Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Harajuku Station — Guide Masa

Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Report: Asakusa, Tsukiji, Akihabara, and Meiji Shrine with a Licensed Guide

The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. It was their first visit to Japan, though one member of the group had previously stayed in Kyoto for a year as an exchange student.

The main purpose of their trip to Japan was to board a cruise ship departing from Yokohama Port three days later for a voyage around Japan (including Busan, Korea).

They had arrived at Haneda the previous afternoon and taken a taxi to their hotel. They planned to take a day trip to Hakone by Shinkansen the next day, and to visit a Japanese friend's home in Fujisawa the day after.

The tour took place under cloudy skies, with a little rain at times, though it was not heavy, and the weather was quite hot and humid.

We first went to Odakyu Shinjuku Station (as they had requested advice on how to get to Fujisawa via the Odakyu line).

After that, we transferred via the Marunouchi Line and Ginza Line to Asakusa.

From Kaminarimon, we passed through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. They were surprised by the enormous crowds.

I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and Edo becoming Tokyo" and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto."

There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?", and "How many Christians are there?"

We moved on to Tsukiji, where we took a leisurely stroll through the Tsukiji Uogashi and the Tsukiji Outer Market. I explained "the difference between Tsukiji Market and Toyosu Market."

After purchasing some bean snacks, they wanted to eat sushi (they said they often eat raw fish back home). We went to a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji. They enjoyed chirashi sushi, as well as grilled eel and fried squid.

There was a question: "Is it always this crowded?"

From here, we moved on to Akihabara.

They purchased Pokemon goods and Lego as souvenirs for their grandchildren. They also asked pointed questions about "maid cafes," such as "What kind of cafe is it?"

We moved on to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I again explained "the difference between Shinto and Buddhism." I further explained "the Meiji Restoration," "Emperor Meiji," and "the Japanese imperial family."

They commented, "It's wonderful that there is such a green place in the middle of the city."

On Takeshita Street, they became absorbed in taking photos of cat cafes, dog cafes, and pig cafes.

They commented, "Now I really understand how vast a city Tokyo is."

They also commented, "The city is so clean. There is no litter on the ground," "There are no trash cans on the streets," "There are no homeless people to be seen," and "The public toilets are clean and pleasant."

I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, where 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.