple. The guests enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes and purchasing amulets, and at the main hall I explained the Buddhist style of worship with palms pressed together. Next, we visited Asakusa Shrine, where I introduced the differences between Buddhist and Shinto styles of worship, and explained that in the past the coexistence of a shrine and a temple within the same grounds, as seen in Asakusa, was common under the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. After that, we strolled along the Sumida River and took commemorative photos with the Tokyo Skytree, the Asahi Beer headquarters building, and the monument symbolizing foam in the background.

Next, we moved to the Imperial Palace Outer Garden by subway, transferring at Nihonbashi. The guests seemed surprised that such tranquility could be maintained in the very center of the city. We visited the area around Nijubashi Bridge, and I explained the surrender of Edo Castle, Emperor Meiji's relocation to Tokyo, and his burial in Kyoto after his passing. I also mentioned that Emperor Meiji is enshrined at Meiji Shrine, so as to connect to our later visit to Meiji Shrine.

After that, we took the Chiyoda subway line to Nezu Station and visited Nezu Shrine. The guests were very interested in the rows of torii gates lining the grounds. Since they are scheduled to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto later, I introduced the similarities between the two and explained that this was a place to experience a preview of the rows of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. In the Nezu area, we also walked along "Hebi-michi" (Snake Road) and let them experience the streetscape of Tokyo's old downtown. The initially planned Yanaka Cemetery and Yanaka Ginza were omitted with the guests' agreement, in consideration of the overall time allocation.

Finally, we moved from Sendagi Station to Meiji-jingumae Station and visited Meiji Shrine. I introduced the meaning of the torii gate and the manner of worship at a shrine, helping them deepen their understanding of Japanese shrine culture. The guests seemed deeply impressed by the serene atmosphere of the shrine grounds and the beauty of the historic architecture.

After the visit, we returned to Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line from Harajuku Station and parted ways at the Hotel.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Toshi

Self-Background

During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
Of course, we spoke English.
After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.