Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Akasaka-mitsuke — Guide Masa

What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The guest was in Japan for business meetings related to a project. After arriving at Haneda Airport the previous evening, the guest took a taxi to the hotel.

The stay in Tokyo was short, with only today free and the remaining days filled with business meetings. The purpose of the tour was, in the guest's words, "to get a general sense of Tokyo." The guest also mentioned, "Someday I would like to enjoy a relaxed trip through Japan, and I especially want to visit Kyoto."

The tour took place under clear skies, at times almost hot. The guest walked at a brisk pace throughout.

We first went to Asakusa. Passing through the Kaminarimon Gate and the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall, the guest was surprised by the huge crowds. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and of Edo becoming Tokyo, what a five-story pagoda is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. There were questions such as, "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?"

At Tsukiji, we first visited the Tsukiji Uogashi, then went to the outer market. We browsed various shops and sampled roasted soybeans and dried squid. The guest asked, "Why are there so many people here? Are they residents of Tokyo, or mostly travelers from abroad?"

The guest said, "I plan to have Kobe beef tonight, so I'd like to have sushi for lunch here," so we went to a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji. The guest noted that everyone in the family loves sushi. The comment was, "The prices are reasonable and the fish is extremely fresh."

We then moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, and current issues facing the imperial family. The guest remarked, "The pine trees are beautiful," and asked, "Does the Emperor really live inside here?"

We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I again explained the Meiji Restoration, Emperor Meiji, and why wine barrels are displayed there. The guest said, "It's wonderful to have such a green place in the center of the city. It feels great."

We then moved to Shibuya and experienced the Scramble Crossing. Again there was a question: "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or travelers?"

The guest also made several comments: "Is it safe to walk around the city at night, and are there any areas I should avoid?" "The Japanese people are all polite." "Why aren't there any trash bins?" "The subway is well made, but it's hard to understand until you get used to it." "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant. I was truly impressed."

I saw the guest off at Akasaka-mitsuke 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.