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 @HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, Hotel
- 2. 9:30 @Meiji Shrine
- 3. 10:20 @Harajuku Takeshita Street
- 4. 11:00 @Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
- 5. 11:30 @Ginza (4-chome Intersection, NISSAN Showroom, Kyukyodo)
- 6. 12:15 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Imperial Palace Plaza)
- 7. 12:45 @Tokyo Station (Station Building, Station Plaza, Midori no Madoguchi)
- 8. 13:30 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Underground Food Hall)
- 9. 14:00 Lunch @"Yoroiya" Asakusa Denboin Street
- 10. 14:30 @Sensoji Temple
- 11. 15:15 Dismissal @Asakusa Azumabashi Bridge
What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was the beginning of a long trip of more than three weeks, starting in Tokyo and continuing on to Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima (as a day trip from Kyoto), and then a visit to Korea before returning home. At the green ticket counter in Tokyo Station, I helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets for their upcoming visits to other regions.
It was an extremely hot day, and the guests had been quite surprised by the heat when they arrived the day before — they even emailed to ask whether there was a dress code for visiting shrines and temples. I had told them in advance that, apart from beach sandals, cool summer clothing would be fine, along with various tips for coping with the heat. On the day, however, they were not wearing hats, so in places with no shade, such as the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, I had them use the parasol I had brought along.
Their accommodation, a Hotel, was located near the Kabukicho area, and compared with the surroundings there (some scattered litter in the restaurant streets), the guests remarked that the places we visited on this tour were free of litter and remarkably clean. They seemed to particularly enjoy Shibuya and Harajuku. For lunch, since they were not very hungry after a large breakfast, and since some of the guests wanted to try ramen while others preferred vegan food, we ended up having a somewhat late lunch. When we went to Asakusa, I took them to a restaurant on Denboin-dori, where some of the guests enjoyed vegan ramen while others savored egg ramen and gyoza. As the tour end time came after visiting Senso-ji Temple, I explained how to get to a shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) restaurant near Tokyo Tower where they had an evening reservation, and we said goodbye in Asakusa.
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 | Train | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station | 900JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station～Ginza Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,050JPY | ||
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…
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
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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…
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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!