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

Can You Do a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. It was their first visit to Japan. They had arrived at Narita a week earlier, first traveling to Kyoto and Osaka, and returned to Tokyo the previous evening. They planned to fly home from Narita Airport the day after next.

Within Asia, they had been to China before, but this was their first time in Japan. They said they were interested in Japanese culture and history.

They mentioned, "Unlike back home, it is hot and very humid here, so we are struggling."

In the intense heat, the tour included many rest breaks.

First, we headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market before it closed. I explained "the history of Tsukiji Market" and "the difference between Tsukiji and Toyosu Market." They also asked, "Why are there so many people here? Is it always like this?" and "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?"

They purchased and sampled "grilled beef skewers" and "onigiri."

After that, we went to Asakusa. I explained "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo" and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." They asked questions such as "Is Chinese Buddhism different from Japanese Buddhism?", "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", and "Are there Christians in Japan?"

We moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained "the history of the transition from Edo to Tokyo," "the Meiji Restoration," and "the current Imperial family." They also asked questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside here?"

From there, we moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained "about the torii gate" and "the history and philosophy of Shinto."

We took a break at the "Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu." They said, "It is wonderful that there is such a green space in the center of the city."

After that, we moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. They asked, "Why do so many people gather here?"

They also commented, "The whole city is clean. There is no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "The subway is quiet and clean."

Since they were unsure how to get back to their hotel, I saw them off at Kyobashi 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.