Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Noripy
October, 2026
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
- ２．10:20 @ Zojoji Temple
- ３．11:00 @ Tokyo Tower (including Main Deck)
- ４．12:00 @ Shibuya (Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
- ５．12:20 Lunch @ Kagoshima Cuisine Maruman (inside Shibuya FUKURAS)
- ６．13:00 @ Mega Don Quijote
- ７．13:45 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge・Main Gate)
- ８．14:10 From the car window @ Tokyo Station Marunouchi side
- ９．14:40 Akihabara (AKIBA Cultures ZONE, Yodobashi Akiba)
- １０．16:00 Disband @ Hotel Okura Tokyo Bay
Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Cruise Ship Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time, having arrived by cruise ship via Alaska. A port call in northern Japan, such as Aomori, had been planned but was canceled due to a typhoon. After this tour in Tokyo, they planned to stay at a hotel near Tokyo Disney Resort, enjoy two days at Disney, and then use the same hotel as a base to explore Tokyo a little more.
The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal was crowded with disembarking cruise passengers, but thanks to communication via a messaging app, we met up smoothly and were able to depart about 10 minutes ahead of schedule. The driver was also very polite and kind, and the itinerary proceeded smoothly throughout.
The itinerary was arranged by adding Zojoji Temple and the Imperial Palace to the guests' requests. At Zojoji Temple, the first stop, although they had already visited several temples and shrines around Japan, purifying themselves at the water basin using a ladle was a first-time experience. They took photos enthusiastically of the Grant pine and the contrasting scenery of old and new created by Tokyo Tower and the main hall. They also went inside the main hall and took in the solemn atmosphere. Blessed with wonderful clear autumn weather, we also went up to the observation deck of Tokyo Tower, which was not originally planned, and they enjoyed the view.
They enjoyed souvenir shopping at Don Quijote in Shibuya and in Akihabara. In Akihabara, since one of the guests was interested in anime, I first guided them to AKIBA Cultures ZONE, but they seemed overwhelmed by the sheer variety of goods. Next, at Yodobashi Akiba, they purchased some cute character goods.
Finally, I saw them off at their hotel as planned, bringing the tour to a successful close. At the time of parting, some of the guests mentioned an interest in experiencing the bullet train and sightseeing around Mount Fuji, and asked whether there were any nearby places they could visit. I suggested that they could take the bullet train to Odawara (plus Hakone) or Mishima, and we said our goodbyes.
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
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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
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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
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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….