Tokyo in One Day: Motomachi-Chukagai & Shibuya — Guide Masa

Title: Can You Do a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Avoiding the Crowds? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived at Haneda Airport in March and took a taxi to their hotel. They told me they had enjoyed sightseeing in Yokohama two days earlier and in Kamakura the day before.

The main purpose of this visit to Japan was a 12-day cruise around Japan departing from Yokohama Port the following day. After the cruise arrives at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, they planned to return home by air from Haneda.

Their request was: "Within our limited time, we would like to visit the major spots in Tokyo. However, we would like to avoid places overrun with large crowds of tourists."

It did not rain, but the tour took place in very chilly weather.

First, we went straight from Yokohama to Asakusa.

As always, it was very crowded. I explained "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto."

There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teachings does Shinto have?"

They drew omikuji fortunes (both drew "good fortune").

We strolled slowly along the Nakamise shopping street.

From here we moved to Rikugien Garden. We took a leisurely walk through the garden.

The weeping cherry tree at the entrance was in full bloom, which delighted the guests. They also said, "I have never seen such a wonderful Japanese garden before."

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

I explained "the history and current state of Yanaka Ginza." We strolled slowly. They said, "It was wonderful to see the old Tokyo."

We also stopped by Nezu Shrine and passed through the row of torii gates. The azaleas were just beginning to bloom a little, and we took photos. We also came across a child attending a Shichi-Go-San celebration, and with permission, we took a commemorative photo.

For lunch, we went to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. The guests chose "soba" (one is a big fan of sushi, while the other said "sushi is not for me").

After this, we moved to Harajuku. First we visited Meiji Shrine.

I explained "about the torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," and other topics.

I also explained "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There was also a question, "How many Christians are there in Japan?"

We came across a wedding procession and took photos. We also strolled along Takeshita Street.

We moved to Shibuya. As always, there was a large crowd. I explained "the history of Shibuya."

We walked across "Shibuya Scramble" and took a commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue.

There were questions such as "Why is the Scramble Crossing so crowded?" and "Are they all local people?"

There were comments and questions such as "The people passing by are so quiet and polite" and "There is no trash on the streets."

They also commented, "The trains and subways are clean and quiet" and "The public toilets are well maintained."

After this, I saw them off via Yokohama Station to Motomachi-Chukagai Station, where we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private 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.