This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel Sunroute Ginza
- 9:30 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Imperial Palace Outer Garden)
- 10:00 @ Tokyo Station (station plaza, station building, underground Character Street, Yaesu Exit)
- 10:30 @ Nihonbashi
- 11:00 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, cafe break @ Kaminari Issa, Sumida Park)
- 12:30 @ Omotesando, Harajuku (Harakado, Omokado)
- 13:00 Lunch @ Harakado
- 14:00 @ Meiji Shrine
- 15:30 Disband @ Ginza
Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Nihonbashi
The guests were a group who have been living in Europe for some time and were visiting Japan for the first time. They travel widely around the world, but this was their first trip here. Arriving in Japan yesterday morning via the Middle East, they had already explored Shibuya and Ginza, so we skipped those areas today. Since the weather forecast predicted extreme heat, I adjusted the original route and, before heading to Asakusa, we first visited the Imperial Palace via Sakuradamon, which is close to their hotel. They were deeply moved by the beauty of Nijubashi Bridge. Access near the main gate of the Imperial Palace was unusually restricted, and when I checked with a security officer, I learned this was because an ambassador's attestation ceremony was approaching. Afterward, as we walked toward Tokyo Station while I shared stories about Japanese history, the guests took many photographs. By chance, we arrived at the Tokyo Station plaza at three minutes to ten, just in time to witness the vehicle departing for the attestation ceremony — it was the ambassador of the Netherlands. It was not a horse-drawn carriage, but it was still a rare and memorable experience. We also happened to arrive at the Nihonbashi Takashimaya department store right at opening time and were greeted with the traditional "irasshaimase" welcome call. In this way, today's tour went remarkably smoothly — the whole group even managed to get seats together on the subway — and we happily stumbled upon several exciting events one after another. Despite the heat, everyone was able to enjoy the day without feeling too tired, and the guests were very pleased. For lunch, we ate at a new facility called Harakado, and they were delighted and surprised at how delicious and reasonably priced the sushi was.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Subway Yurakucho Line, Ginza-itchome Station～Subway Yurakucho Line, Sakuradamon Station | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Subway Ginza Line, Nihonbashi Station～Subway Ginza Line, Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Subway Ginza Line, Asakusa Station～Subway Ginza Line, Omotesando Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Subway Chiyoda Line, Meiji-jingumae Station～Subway Ginza Line, Ginza Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 600JPY | ||
Hello, I’m Noripy.
I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!
Jul 3, 2026
Jody D
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Best Post cruise tour ever
It was a GREAT TOUR with Noripy! With a family of many different ages and walking levels this was fantastic. We were picked up from our cruise in Yokohama and dropped off at Haneda airport. We had about 10 hours before our flight and it went flawlessly.
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Alec T
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Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…
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Alec T
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Noripy was excellent! She guided us through several parts of the city: Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, Tokyo Tower, Sangedatsumon, Zojo-ji, Meiji Jingu, and Golden Gai. A great way to see many Tokyo sites and get acquainted with the city on your first day!
Jun 16, 2026
Hema_R
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Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…
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Lovely experience. My…
Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady who managed to fit all the iconic Tokyo spots into my 6-hour tour without anything feeling rushed. She was knowledgeable, organised, and genuinely kind. Toward the end she even helped me with some shopping, which I really appreciated. A wonderful introduction to Tokyo and a guide I’d happily recommend….
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Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
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Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…
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Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noripy gave a 5/5 tour! She provided useful instruction for public transport use, fascinating historical information, spiritual customs and current cultural practices- All with an infectious smile and never ending positive energy. Noripy’s tour allowed us to made the most of the rest of our time in Tokyo. I feel like we did 5 days of sightseeing in 6 hrs! But Noripy made sure to always check if we wanted a break. Our tour was customized for my 2 teenage kids and I, and if we saw or thought of something along the way that interested us, Noripy accommodated! I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Tokyo. And you will be extra lucky to get Noripy for your guide!