Tokyo: Haneda Airport Terminal 3 & Shinagawa Station — Guide Masa

What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was about a twelve-day trip, and they had already visited Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima before arriving in Tokyo the previous day. Today, part of the group had a work-related meeting, so the tour with that person ended at 13:00, after which I guided the remaining guest. The request for the day was to see the main sights of Tokyo. It was a tour under occasional light rain.

First, we went to Asakusa, starting in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained the history of Senso-ji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, what Buddhism is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and various spots. Despite the rain, we slowly strolled through the Nakamise shopping street, which was crowded with school excursion groups and others. A yukata was purchased as a souvenir. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?"

Next, we went to Tsukiji, which was as crowded as ever. I explained the history of the fish market since the Edo period and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. There were questions and comments such as "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It is crowded, but it seems there are many tourists." Wanting to try something, they ended up purchasing and tasting tuna sushi. At this point one person left the tour.

We then went to Meiji Shrine. I explained Shinto, the torii gate, Emperor Meiji, why sake barrels are displayed, and why wine barrels are displayed. There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?", "How does Buddhism differ from Shinto?", and "Why did Shinto originate in Japan?" We took a break at the cafe terrace at Meiji Shrine.

We moved to Shibuya. From in front of the Keio Line platform, we viewed the scramble crossing and then actually crossed it. We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. At the guest's request, we visited a secondhand shop, and after various considerations, a brand-name bag was purchased. There were comments and questions such as "The streets are clean and there is no litter," "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why?", and "The subway is complex but very well made."

I saw them off at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, 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.