What's a 6-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa

Today I guided a 6-hour tour for a group of five guests visiting from Oceania. First, on the way from the hotel to Shibuya Station, we crossed the Scramble Crossing and visited the Hachiko statue. We then took the JR line to Harajuku Station and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained how Emperor Meiji moved from Kyoto to Tokyo when the capital was relocated, and how, after his passing, his body was buried in Kyoto while his spirit was enshrined in Tokyo. This helped build an understanding leading into our next destination, the Imperial Palace. The guests showed great interest in the quiet atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, its vast grounds, and the work of the Shinto priests, and observed everything attentively. Next, we took the subway to the Imperial Palace. I explained that Edo Castle once stood on this site, and that the area became the Imperial Palace after Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo. We took commemorative photos in front of the Nijubashi Bridge. We then headed to Tokyo Tower by subway. Since they had requested a visit to the observation deck in advance, we went up and enjoyed a panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape. The guests looked out over the scenery below with great interest, showing particular curiosity about the temple cemeteries. After that, we changed subway lines twice to move to Asakusa. Since they had reserved a massage shop in Azabu-Juban after the tour, we toured the Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and the Hozomon Gate within the limited time after lunch. After experiencing drawing omikuji fortunes and purchasing charms, we visited the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, and I introduced the Buddhist way of praying with joined hands. We then visited Asakusa Shrine, where I explained the differences between Buddhist and Shinto ways of worship, and also introduced how it was once common for shrines and temples to coexist on the same grounds, as in Asakusa. Finally, since the massage shop was in Azabu-Juban, we traveled by subway via Tameike-Sanno Station and parted ways in front of the building housing the shop. Within the limited time, we were able to visit representative sightseeing spots in Tokyo and provide an opportunity to experience Japan's history and religious culture. The guests seemed to enjoy a variety of experiences at each destination and appeared satisfied with the tour as a whole.

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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.