Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Noripy

What Is a Private Kimono and Asakusa Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time, arriving after traveling elsewhere. They had already spent time sightseeing in Osaka and traveled to Tokyo by Shinkansen, and had begun various sightseeing activities in Tokyo. The day before this tour, they had joined a thrilling tour riding high-performance sports cars around iconic landmarks. In our prior communication, the main event for today's Tokyo tour was for some of the guests to wear kimono and take photographs while walking around Asakusa. We first headed to a kimono rental shop that had been booked before their arrival in Japan. As it coincided with the special New Year period, it was extremely crowded, and one of the guests ended up waiting nearly an hour at a nearby cafe. In any case, once they chose their favorite kimono and had them fitted, the colors of the kimono looked wonderful against their skin tones and suited them beautifully. Sensoji Temple was extremely crowded with New Year worshippers, so we gave up on praying at the main hall, but we were able to take many photographs in front of the Kaminarimon Gate, the five-story pagoda, the Hozomon Gate, and the Nitenmon Gate, as well as at the main hall, and even along the Sumida River with Tokyo Skytree in the background. While taking photos from the front, I also recommended and took shots from behind so that the knot of the obi and the hair ornaments in the bun-styled hair could be seen. The guests were very satisfied. After returning the kimono, we headed to Nihonbashi and tried to have lunch at Takashimaya, but there was a very long line here as well. At the guests' request, as they did not want to wait, we headed to the next destination, Harajuku. Since they were interested in cute shops and purikura photo booths, we were about to head from Harajuku Station toward Takeshita Street when they asked, "Is this crowded too?" Tired from the driving tour they had enjoyed late into the previous night, they wanted to avoid crowded places. So I suggested skipping Takeshita Street and instead going to Shibuya, which was on the route back to the hotel, having lunch there, and then returning to the hotel. From the restaurant floor I guided them to at Shibuya FUKURAS, they chose tonkatsu and were delighted, saying the sauce was very delicious. Being able to rest a little while chatting there, they enjoyed the experience of crossing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing after lunch and took video footage. Starting the day after next, they plan to enjoy two days at Disneyland before returning home.

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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!