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. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Niwa Tokyo
- 2. 10:30 @Kitanomaru Park (Tayasu Gate, Chidorigafuchi Greenway)
- 3. 11:45 @Shinjuku Kabukicho (photo shoot at Godzilla Head)
- 4. 12:15 @Meiji Shrine
- 5. 13:15 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
- 6. 13:45 @Tokyo Station
- 7. 14:00 Lunch @Tokyo Station
- 8. 14:20 @Asakusa (Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, tea break at "Kaminari Issa", Sumida Park)
- 9. 16:10 Disband @Hotel Niwa Tokyo
What's a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Chidorigafuchi, and Shinjuku
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They shared that they were traveling to Japan in connection with an opportunity to visit family who were staying in Asia for a period of time, and that everyone in the group had a joyful reunion there. They kindly showed me photos of their family. After arriving in Japan, they had enjoyed Mount Fuji and Kyoto before this Tokyo tour. They mentioned that they had thoroughly enjoyed the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, but they were still delighted and pleasantly surprised by the cherry blossoms at Kitanomaru Park and Chidorigafuchi.
However, the highlight was the Godzilla Head in Shinjuku. They told me they had been longtime Godzilla fans for many years. Initially I had planned for them to view the Godzilla Head from the car window, but at their strong request, we got out for a photo session and took many pictures. One of the guests was especially excited, saying it would be a huge hit back home.
I mentioned beforehand that they need not feel obligated to take part in anything that differed from their own beliefs, but at Sensoji Temple they actively participated in the purification at the temizuya and in worship at the main hall, and they also enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes. For lunch they requested something light, so we went to an udon restaurant inside Tokyo Station. One of the guests had meat udon and another had tempura zaru udon, and they finished everything, saying it was delicious. In Asakusa they enjoyed matcha and hojicha ice cream.
Although this was a car tour, the driver was a veteran whom I had worked with before, so boarding and getting out went smoothly throughout, making for a very pleasant tour.
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!
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….
Jun 3, 2026
Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…
Jun 3, 2026
Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noripy gave a 5/5 tour! She provided useful instruction for public transport use, fascinating historical information, spiritual customs and current cultural practices- All with an infectious smile and never ending positive energy. Noripy’s tour allowed us to made the most of the rest of our time in Tokyo. I feel like we did 5 days of sightseeing in 6 hrs! But Noripy made sure to always check if we wanted a break. Our tour was customized for my 2 teenage kids and I, and if we saw or thought of something along the way that interested us, Noripy accommodated! I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Tokyo. And you will be extra lucky to get Noripy for your guide!