Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Noripy

Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, Tokyo Tower and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America, who had known each other since their university days. On this trip they were not visiting Kyoto, and although they planned to go sightseeing around Mount Fuji the next day, their main focus was exploring Tokyo. They were staying at a private lodging about a ten-minute walk from Higashi-mukojima Station. When we met, they came down to the entrance one after another, and by the time everyone had gathered, about twenty minutes had already passed since the scheduled departure time. When I confirmed where they wished to go, I found we would need to make a major change to the itinerary. This was because one of the guests, who had arrived in Japan early that morning and then gone out drinking in Shinjuku, had left a mobile phone in a taxi on the way back, and a message had come in from the Tsukiji Police Station where it had been handed in. Since there had also been a plan to download and use a mobile Suica, retrieving that phone became our starting point. To be safe, from in front of the lodging I called the Tsukiji Police Station on my mobile phone as the guide and explained the situation in Japanese, confirming the reception hours and required details. First, everyone bought bottled water at a nearby supermarket and we boarded the train. It took about an hour to reach the Tsukiji Police Station, but the staff member I had spoken to on the phone was at the counter, and since there were no other visitors besides us, the procedure went smoothly. The phone was safely returned to its owner, and with the shift from despair to hope, we all took a commemorative photo in front of the police station. The guest who had lost the phone said, "In any other country I'm sure it would never have turned up, but in Japan I was able to get it back. I've come to love Japan for that." Along with thanking the officers, I interpreted that remark and conveyed it to them. After that, we walked out onto Ginza Chuo-dori, which had become a pedestrian zone, and everyone greatly enjoyed strolling around, including stopping into Cartier. In particular, everyone showed interest in the Nissan showroom, went inside, and on the second-floor display area even sat in a car and took commemorative photos. Furthermore, at a commercial facility we passed through on the way to Yurakucho Station, they did some shopping tailored to each person's interests, including scented soap and doughnuts. Before heading to Zojoji Temple, we had lunch at a Hanamaru Udon in front of Hamamatsucho Station to satisfy everyone's slight hunger. They each enjoyed their own choices, such as meat udon, curry rice, and toppings like tempura and croquettes. As the guide, I had originally assumed we would just pass through Tokyo Tower, but there was a request to go up to the observation deck, so we ascended to the main deck and took many photos, including through the look-down window. They also enjoyed shopping at the souvenir shop. The scheduled time had already passed, but I guided them to Shibuya so they could enjoy shopping there, and we said our goodbyes on the sixth floor of PARCO, where the Pokémon Center is located.

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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!