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 @ Park Hyatt Tokyo
  • 2. 9:45 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
  • 3. 10:00 (from the car window) Tokyo Station Marunouchi side station building
  • 4. 10:40 @ East Gardens (enter through Otemon Gate, exit through Hirakawamon Gate)
  • 5. 11:50 @ Nezu Shrine
  • 6. 12:45 @ Yanaka Ginza (including soba lunch)
  • 7. 14:10 @ Aoyama Cemetery (Hachiko stone monument)
  • 8. 14:30 @ The National Art Center, Tokyo
  • 9. 15:10 Dismissal @ Park Hyatt Tokyo

Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Nezu Shrine, and Yanaka

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. One of the younger members of the group is a big fan of Japan through anime and other media. Having arrived in Japan the day before, they had already experienced Sensoji Temple and a ninja museum in Asakusa. During their stay of about ten days in Japan, part of the group had to leave earlier due to work commitments, and because of this the group decided not to visit Kyoto. Instead, they planned to ride the Nagano Shinkansen to experience the bullet train and spend one night in Nagano.

At the souvenir shop in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests purchased chopsticks featuring the imperial chrysanthemum crest and a mirror with an illustration of the Nijubashi bridge, and also stamped a commemorative seal on a leaflet as a keepsake. At the former site of the castle keep, part of the group waited below, while others energetically climbed up, and I was able to point out the Nippon Budokan in the distance. In the Ninomaru Garden, the irises were in full bloom, and the whole group was able to take a commemorative photo together. Along the way, we met an elderly person who seemed very knowledgeable about the East Gardens and kindly explained many things, and I was able to interpret and facilitate a nice exchange.

At Nezu Shrine, I explained the proper way to worship at a shrine and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. The guests had brought their own goshuin book, but at this shrine the style was to receive pre-written goshuin. They obtained two of these goshuin.

In Yanaka Ginza, they chose soba for lunch. One of the guests wanted to try the spicy version of curry soba, so I warned that it would be quite hot, but they insisted, "I definitely want the spicy one." So I ordered a regular curry soba and promised that if, after one bite, they felt they couldn't handle the spicy one, we would swap. In reality, after just one bite it was "too spicy," so we swapped for the regular one, and all ended well. They were very satisfied, exclaiming, "Delicious!"

Finally, though only briefly, I introduced the Roppongi area, guided them to the Hachiko stone monument at Aoyama Cemetery, and took a commemorative photo. The National Art Center, Tokyo greatly appealed to part of the group, who said they would like to return during their stay.

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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