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

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Although the booking was originally for four people, one of the guests had to arrive a day later due to work commitments, so today's tour was for the group of three. The guests mentioned they had lived in Africa, Southeast Asia, and other regions.

The guests had arrived at Narita Airport the previous night and taken the Narita Express to their hotel. Despite the influence of a typhoon, they said the plane arrived on time.

The guests planned to stay in Japan for a total of ten days. After Tokyo, they intended to visit Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo and heading home.

With the typhoon approaching, the weather was cloudy with occasional rain, so we took many breaks throughout the tour.

First, we went to Asakusa. I explained about Senso-ji Temple and the history of Edo and Tokyo, as well as the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. The guests asked questions such as "What kind of religion and teachings does Buddhism have?", "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", and "Are there people who follow religions other than Buddhism?"

We moved on to the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the Meiji Restoration, and the current Imperial Family. The guests asked questions such as "When was it built as a castle?" and "Why did Edo Castle become the Imperial Palace?" They also asked "Does the Emperor live inside here?" and "Who will become the next Emperor?"

We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I again explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. Due to sudden rain, we took a break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. The guests commented, "It's wonderful that there is such a green place in the middle of the city."

After the rain stopped, we strolled leisurely along Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and, at the request of one of the guests, Omotesando. Afterward, we moved to Shibuya, crossed the scramble crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests asked, "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?" They also commented, "The streets are so clean. There is no litter," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant to use."

We parted ways at Shibuya Station.

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.