Kanagawa in Half a Day: Shin-Takashima & Yokohama — Guide Masa

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Yokohama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The group had arrived at Narita Airport three days earlier and taken a taxi into Tokyo, where they stayed for three days and did some sightseeing around the city. This morning they took the train to Yokohama. This visit to Japan was part of a return trip to another destination in Asia; the next day they planned to fly from Narita to that destination, staying three days, then stop over for three days elsewhere in Asia before flying home.

For today, the group's request was simply to take a relaxed stroll around Yokohama and enjoy the atmosphere.

It was a tour under cloudy skies but in hot and humid weather. The meeting point had initially been specified as a Hotel, but when I went there and inquired whether the guests were staying, I was told they were actually at a different Hotel. I hurried on foot to that location and was finally able to meet up with the group.

In line with their request, we first went to the Cup Noodles Museum. However, one of the guests said they were tired and their legs hurt, so they left at this point and returned to the Hotel alone by taxi. While walking through the museum, I explained the history of Nissin Foods. They mentioned that they often eat cup noodles and instant noodles because they are convenient and tasty.

From here, we walked to the Red Brick Warehouse. I explained about the Meiji Restoration, the history of Yokohama, and the connection between the Meiji Restoration and the opening of Yokohama's port. We strolled slowly through the warehouse district, and they bought some small souvenirs.

From here, we went first to Yamashita Park. We took a relaxed walk through the park. There were questions about the Hikawa Maru, such as "Why is it displayed here?" We also walked through the old wing of the Hotel New Grand, and while looking at the photographs on display, I again explained the history of Yokohama.

From here, we went to Motomachi Chinatown. As it was a Sunday, it was extremely crowded and bustling. They commented that it was even livelier than places they had seen elsewhere in Asia. We took commemorative photos in various spots, especially in front of the Kanteibyo Temple.

After this, at the request of one of the guests, we went to the Yokohama Pokémon Center. This too was very crowded. They bought figures and other items as souvenirs for friends. They said they could now understand how the atmosphere of Tokyo and Yokohama differ.

I saw the group off at Shin-Takashima Station, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local 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.