Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Station & Shibuya Station — Guide Masa

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Kappabashi, and Shibuya

The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous night via a connecting flight and taken a taxi to their accommodation. They were on a leisure trip and planned to stay in Japan only briefly, spending part of that time in Tokyo before continuing to Kyoto and then traveling onward to another destination in Asia before returning home.

They said, "In Tokyo, we would like to enjoy a variety of Japanese foods," and also, "We would like to learn how to use the subways and trains before we leave." It was a hot and humid day under clear skies.

We met in front of the main gate of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market. I explained the history of Tokyo's fish markets since the Edo period, as well as the differences between the Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. We first looked around the Tsukiji Uogashi, then went into the outer market.

Since they said, "We came without eating breakfast," we first stopped for sushi. They remarked, "This is the freshest sushi we have ever had." After that, we toured the Tsukiji Uogashi and continued through the outer market, where they purchased and sampled grilled crab, grilled eel, and strawberry daifuku. They also asked questions and made comments such as, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it looks like there are a lot of tourists."

We then moved to Asakusa, which as always was very crowded with people. After taking in the view of Asakusa from the rooftop of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, we headed to Kaminarimon. Starting from in front of the gate, I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, an introduction to Buddhism, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon and the five-story pagoda, then strolled slowly along the Nakamise shopping street. 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 follow?"

From there, at their request, we went to Kappabashi Kitchenware Street. We walked around slowly, and they seemed particularly interested in kitchen knives, going into several shops to browse. They commented, "This is a truly fascinating place."

They then said, "After this, we would like to go to Shibuya," so I accompanied them there. First, we took photos at the Scramble Crossing, and there was a question of, "Why do so many people gather here?" They also remarked, "It's surprising that there is no litter on the streets," "This was our first time riding the subway, and it was very comfortable and convenient," and "The heat is quite challenging; our hometown isn't this hot and it's drier." We parted ways at Shibuya Station.

Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day 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.