This worked out fine for me. I had one day wavailable to tour. I didn't want a long tour that had me making sushi, so this was perfect. Mariko was already booked that day, so Her friend Guts stepped in to help us both out. Gut's english was adequate, he brought a picture book to look over during our 2 hour wait to get in (you have to get there early.there are only so many people allowed in. I got there very early, and was still the third person in line. Guts came later, as he told me I could have done and was still in time to be part of the 1st group). It's a long wait to watch part of an auction, but the Market security limits where you can stand & how long you can stay in the area. After the auction, Guts took me around the market area, pointing out the shops, restaurants & shrine. He then bought a rolled egg omlette to try that was sweet and VERY TASTY!