Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Noripy

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Cherry Blossom Tour Like in Late March? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had greatly looked forward to viewing cherry blossoms during their Tokyo tour, but although the blooming of cherry blossoms in Tokyo was officially declared at 2:00 p.m. during the tour, in reality the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees had barely begun to bloom. Indeed, along the Chidorigafuchi Greenway that we passed by car, almost none were in flower. Of course, since it was their first visit to Japan, they also wished to see various other sights in Tokyo besides the cherry blossoms, so I managed to point out the occasional early-blooming cherry trees while continuing the sightseeing.

Everyone was very excited to get off at Shibuya and experience walking across the famous scramble crossing themselves. I believe they were also pleased that, in addition to the area where we alighted, they could view and hear explanations about Tokyo Tower, the Ginza 4-chome intersection, and the National Diet Building from the car windows.

They had a strong wish to enter the grounds of the Imperial Palace, but unfortunately it was a Monday, so the East Gardens were closed, and the seasonal Inui-dori passage of the Imperial Palace for cherry blossom viewing had not yet begun, as it was scheduled to start on March 29. Therefore, I had them visit the Tayasumon Gate in Kitanomaru Park to reflect on the Edo period, and afterward, while looking at the surface of the moat from Kudanzaka Park, we searched online for images of the beautiful scenery when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and compared them. Although the blossoms were not yet out, the guests seemed deeply moved simply by standing in the very same spot.

During the meal, one of the guests was vegetarian, and one of the guests had had almost no sleep for about two days due to jet lag and thus had little appetite. We had lunch at Ibuki Udon, located in the basement of Midtown in Roppongi, where one could order the udon that one of the guests had come to love, along with vegetable tempura. Some of the guests finished their meals completely.

They planned to visit Kyoto next, so when we strolled around Tokyo Station, I also showed them the Shinkansen platforms. Finally, since they intended to visit Sensoji Temple, which is near their hotel, on their own due to time constraints, I gave them a general explanation in front of Kaminarimon Gate, helped with taking photos, and we said our goodbyes.

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Tour Report by Noripy

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!