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. 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel Takanawa
  • 2. 9:30 @ Takanawa Gateway Station + Station-front Commercial Facility
  • 3. 10:00 @ Zojoji Temple
  • 4. 10:30 @ Tokyo Tower
  • 5. 11:30 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
  • 6. 12:00 @ Nihonbashi Takashimaya (Basement Food Court)
  • 7. 12:30 @ Asakusa (Azumabashi Bridge, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
  • 8. 13:10 Disband @ In front of Asakusa Shrine

What Is a Private New Year's Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, traveling as a group. One of the guests handled communication in English. They planned to visit Hakone on January 1, then travel to Kyoto, and finally return home from Tokyo. Since their accommodation was near Shinagawa Station, we walked to Takanawa Gateway Station, which is only slightly farther than the Shinagawa Station that was under construction, so they could experience the Takanawa embankment and the futuristic atmosphere of the station. As it was before 10:00 a.m., the moving robots were unfortunately not yet in operation and we could not ride them, but I explained how they could try them on a future visit. Also, on the 28th floor of the NEWoMan commercial facility, the restaurants had not yet opened and access was limited, but part of the sky garden was open, and from there we could clearly see Mount Fuji dusted with snow. The guests were delighted and took many photos. We then visited Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, and the Imperial Palace, where one of the guests took many panoramic photos with a smartphone. At the food floor in the basement of the Nihonbashi Takashimaya, they were amazed at the size of Japanese fruit, such as how strawberries were much larger compared to those back home. Since they planned to enjoy a meal after the tour, I recommended places in Asakusa serving delicious tempura, ramen, and dango. They were also interested in strawberry daifuku and skewered strawberry candy. At Sensoji Temple, they purchased amulets. At Asakusa Shrine, they experienced the shrine's particular way of praying before we said goodbye.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainTakanawa Gateway~Hamamatsucho150JPY
Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station~Kasumigaseki Station900JPY
Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
Total1,050JPY

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!

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