Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Aoyama Cemetery — Guide Noripy
October, 2026
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
- 9:00 Meet up @The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
- 9:20 @Meiji Shrine
- 10:40 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Mega Don Quijote),
- 11:50 Lunch @(AFURI Ramen)
- 12:30 @Harajuku (Takeshita Street, Omotesando, Harakado)
- 13:10 @Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho, 3D billboard near Shinjuku Station East Exit, Kabukicho Godzilla Head)
- 13:50 @Aoyama Cemetery
- 14:20 @The National Art Center, Tokyo
- 14:45 Disband @The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Roppongi
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, enjoying some sightseeing in Tokyo before setting off on a cruise around various parts of Japan. One of the stops on this tour was a place they had requested after finding it featured in a New York Times article about "things to do (places to visit) in Tokyo."
AFURI Harajuku is very popular and often involves a long wait to get in, but on this day we were lucky to be seated after only about ten minutes. They ordered the restaurant's signature yuzu shio ramen and seemed very satisfied, saying it was "very delicious." They appeared to enjoy not only the ramen itself but also the atmosphere of dining at the counter.
We then headed to Takeshita Street, where I introduced Marion Crepes as well, but since they were full from the ramen, this time they just had a look.
In Shinjuku, I guided them through Omoide Yokocho, then walked toward the East Exit area and showed them the large 3D cat billboard and the Godzilla head in Kabukicho. They seemed thoroughly excited, and at each spot plenty of photos were taken.
Since we still had time to spare after visiting all the places they had originally requested, I suggested a stroll around the Roppongi area before returning to the hotel. At Aoyama Cemetery, they viewed the Hachiko memorial in front of the grave of Dr. Hidesaburo Ueno, after which I guided them to the foreigners' cemetery. When I explained about the foreigners who contributed to Japan's modernization during the Meiji period, one of the guests shared stories about their family history, including that of a relative who had been involved in supporting Germany's reconstruction after the war.
I then guided them to the National Art Center, Tokyo, which, along with Aoyama Cemetery, they liked very much.
Since the guests said they didn't mind returning to the hotel a little early, I saw them off at the hotel around 2:40 p.m. and we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
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…
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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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Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…
June 19, 2026
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…
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….