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 @Aloft Tokyo Ginza
  • 2. 9:30 @Meiji Shrine
  • 3. 10:50 @Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
  • 4. 11:30 @Shinjuku (3D signage on the east exit side of Shinjuku Station, Kabukicho Godzilla Head)
  • 5. 12:20 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
  • 6. 13:00 @Tokyo Station (Marunouchi side)
  • 7. 13:20 Lunch @Tempura Iyasaka (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building)
  • 8. 14:20 @Zojoji Temple
  • 9. 14:40 @Tokyo Tower
  • 10. 15:05 Dismissal @Aloft Tokyo Ginza

What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like for Guests Visiting Family in Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Their main purpose was to visit relatives in Japan, with sightseeing arranged around that trip. Tokyo was the final sightseeing destination of their journey, and while they seemed a little tired from the travels, some of the guests were visiting Japan for the first time and were very much looking forward to the sightseeing. They had regularly enjoyed watching short videos on social media, so they were delighted to actually see the 3D signage cat in Shinjuku and the Godzilla Head in Kabukicho. In Shibuya, while viewing the Scramble Crossing, they happened upon a Star Wars display on the first floor of a coffee shop and took many commemorative photos. One of the guests was also visiting Tokyo for the first time, and when we visited Nijubashi at the Imperial Palace, they remarked with deep emotion, "This is the place I always saw on the TV news." They walked with a firm and steady gait, and at Zojoji Temple, which we visited after lunch, they went up and down the stairs to the main hall without any trouble. For lunch, I guided them to the fifth floor of a building near Tokyo Station and let them choose whatever they liked. One of the guests requested tempura, and at the same time ordered sashimi as a favorite as well, even taking on what the rest of the group could not finish, so that everyone ate everything and was satisfied. One of the guests shared memories of being strictly taught how to hold chopsticks as a child, and so, of course, none of the guests had any difficulty using chopsticks. A family trip like this together was said to be rare, and there seemed to be a sense that this trip to Japan might be the last such opportunity. After spending a relaxing time with relatives, they traveled through Osaka and Kyoto and took the Shinkansen toward Tokyo, and they shared memories of the trip, including seeing Mount Fuji from the train window. The day after this tour they were going to Tokyo Disneyland, and how to spend the remaining day was undecided. They were scheduled to return home over the weekend.

As an aside, when the conversation turned to baseball, I did not know the details of the American Major Leagues, and hearing that they were from a certain region, I carelessly asked, "So do you support the Dodgers?" They replied that they support a different team and that the Dodgers are rivals. That said, they said they love Shohei Ohtani.

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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