Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Hotel Shinjuku — Guide Masa

What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, Skytree, and Shibuya

The guest (a travel agency) was accompanied by a group of clients visiting Japan, 11 people in total, arriving from North America. The guest was visiting Japan for the second time, while everyone else was visiting for the first time.

The group arrived at Narita Airport and stayed in the Odaiba area, then moved to Shinjuku.

Regarding a car, the guest repeatedly made strong requests, insisting that "this tour ought to include a car," but it was ultimately resolved by the guest arranging one themselves.

The guest explained, "Until yesterday, we mostly traveled by subway, but because the group was quite tired, they really wanted to travel by car today."

This was a one-week stay in Japan. The next day the group planned to take the Shinkansen to Kyoto, and after returning to Tokyo, they planned to return home.

The weather was cloudy at first but gradually cleared up, and the tour took place under skies warm enough to feel hot.

The guest had personally prepared the following itinerary: (1) Asakusa: Everyone to rent kimono, stroll, and take photos. (2) Tsukiji Market: Stroll and lunch together. (3) Harajuku: Stroll through Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street. (4) Shibuya

However, on the morning of the tour, at the time we met, the following changes were requested, so the plan was suddenly revised: (1) The "kimono rental" was canceled because reservations were fully booked. (2) "We have already strolled through Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, and Takeshita Street, so instead we would like to go to Tokyo Skytree."

First, we went to Asakusa.

We passed from Kaminarimon through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. Everyone was surprised by the enormous crowds.

I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to 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?" Everyone experienced drawing omikuji fortunes.

There was a request to "buy souvenirs," so I allowed 30 minutes of free time, and after gathering in front of the main hall, we took a taxi.

We went to the Tsukiji Outer Market. Although it was a closed day, more than half of the shops were open, and there was a huge crowd.

I explained about "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market."

After giving a quick tour of the outer market, I allowed one hour of free time. Each person enjoyed sushi and grilled beef skewers.

There were questions such as "Why are there so many people?" and "Are these people who live in Tokyo, or are there many overseas travelers?"

We moved to Tokyo Skytree. Perhaps because it was Sunday, it was packed. I allowed one hour of free time.

They said, "Unfortunately we couldn't see Mount Fuji, but it was great to look down over Tokyo."

We moved to Shibuya.

They experienced the Scramble Crossing.

They commented, "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or travelers?" and "I don't even understand what everyone comes here for."

After this, I guided them to Shibuya PARCO and the Pokémon Center / Nintendo Store.

We sent them back to the Hotel by car and parted ways.

They also commented, "Japanese people all seem so polite," "It's inconvenient that there are no trash bins on the streets," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant. We were impressed."

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.