Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Shimbashi & Shibuya — Guide Masa

Title: 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, traveling from Oceania. The guest now travels solo once a year to enjoy different parts of the world. The guest had arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening and taken the train to the hotel, and the previous evening enjoyed tempura at a nearby izakaya. This time the stay would last a total of 14 days: after Tokyo, the guest planned to travel through Hakone, Nagano, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka, then return to Tokyo before heading home. The guest mentioned, "Tomorrow I'd like to try visiting Kamakura."

The tour took place under clear, almost warm skies. The guest's wish was, "I'd like to see as many places as possible, even if only briefly at each."

We first went to Tsukiji. The guest owns several fishing boats and enjoys fishing from time to time, and said, "I'm looking forward to seeing what kinds of fish are sold at a Japanese fish market." Even though it was a Sunday and a closed day, there was a large crowd. I explained "the history of Tsukiji Hongwanji," "the history of the fish market since the Edo period," and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." We looked around various shops and purchased and sampled "tuna sushi" and "scallops." The guest also asked, "Why are there so many people here?" and "Do all the people of Tokyo come here to buy fish?"

We 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 "an overview of the current Imperial Family." The guest remarked, "The pine trees are beautiful," and also asked, "Does the Emperor really live inside here?"

We moved to Shinjuku. Passing through "Omoide Yokocho," we headed to Kabukicho. I explained a brief history and the current state of Shinjuku. The guest asked, "How is the public safety here? Is it safe to walk around alone?"

We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained "what Shinto is," "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto," and "the history of Edo and the Meiji Restoration." The guest said, "It's wonderful to have such a green park in the center of the city."

We moved to Takeshita Street. The guest enthusiastically photographed the "dog cafe" and "pig cafe," saying, "My grandchild loves animals, so I'd definitely like to bring them next time."

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 the guest asked, "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or mostly travelers?"

The guest also commented, "The Japanese are all polite," "The city is clean and there's no litter scattered around," "Why are there no trash bins?", "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "I don't see any homeless people."

I saw the guest off at Shimbashi Station, ending the tour.

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.