Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Noripy

What Is a Private One-Day Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. One member of the group, who served as the leader of the trip, had extensive experience traveling to various Asian countries through their work. Unfortunately it turned into a rainy day, so everyone brought umbrellas from the Hotel before we set off. Since there was also a fair amount of wind in the morning, I kept the walking portions where we got out of the vehicle as limited to specific spots as possible. At the start, it turned out that the driver, named Vladimir, was originally from Ukraine, which drew applause from the guests and created a lively atmosphere. The guests had strong sympathies toward supporting Ukraine, and there was much conversation and warmth in the vehicle, so we were able to start with a great sense of unity. From inside the vehicle, I could hear them expressing surprise at how clean the streets of Japan were.

On the way from the Hotel in Shibuya toward the Imperial Palace, we were able to see a tunnel of cherry blossoms along the central avenue of Aoyama Cemetery, and although only for a very short time, we got out and took photos. They were amazed by its beauty. What surprised them even more with the cherry blossoms was the view of Chidorigafuchi seen just after exiting the Tayasumon Gate of Kitanomaru Park. With the cherry trees blooming toward the surface of the moat and the gate in the background, they took many photos, both in smaller groups and all together. They also talked about sharing the smartphone photos each had taken in a shared album.

For lunch, although they had eaten a hearty breakfast, they strongly wished to try something delicious and local. So I explained that Asakusa is famous for tempura, and we went to "Aoi Marushin," which is well known for tempura. They were very satisfied and found it delicious. They were also greatly impressed by the taste of the takuan pickles. One of the guests had ordered vegetable tempura but was served three pieces of shrimp tempura instead, which caused some initial confusion, but another guest shared their new-onion tempura, and since the shrimp tempura was also delicious, they ended up satisfied. Meiji Jingu, which I had suggested in the morning we might visit if time allowed, did not seem likely to fit within the 6-hour tour, but the group, still full of energy, said they wanted to go and could catch a taxi back on their own afterward. So we got out at the Harajuku Station side entrance of Meiji Jingu, parted with the vehicle there, and I guided them through the shrine grounds myself. Furthermore, since it matched my own way home, we headed together to Shibuya on the Yamanote Line, and I was able to see them off to the Hotel near the station. The weather was not kind, with the rain that had once stopped starting again, but perhaps because of that the tourist spots felt somewhat less crowded, and it seemed to be a tour the guests were satisfied with, having encountered the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

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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!