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. 13:00 Meet up @ ANA InterContinental Tokyo
- 2. 13:45 @ Meiji Shrine
- 3. 14:45 @ Harajuku Takeshita Street
- 4. 16:00 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
- 5. 17:00 Disband @ Shibuya FUKURAS Restaurant District
Title: What Is a First-Day Tokyo Orientation Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. One member of the group had visited Japan several times before, but only for work, so they had never experienced Japan as tourists. During their stay of about three weeks in Japan, they had set aside seven days for Tokyo. For today's tour, which was their first day, they wished to have an orientation to learn how to use public transportation. I explained the shortest route from the Hotel to the subway, the types of discount tickets and how to buy them, station numbers, exit numbers, and how to use the destination-and-exit reference charts. They were impressed by how easy the signs were to read, including how to check the direction of travel of the trains. Some of the guests enjoyed shopping at a shop selling soccer uniforms in Harajuku and at a candy shop on Takeshita Street. Everyone in the group was delighted when they saw the café in Shibuya FUKURAS where you can communicate with a robot.
Partly due to jet lag, the tour lasted four hours, but toward the end the group appeared tired, so instead of the originally planned finish in Ginza, we changed the plan and they decided to relax in Shibuya before returning to the Hotel.
After Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and the following four days were still undecided. They asked me for a recommendation, saying they wanted to visit somewhere rural. Since they had originally hoped to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, I agreed with that idea.
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 | Subway Ginza Line, Akasaka-mitsuke Station～Subway Chiyoda Line, Meiji-jingumae | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Subway Fukutoshin Line, Meiji-jingumae Station～Subway Fukutoshin Line, Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 600JPY | ||
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!