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

What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya

The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening and taken a taxi to their accommodation. They planned to stay in Japan for a while, spending several days in Tokyo before traveling on to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, and Hida-Takayama, then returning to Tokyo before heading home. They shared their impression: "It's hot and humid where we're from too. We'd heard Tokyo would be just as hot, but today it's cool and pleasant." In a complete change from the previous days, the weather was cool enough that the tour proceeded comfortably with several rest breaks.

First, we headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market. Although it was a market holiday, it was as crowded as ever. I explained about Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, the history of Tsukiji Market, and the differences from Toyosu Market. The guests asked and commented: "Why are there so many people here? Is it always like this?" "It seems like there are a lot of tourists." "Do people in Tokyo all come here to buy fish?" They sampled grilled king crab and shrimp with salt (one of the guests loves sushi, while another is not fond of raw fish).

From here we walked to Hamarikyu Gardens. We strolled around the grounds, and I explained the history of Edo and Tokyo and the history of Hamarikyu Gardens. The guests commented: "Surrounded by modern buildings, it's like Central Park in New York." "One of us enjoys bonsai as a hobby, and this Japanese garden is wonderful."

We took the train from Shiodome Station to Tochomae Station and went up to the South Observatory of the Metropolitan Government Building. The guests said, "We could see it from the plane too, and now we really understand how vast Tokyo is." Unfortunately, Mount Fuji was not visible. Looking at the Park Hyatt Hotel, they remarked, "It reminds us of Lost in Translation."

We moved on to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the history of Edo and Tokyo, the Meiji Restoration, and the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. We took a break at Forest Terrace, where they bought and tried grilled rice cakes. After this, we strolled along Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Omotesando. They seemed to particularly enjoy the vintage clothing shops on Cat Street.

We then moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took a commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests asked, "Is it always this crowded?" "Why do so many people gather here?" They also commented, "The whole city is clean, and there's no litter on the ground." "The subway is clean and comfortable, but it's hard to figure out how to make the connections."

At the guests' request to be taken to Kinshicho Station, I saw them there, 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.