Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour — Guide Noripy

Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Asakusa

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They seemed very interested in Japanese culture — for example, bowing to express gratitude and actively using Japanese words like "arigato." At Meiji Shrine, one of the guests wanted to dedicate an ema votive plaque, and after writing a wish on the wooden ema they had purchased, they seemed to want to keep the content private, so during the commemorative photo they turned it face down so the writing could not be seen. Both experienced the worship ritual, and while one of the guests was performing the two bows, two claps, and one bow, the other whispered to me, the guide, that they wished to become a Buddhist. I found a suitable moment and was eventually able to explain the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism at Senso-ji Temple, and I sensed a genuine interest in the faith of the Japanese people as a cultural background.

Afterward, at the request of one of the guests, we entered a cat cafe near Harajuku Station and spent about 15 minutes enjoying time with the cats. They appeared to use social media and took many photos, thoroughly enjoying themselves. They mentioned having visited a cat cafe in Asia before. Shortly after leaving there, at a modern matcha cafe, they tried a contemporary matcha creation, and then, at a shop selling merchandise from a popular film series that we discovered nearby, they enjoyed some shopping. The guest had a real sense of initiative and decisiveness — for example, they immediately used a necktie purchased there as a belt for the fashion jeans they were wearing. The idea of using a necktie as a belt was unique, but it suited them very well. After also purchasing a keychain modeled on ramen and udon food samples, they immediately hung it on their bag and were very satisfied. The tour proceeded largely in a way that respected the guests' wishes. One request was to see a 3D cat digital billboard, so we added an unplanned visit to Shinjuku and viewed it together with the Godzilla Head. I also occasionally guided the guests to smoking areas (at Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji).

The guests did not talk much about their family beyond mentioning that they keep a cat and a dog. For lunch, one of the guests wanted ramen, so I guided them to a recommended spot in Shibuya, but there was a very long line. Due to time constraints, we gave up and instead ate at a very casual Hakata tonkotsu ramen shop nearby with tables set out on the street, where an 800-yen miso ramen was very much enjoyed and appreciated. Afterward, we were able to look out at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from a window on the 17th floor of FUKURAS, which they were delighted with. At the end, we said goodbye near the Ginza 4-chome intersection, within walking distance of the hotel, after strolling a little through the pedestrian-only streets of Ginza before returning to the hotel.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

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!