Tokyo: Ikebukuro Station & Asakusa・Jidaiya — Guide Masa

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

The guests were visiting Japan from Europe. This was the first visit to Japan for the group.

They came as part of a larger group tour visiting Japan, and since today was their only free day, this private tour was arranged.

They had arrived at Narita Airport on a direct flight the previous night, taking a taxi from the airport to their hotel. However, due to a flight delay, they reached the hotel around 10:00 p.m.

As part of the group tour, in addition to Tokyo, they planned to visit Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, and then return home after coming back to Tokyo.

One of the guests had some difficulty walking, especially with descending stairs, so it was a slow-paced, gentle walking tour.

The tour took place under clear skies and warm, pleasant weather.

First, in line with their wishes, we headed to Rikugien Garden.

They mentioned that they love Japanese gardens.

They commented, "The pine trees are especially wonderful," and "The surrounding area feels like a quiet residential neighborhood, very calming."

Next, we went to the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area.

They had requested, "We'd like to see the old streetscapes of Tokyo."

We strolled leisurely through Yanaka Ginza. They purchased chopsticks and matcha as souvenirs. They said, "I love streetscapes like this."

We then moved to Nezu Shrine.

In the shrine grounds, many families were visiting for the "Shichi-Go-San" celebration. With permission, we took photos.

I explained about Shinto, about torii gates, and about the history of Edo and Tokyo, and as we passed through the torii gates, I also explained about Inari shrines.

There were questions such as, "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "Why did Shinto arise?"

We then moved to Asakusa.

First, from the observation floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, I explained the surrounding scenery.

We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto."

We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various other spots. We strolled leisurely through the Nakamise shopping street.

There were questions such as, "What are the major religions in Japan?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?"

I saw them off near their next destination, and we parted ways.

They made comments and asked questions such as, "The town is so clean and free of litter," "I was surprised at how clean the public toilets are," and "There are no trash cans around town. Why is that?"

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony 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.