Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour — Guide Noripy

Title: What Is an 8-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. A shared interest in anime seemed to be the driving force behind this trip to Japan. They arrived in Osaka and, with one of the group who had experience driving on the left-hand side of the road in Europe serving as the driver, traveled by rental car through Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone, and other areas before reaching Tokyo. I had been concerned about jet lag, but it had already worn off, and everyone walked energetically from start to finish through the full 8 hours.

Only one member of the group did not speak English. Within the group they spoke French, and since this was an English tour, one of the guests interpreted between English and French. Our first destination, Meiji Shrine, was accessible on foot from their accommodation, and we arrived via Meiji-dori and Takeshita Street. After paying our respects, they were able to press a stamp (not a goshuin) into a notebook they had brought. When they first asked where the stamp was, I assumed they meant a goshuin, but I learned for the first time as a guide that there is a separate stamp apart from the goshuin. When we approached the area behind the benches to watch a group photo being taken of relatives at a wedding that happened to be taking place, the stamp station came into view. One of the guests was greatly surprised to find a wine barrel from France displayed in front of the sake barrels at Meiji Shrine, and took a commemorative photo. Remarkably, it turned out that the family home is located in the Burgundy region and produces wine as a winery.

All of the guests were extremely keen on sightseeing and had no issues with stamina, so before visiting the Imperial Palace I added Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower to the itinerary. They were delighted by sights such as the Jizo statues wearing red caps and bibs, and the combined scenery of the Zojoji Temple main hall and Tokyo Tower. We were blessed with good weather, and when we visited the Imperial Palace, they strolled very pleasantly while admiring the pine-lined path. I introduced the Inui-dori passage, which had just opened for the season that day, as we headed toward Tokyo Station. I also suggested the option of a sushi lunch at Tsukiji, but they preferred to look at various choices and decide at Tokyo Station, so I guided them to Gransta Yaesu North. From the various options, they chose tempura and entered a tempura restaurant at Tokyo Station. They swapped out the conger eel, which one guest disliked, for another fish, and additionally ordered spring wild vegetable tempura (fukinoto, taranome, and others). Everyone, including the rice, cleaned their plates and were very satisfied. Everyone used chopsticks skillfully.

In Asakusa, they purchased souvenirs such as Japanese-designed teacups and Kutani-ware plates. They had already made purchases at the Meiji Shrine souvenir shop, but since I had introduced Nakamise Street as the oldest shopping street in Japan, they said they wanted to buy souvenirs there, remarking, "I bought it at the oldest shopping street in Japan." Shibuya was right near their hotel, and they had apparently strolled there on their own right after arriving in Japan, but they asked me to show them the robot restaurant, so I guided them to Pepper Parlor at FUKURAS before we said goodbye.

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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!