Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku & Shimokitazawa — Guide Masa

What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening and took a taxi to their hotel. They were staying in Japan for a total of ten days, planning to visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara after Tokyo, and then return home.

They expressed the wish, "We're not interested in the usual tourist spots. We want to go to unique places." They also mentioned, "It's hot back home too, but the air is dry there. Tokyo is very humid, so it's tough." Despite the intense heat, we were fortunate to avoid rain, and the tour proceeded with several breaks along the way.

Before departure, they requested, "We'd like to buy a Suica card," and "We'd like to exchange some US dollars in cash." Instead of a Suica, they purchased a 72-hour subway pass, and after exchanging their dollars, we set off.

First, following their wishes, we headed to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history of Shinjuku Gyoen. They commented, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. It's amazing to have such a large park in the middle of the city," and "I grow bonsai at home, so this is a great reference."

We then moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the history of Edo and Tokyo, the Meiji Restoration, and the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. They said, "It's wonderful to have such a green place in the heart of the city."

After this, we strolled through Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Omotesando. They took a liking to the vintage clothing shops on Cat Street and said they would return another day.

Next, we moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took a commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue. One of the guests mentioned volunteering to rescue lost dogs. They asked, "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?"

They said they wanted to try "a typical office worker's lunch," so we went to Marugame Seimen. They commented, "It was great to eat cold noodles in this heat."

After this, we moved to Shimokitazawa. I explained the recent state of Shimokitazawa. They said, "I looked it up online beforehand, and it seems there are many vintage clothing shops." We toured the shopping street, and they said, "This is exactly the kind of place we wanted to come to." Here too they seemed fond of the vintage shops and said they would return another day.

They also made comments such as, "The town is so clean. There's no litter on the ground," "The public toilets are clean and pleasant," and "The subway is clean, quiet, and comfortable. The air conditioning works well too." They also remarked and asked, "There are no homeless people to be seen," and "There are no trash bins on the streets. Why is that?"

They also had a question about how to exchange the JR Pass, which I explained before we parted. I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, and the tour concluded.

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.