Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Noripy
November, 2025
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 @ HILLSTONE ESTATE I
- 2. 10:50 @ Tokyo Station (station building, station square)
- 3. 11:40 @ Imperial Palace (main gate, Nijubashi Bridge)
- 4. 12:20 @ East Gardens
- 5. 13:40 @ Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Azuma Bridge)
- 6. 14:20 Lunch @ Owariya Branch
- 7. 15:55 Disband @ Shibuya Station
What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a senior visitor from North America who had previously lived in Asia for many years. The guest had visited Japan several times in the past for sporting events but had never had the chance to go sightseeing in Tokyo before, as work had always kept them busy. On this occasion, I, the guide, met the guest not at a hotel but at the home of a family member living in Tokyo.
The guest had hoped to visit the interior of the Imperial Palace, but I explained the situation, and on this occasion we instead visited the East Gardens, where I introduced the guardhouses, the Fujimi-yagura keep, the site of the Matsu-no-Oroka corridor, the former castle tower foundation, and the long-tailed nishikigoi carp in the Ninomaru Garden. The guest listened very attentively to my explanations and toured with great interest. We exited through the Hirakawa Gate, took a commemorative photo on the Hirakawa Bridge, and by the time we reached Takebashi Station it was well past one o'clock. After discussing options, the guest decided to prioritize temples, so we saved the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno for another occasion and headed to Asakusa.
At Senso-ji Temple, the guest actively took part in the purification at the water pavilion and in prayer. After passing through the Niten-mon Gate, the guest invited me to have lunch together and to ride along in a taxi on the way back, offering to drop me off wherever I liked. I guided the guest to a soba restaurant. The guest enjoyed a tempura rice bowl and finished it with great delight, saying "This is truly delicious!" and "I also love Japanese pickles." The guest also shared photos and told me about their family. We continued chatting in the taxi on the way back, and although it took about forty minutes, the time flew by. I got out near Shibuya Station and saw off the guest, who was heading on to Shoto.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shibuya～Tokyo | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station～Otemachi Station | 700JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station～Ginza Line Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 910JPY | ||
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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Jody D
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It was…
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Jody D
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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.
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Alec T
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Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…
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Alec T
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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
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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….
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Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
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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!