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. 8:30 Meet up @Hyatt Regency Tokyo
  • 2. 9:15 @Meiji Shrine
  • 3. 10:00 Harajuku "Takeshita Street"
  • 4. 10:40 Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
  • 5. 11:50 Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Asakusa Shrine, Azumabashi Bridge)
  • 6. 12:30 Lunch @Owariya (Asakusa Kaminarimon Street)
  • 7. 13:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
  • 8. 14:45 Disband @Hyatt Regency Tokyo

# What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest was a visitor from North America. Having lived in Asia earlier in life before relocating to North America, the guest had visited Japan once for sightseeing long ago, but the memories were faint as it had been more than 30 years. This time, the guest was on a trip of around ten days, joining a tour group starting the following day, passing through Matsumoto Castle and touring Kyoto before returning home. The guest had arrived at Narita the previous afternoon, and this tour day was the only full day in Tokyo. A food tour in Shinjuku had been booked for the evening.

Following the itinerary that had been arranged in advance based on the guest's wishes, we visited Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Hamarikyu Gardens. While passing through the first torii gate of Meiji Shrine and walking beneath the trees, the guest seemed very satisfied, feeling the coolness and the quiet. The guest also experienced the purification fountain and offered a prayer. Many photos were taken at the Imperial Palace and Asakusa.

After touring the Imperial Palace, we could not immediately find a passing taxi, so we walked for about five minutes toward Tokyo Station before being able to get in. The taxi ride had been planned from the start, and the roughly 20-minute journey to Asakusa in a cool space seemed to help maintain the guest's energy for the rest of the day.

For lunch, after visiting Sensoji Temple, the guest enjoyed tempura soba at Owariya and found it delicious. The guest enjoyed the sightseeing spots, and during our conversations along the way, being cheerful and engaging, the guest asked many questions, including personal ones, which I answered openly and frankly.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassToei Oedo Line Tochomae Station~Yoyogi Station900JPY
Section 2TrainYoyogi~Harajuku150JPY
Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station0JPY
Section 4Free PassToei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station~Shimbashi Station0JPY
Section 5Free PassToei Oedo Line Shiodome Station~Tochomae Station0JPY
Total1,050JPY

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
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
Best Post cruise tour ever
It was…

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…

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 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!…