Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shinjuku-sanchome — Guide Masa

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

The guests were a group of four visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. The group arranged their trip around an extended holiday. Before coming to Japan, they had first traveled to Asia and stayed there for about a week. From there, they flew into Kansai Airport and visited Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, then traveled to Tokyo by Shinkansen three days ago. They plan to stay in Tokyo for about a week before returning home from Narita Airport.

Tomorrow they plan a day trip to Mount Fuji, and the day after they plan to visit Disneyland.

The guests followed a diet that avoided certain foods, with some members eating cooked fish but not meat.

They mentioned, "In Asia, we struggled with the snow and cold, and sightseeing was not very enjoyable." They also said, "The Shinkansen between Kyoto and Hiroshima was significantly delayed due to snow, which was difficult." On the other hand, they added, "Tokyo has clear skies and feels wonderful."

The tour took place under clear skies in comfortably warm weather.

We first went from the accommodation to Asakusa.

I gave a general explanation of "Senso-ji 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?" "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" and "Are there Christians in Japan too?"

There was also a question: "Why are there so many people here?"

From here, at one guest's request, we went to Akihabara.

There was also a question: "Why did this kind of anime district come to be?" They purchased a Nintendo game.

They said, "We would like to shop here again at a more relaxed pace, so we will come back before returning home."

Since one member of the group was getting sleepy, they wanted to rest somewhere, so we went to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.

They looked around at various restaurants and, saying "This place will be fine," chose a restaurant where they could have a fish set meal.

From here, we went to Gotokuji Temple via Shinjuku. I explained the general history of Gotokuji Temple.

One of the guests said, "I love cats, so I really wanted to come here." They strolled slowly through the temple grounds and took commemorative photos in various spots.

They said, "Unlike Senso-ji, it is quiet and pleasant here."

After this, we moved to Shibuya, experienced the Scramble Crossing, and took photos. We also took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue.

Here too there was a question: "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or mostly travelers?"

They also commented, "Japanese people are all polite," "The city is clean and there is no litter scattered around," "Why are there no trash cans?" "Unlike the London Underground, the trains are spacious and comfortable," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "Prices feel inexpensive."

I saw them off at Shinjuku-sanchome 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.