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.
Tour Itinerary
- １．10:00 Meet @ Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
- ２．10:45 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Asakusa Shrine) + [From the vehicle] Tokyo Skytree
- ３．11:30 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
- ４．11:50 [From the vehicle] @ Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station building
- ５．12:00 @ Ginza Main Street (pedestrian paradise around Ginza 4-chome intersection)
- ６．12:20 [From the vehicle] Kabukiza Theater
- ７．12:30 @ Zojoji Temple
- ８．12:50 @ Tokyo Tower (including Main Deck)
- ９．13:45 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
- １０．14:20 @ Meiji Shrine
- １１．15:30 @ Odaiba Seaside Park observation deck + Statue of Liberty
- １２．16:00 Dismissal @ Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Cruise Passengers Disembarking in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We traveled by car, and they were amazed by how clean Japan is. They had already toured various parts of Japan aboard a cruise ship, with Tokyo being their disembarkation point. However, due to Typhoon No. 6, which had just struck Japan, they were unable to do their planned sightseeing in Kyoto. According to them, although they had visited shrines, this Tokyo tour was their first time visiting a Buddhist temple. At Sensoji Temple, one of the guests, who has asthma, avoided the smoke from the incense burner. When I introduced the Grant Pine (a Himalayan cedar) at Zojoji Temple, planted by General Grant, one of the guests mentioned that their own roots are connected to General Grant. They also referred to the story of when General Grant met General Lee of the Confederacy. Back in May, a guest I had guided was also a descendant of General Grant, so I was inwardly surprised. At Tokyo Tower, they wished to go up to the observation deck to look out over Tokyo. Taking in a 360-degree view from a height of 150 meters, they seemed to realize with amazement the sheer scale of the city of Tokyo. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I helped photograph the guests as they strode across the intersection, which they greatly enjoyed.
For lunch, we satisfied our appetites with egg sandwiches and rice balls bought along the way at a convenience store, and since we did not spend time on a sit-down restaurant lunch, we ended up with more time to spare than planned. We took a short stroll along the Ginza pedestrian promenade, and just before returning to the international cruise terminal, the guests thoroughly enjoyed the view from the observation deck at Odaiba Seaside Park. They took many photos of the Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge, and more. Tomorrow, they plan to disembark and stay at a Hotel, spend another day sightseeing in Tokyo, and, before returning home, take the Shinkansen for a day trip to Kyoto, which they were unable to visit.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
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!
Sep 10, 2026
Sonal_G
Noripy is just the best
Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Noripy is such a…
Sep 10, 2026
Sonal_G
Noripy is just the best
Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Noripy is such a great guide and just a wonderful human being that felt like an old friend. We had first visited Tokyo eight years ago, so we had not planned on getting a tour, but we felt like we got both a Food Tour and a cultural tour with her and we were so grateful for both. My daughter is moving to Japan, and so we were excited to be here but we were disappointed that we had not been able to find vegetarian food as easily. Noripy had tips and tricks and language she suggested we use and helped us with our first vegan ramen which was excellent. I highly recommend anything you can do with a Noripy, you should run and go do it! She trained at Boston University and international relations, and had ties with both my daughters from her schooling which tickled us with delight. She is a spry woman and the kindest soul and I’m so glad our paths crossed as Tokyo came to life through her welcoming eyes. We were nervous about going on this tour because we had a bad experience with a different tour with someone else the night before, but she restored our faith in humanity and tour guides and that was a tall order.
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….