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
- 1.9:30 Meet up＠The Westin Yokohama
- 2.11:00 ＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Main Gate, Nijubashi Bridge)
- 3.11:30 ＠Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, KITTE [Post Office])
- 4.12:30 Lunch＠Asakusa
- 5.13:30 ＠Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
- 6.15:00 ＠Hamarikyu Gardens
- 7.17:30 Disband＠The Westin Yokohama (a little before)
Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had been neighbors long ago and had traveled together as the same group for about fifteen years. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. They had originally booked passage on the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship where Japan's first reported cases of the coronavirus occurred, and after that cancellation this trip to Japan came true four years later. They had watched the Emmy Award-winning series "Shogun." The day before, they had joined a tour to Mount Fuji. I heard that the next day they would board a cruise ship and, after Kagoshima, call at ports such as Taipei and Singapore. On the subway, while asking about Japan, they also introduced their own town by showing photos on their smartphones. At Tokyo Station, they wished to visit a post office to buy Japanese stamps to mail postcards from Japan to their grandchildren, so we stopped by KITTE nearby, where they were able to affix ukiyo-e design stamps and mail the postcards. For lunch they requested tempura and enjoyed tendon in Asakusa. One of the guests had recently undergone knee surgery, so there was some strain on the legs and continuous walking seemed difficult. We walked while matching the pace, but at Hamarikyu Gardens the guest decided independently to wait seated at the entrance rather than going inside. Given that situation, we skipped the originally planned Shibuya and Ginza and returned to the hotel. For the return on the Toyoko Line, they preferred a local train where they could be sure of a seat even if it took longer, and we headed for Minatomirai Station. We walked together until the hotel's sign came into view, and, being considerate toward the guide, they said goodbye there.
Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Minatomirai Line Minatomirai Station～Toyoko Line Shibuya Station | 510JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station～Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station | 600JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Otemachi Station～Ginza Line Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Shimbashi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shimbashi Station～Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Tokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station～Minatomirai Line Minatomirai Station | 510JPY |
| Total | 1,620JPY | ||
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
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
Best Post cruise tour ever
It was…
Jul 3, 2026
Jody D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
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.
June 19, 2026
Alec T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo in 4 hours
Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…
June 19, 2026
Alec T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo in 4 hours
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
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely experience. My…
Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…
Jun 16, 2026
Hema_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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….
Jun 3, 2026
Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…
Jun 3, 2026
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!