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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- １．11:00 Meet up ＠Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku Premier
- ２．11:30 ＠Ginza (Mitsukoshi underground food hall, Kyukyodo, Wako, Kimuraya)
- ３．12:20 ＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
- ４．13:20 ＠Meiji Shrine + Gyoen Garden
- ５．14:45 Shibuya
- ６．15:15 Disband ＠Pokemon Center in Shibuya PARCO
What's a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Ginza, and Shibuya
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Another member of the group had been staying in Japan for about a month for a study program, and it seemed the whole group would reunite during this trip, so they kept in touch via video calls even during the tour. After Tokyo, they planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka as well. They compared the cleanliness of the Tokyo subway to their local subway back home, saying they were impressed, remarking that their own subway smelled of sewage whenever wind blew through the station. At the basement food hall of a department store in Ginza, they were fascinated by the wide variety of delicious-looking foods. At Meiji Shrine, since they expressed interest in Japanese gardens, we also visited the inner garden. The irises were only about twenty percent in bloom, but the water lilies blooming in the pond stood out beautifully against the blue sky, and they took many photos with that lovely scenery as a backdrop. We were also able to reach the water of Kiyomasa's Well smoothly without any wait.
The group had arrived in Japan early that morning and started the tour without being able to check into their accommodation, so they became somewhat tired in the latter half. We decided to end the tour in Shibuya, and after they enjoyed crossing the scramble intersection, at the strong request of one of the guests who was a big Pokémon fan, we headed to the Pokémon Center inside Shibuya PARCO, where we said goodbye.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Tokyo Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku Station～Ginza Line Ginza Station | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
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!
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…
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
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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….
Jun 3, 2026
Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…
Jun 3, 2026
Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noripy gave a 5/5 tour! She provided useful instruction for public transport use, fascinating historical information, spiritual customs and current cultural practices- All with an infectious smile and never ending positive energy. Noripy’s tour allowed us to made the most of the rest of our time in Tokyo. I feel like we did 5 days of sightseeing in 6 hrs! But Noripy made sure to always check if we wanted a break. Our tour was customized for my 2 teenage kids and I, and if we saw or thought of something along the way that interested us, Noripy accommodated! I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Tokyo. And you will be extra lucky to get Noripy for your guide!