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. 10:30 Meet up @Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
  • 2. 11:00 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
  • 3. 11:40 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, Underground Mall)
  • 4. 12:10 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya)
  • 5. 12:40 Lunch @Chanko Restaurant (Asakusa)
  • 6. 13:20 @Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
  • 7. 15:00 @Meiji Shrine
  • 8. 16:00 @Roppongi (Exterior of The National Art Center, Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
  • 9. 16:20 Disband @In front of the Tokyo Midtown Roppongi eat-in corner

What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for History Fans? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi, and Asakusa

The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Japan the day before the tour. The following day they planned to sightsee around Mount Fuji, and after that they would move on to a ski resort in Nagano Prefecture, where they would spend several days before returning to Tokyo and heading home. One of the guests had visited Japan as a child but had almost no memory of it. The guests were interested in Japanese history, so at our first stop, the Imperial Palace, they listened intently to historical stories such as the "Sakuradamon Incident." The recently awarded TV series "SHOGUN," which had just won a Golden Globe a few days earlier, came up in conversation. One of the guests had already watched it, and we had a lively discussion, while another was looking forward to seeing it. At Nihonbashi Takashimaya, in the basement food hall, I introduced Japanese vegetables and fruits such as daikon radish, green onions, apples, and white strawberries, which differ somewhat from those in North America, and the guests were surprised by the differences. As for lunch, since sushi, tempura, and ramen would likely be easy to find at restaurants during the rest of their stay, I guided them to a chanko restaurant in Asakusa as an inexpensive and delicious local-style lunch spot that only a local guide would introduce. When I explained chanko, the hearty dish that sumo wrestlers eat to build strength, one of the guests ordered the chanko set meal and another ordered ginger pork, and they finished everything, saying it was delicious. They did not make any souvenir purchases, but since cooking is usually handled at home by one of the guests, there was interest in Japanese kitchen knives, so I guided them to Kiya in Tokyo Midtown Roppongi. After introducing a few other shops, I said goodbye there so that they could take their time shopping afterward.

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassToei Shinjuku Line Shinjuku Station~Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station900JPY
Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Nogizaka Station0JPY
Total900JPY

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!

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