Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Noripy

Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report Featuring Meiji Shrine, Aoyama, and Takanawa Gateway

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had already toured Kyoto and Kanazawa and arrived in Tokyo by Shinkansen. Although they mentioned wanting to keep visits to temples, shrines, and parks to a minimum, when I guided them to Meiji Shrine, they listened to my explanations of the purification fountain and worship at the main hall and experienced these customs anew. Before entering, when I pointed out a cat café visible in the distance in front of Harajuku Station, the guests reacted strongly, so I asked for details and learned that one of the guests loves cats. They shared that they had recently lost a beloved cat that had lived to the age of eighteen, and that they did not feel like getting a new cat for the time being.

Afterward, I guided them to Aoyama Cemetery as a place that is not a typical tourist spot. We saw the Hachiko monument and the foreign cemetery section, and with the fine weather, they enjoyed a pleasant stroll. We then walked to the National Art Center and Tokyo Midtown Roppongi. They were looking for chopstick rests as souvenirs, so we visited the Suntory Museum of Art museum shop and The Cover Nippon, but they did not find any favorites. At the dashi shop Kayanoya on the basement floor, I explained about "dashi," and they purchased about three types of freeze-dried miso soup. At a supermarket, I introduced Japanese food ingredients as well as an eat-in space, but they decided on Takanawa Gateway as the place for lunch.

We boarded a car at the Midtown driveway next to the entrance of the Ritz-Carlton and headed to Takanawa Gateway. Although we did not enter the JR station platforms, from the ticket gates I explained the advanced technology in use and the station building designed by Kengo Kuma. In the plaza in front of the station, a mobile robot happened to pass by, and they were able to try riding it for a few minutes. Next, we went to the 28th and 29th floors of NEWoMan, a large-scale commercial facility in front of the station. First, they enjoyed the two sky gardens and observation areas. Being fond of plants, the guests were surprised that everything was fresh flowers, especially that the fully bloomed peonies were real and not artificial, remarking that peony flowers are difficult to keep. Mount Fuji was not visible, but they were moved by the beautiful view of the Tokyo Bay side, including the Rainbow Bridge.

Every restaurant had a queue, so considering time constraints, I suggested a simple lunch option of buying food from the bakery downstairs and eating it at a table in the free space, and they agreed. We went down to the second floor and each chose their preferred bread at the Vermicular bakery. Along with juice, we ate and chatted in the free space. I received questions about Japanese values and standard of living, prompted by having seen a foreign visitor at the hotel change out of a very short skirt after receiving some advice from hotel staff, and I answered within the scope of my understanding. Since this simple lunch left us a little ahead of schedule, after consulting with the guests, we enjoyed a drive viewing the Ginza area from the car and then returned to the hotel in Shibuya.

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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!