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. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel 1899 Tokyo
- 2. 10:20 @ Ginza (4-chome Intersection)
- 3. 11:00 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge)
- 4. 11:45 @ Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Marunouchi Side Station Building)
- 5.12:30 Lunch @ Tsukiji Market
- 6. 13:30 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
- 7. 15:00 @ Yanaka Shopping Street
- 8. 15:30 @ Nezu Shrine
- 9. 16:30 @ Shibuya
- 10.16:50 Dismissal @ Shibuya Station
What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. One of the guests had grown up in North America and was fluent in several languages, and was enthusiastically studying Japanese, with plans to meet an online Japanese-language instructor (a Japanese resident) during this trip. They carried a well-used, self-made list of Japanese words and expressions, and throughout the day asked many questions about Japanese phrasing and wrote in additional notes. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka, and also to enjoy walking along old routes such as the Nakasendo before visiting Kanazawa. They also mentioned that they would be sharing the Japan-related information gathered today, including tips on Tokyo transportation, with friends who would arrive in Japan and join them later.
The guests took many photos everywhere we went, and at their request they also took a photo together with me as their guide. However, out of privacy concerns, they asked that any social media posts not show identifiable faces. I was therefore refraining from taking photos on my side, but the guests suggested taking a shot from behind, and posed for me in front of the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace.
For lunch, we enjoyed nigiri sushi at counter seats at a sushi restaurant in the Tsukiji Market area we visited. The guests were clearly accustomed to eating sushi, but commented that it was the most delicious sushi they had ever had.
At Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, they experienced drawing omikuji fortunes (both drew "kyo," bad luck), the temizuya purification fountain, and worship. Afterward, having also visited Nezu Shrine, they commented that they preferred Nezu Shrine. Overall, it was a tour that conveyed the guests' deep enthusiasm for Japan.
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 | Toei Mita Line Onarimon Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ginza Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station～Hibiya Line Tsukiji Market Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Toei Asakusa Line Higashi-ginza Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Kanda Station | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | JR Yamanote Line Kanda Station～Nippori Station | 170JPY |
| Section 7 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station～Ginza Line Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| 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
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!