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.
Tour Itinerary
- 1. 8:00 Meet up ＠Kimpton by IHG in Shinjuku
- 2. 8:45 ＠Meiji Shrine
- 3. 9:40 ＠Takeshita Street
- 4. 10:20 ＠Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
- 5. 11:30 ＠Zojoji Temple
- 6. 12:00 ＠Tokyo Tower
- 7. 12:30 ＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
- 8. 13:00 ＠Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
- 9. 13:20 Lunch＠Naokyu (Shimbashi Station Underground Mall)
- 10. 14:00 Dismissal＠JR Yamanote Line Shimbashi Station Ticket Gate
What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. At the hotel meetup, the group promptly downloaded and set up Mobile Suica together, and I felt a strong sense of unity among the group. At Meiji Shrine, our first stop, we came across a wedding procession, which the guests watched with great interest. Next, I guided them along Takeshita Street, where they were curious about the various animal cafes, though it was a little unfortunate that they had not yet opened due to the time of day. After sampling items at a dried fruit shop, the group purchased several kinds of dried fruit and wasabi-flavored nuts. At the Shibuya scramble crossing, I took photos of everyone crossing, which was a lot of fun. At Zojoji Temple, they enthusiastically offered incense at the main hall. For lunch, ramen had been firmly decided upon at the group's request, so I guided them to the ramen street underneath Tokyo Station, but every shop had a long waiting line, and given the time we gave up on it. So we took the Yamanote Line to Shimbashi and went to a ramen shop inside the station. There we were able to get in without waiting, and everyone enjoyed various kinds of tsukemen. After the meal, they tried three types of cream puffs from a nearby cream puff shop, eating them while standing. I had planned to continue guiding them to Ginza, but in front of the Yamanote Line Shimbashi Station ticket gate, they said they were tired and wanted to head back to Shinjuku from there, so we parted ways.
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 Oedo Line Tochomae Station～Yoyogi Station | 1,100JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Yoyogi～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shibuya～Hamamatsucho | 260JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station～Kasumigaseki Station | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Tokyo～Shimbashi | 160JPY |
| Total | 1,680JPY | ||
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!
Sep 10, 2026
Sonal_G
Noripy is just the best
Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Noripy is such a…
Sep 10, 2026
Sonal_G
Noripy is just the best
Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Noripy is such a great guide and just a wonderful human being that felt like an old friend. We had first visited Tokyo eight years ago, so we had not planned on getting a tour, but we felt like we got both a Food Tour and a cultural tour with her and we were so grateful for both. My daughter is moving to Japan, and so we were excited to be here but we were disappointed that we had not been able to find vegetarian food as easily. Noripy had tips and tricks and language she suggested we use and helped us with our first vegan ramen which was excellent. I highly recommend anything you can do with a Noripy, you should run and go do it! She trained at Boston University and international relations, and had ties with both my daughters from her schooling which tickled us with delight. She is a spry woman and the kindest soul and I’m so glad our paths crossed as Tokyo came to life through her welcoming eyes. We were nervous about going on this tour because we had a bad experience with a different tour with someone else the night before, but she restored our faith in humanity and tour guides and that was a tall order.
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
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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….