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. 9:00 Meet up @Arcsens
- 2. 9:30 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge)
- 3. 11:00 @The National Art Center, Tokyo (including cafe break)
- 4. 11:40 @Nogi Shrine + Former Nogi Residence
- 5. 12:20 @Aoyama Cemetery (General Nogi's grave, Hachiko monument, foreigners' cemetery area)
- 6. 13:30 Lunch @Tsukada Farm (inside Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
- 7. 14:40 @Yanaka Shopping Street
- 8. 15:40 Disband @In front of Ryogoku Station
Title: What Is a Hidden-Gems Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania on their first trip to Japan. Since arriving in Japan a couple of days earlier, they had already explored the used-book district of Kanda-Jimbocho and had seen the standing statue of Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, located in Kanagawa Prefecture. They booked a guide for a Tokyo tour because they were interested in places off the usual tourist trail — spots where you can catch a glimpse of local everyday life — and had chosen an "off-the-beaten-path tour."
At the first stop, the Imperial Palace, just as we were about to leave the main gate, we happened to witness a newly appointed ambassador entering through the main gate in a horse-drawn carriage, a rare sight not usually seen. The guests were delighted by this.
When we visited the National Art Center, Tokyo, I mentioned that its café was the model for a scene in the anime film "Your Name." As anime fans, they told me that "Your Name" was already on their list of films they intended to watch.
At the former Nogi Residence we visited, there is a flowering dogwood tree planted by MacArthur, and I was able to connect this with the MacArthur statue they had seen the day before, which they found very interesting. Building on the New York Times report (on General Nogi's ritual suicide) that we saw at the Nogi Shrine treasure hall, I was also able to introduce them to General Nogi's grave at Aoyama Cemetery. In the cemetery I also guided them to the grave of Professor Ueno, where the Hachiko stone monument stands, as well as the foreigners' section, and they took many photographs.
For lunch, they wanted to try "katsu," which they had not yet eaten, and they enjoyed tonkatsu at a restaurant, saying it was "delicious!" In the Yanaka shopping street, they bought rice crackers with coarse sugar and black sesame from a long-established rice cracker shop.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station～Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station～Nogizaka Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station～Sendagi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | JR Yamanote Line Nippori Station～Sobu Line Ryogoku Station | 170JPY |
| Total | 1,070JPY | ||
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 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!
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Hema_R
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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!…
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!