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. 9:30 Meet up @ sequence MIYASHITA PARK
- 2. 10:00 @ Ginza (Kabukiza Theater, Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Mitsukoshi, Kyukyodo, Kimuraya, itoya)
- 3. 11:00 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Inui Street Walkthrough)
- 4. 12:20 @ Kitanomaru Park (Tayasumon Gate, Chidorigafuchi)
- 5. 13:00 Lunch @ Washoku En (inside Otemachi OAZO)
- 6. 13:40 @ Tokyo Station (Station Square, Station Building, Yaesu Exit)
- 7. 13:50 @ Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi (Basement Food Hall)
- 8. 14:30 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
- 9. 16:00 @ Hamarikyu
- 10. 17:00 @ Roppongi (The National Art Center, Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, Roppongi Hills)
- 11. 17:50 Disband @ Bus Stop in front of Roppongi Theater
What's a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of the Tokyo Imperial Palace Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The guest mentioned having gained knowledge about Japan through the series "Shogun" and "Tokyo Vice." While touring the Imperial Palace grounds via Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, and the Main Gate on the way toward Tokyo Station, we noticed that the Inui-dori passage through the Imperial Palace had just opened, and we could see the line of visitors waiting to enter. Since the weather was wonderful, I mentioned it to the guest, who said, "This is a once-a-year opportunity, so I'd like to go," and we slightly adjusted the original plan. We walked through Inui-dori and continued strolling through Kitanomaru Park toward Kudanshita Station, fully enjoying the various types of cherry blossoms blooming within the Imperial Palace grounds, the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees blooming toward the surface of the moat in front of Tayasumon Gate, and the cherry blossoms together with traditional Japanese architecture. For lunch near Tokyo Station, the guest ordered a sushi set meal and enjoyed it thoroughly. Afterward, at the basement food hall of the Nihonbashi Takashimaya department store, the guest focused on chocolate. Saying they were particular about chocolate, the guest purchased some made by a French chocolatier, remarking, "If it's this expensive, I'll have to enjoy it with the family." The best-before date was early November, which was reassuring. As a result, the tour ran longer than planned, but the guest commented that since the weather was reportedly not going to be good the next day, thanks to seeing so many places today, they could relax indoors tomorrow. At Roppongi Hills, I introduced the giant spider sculpture (Louise Bourgeois's work "Maman"), a similar one of which is also displayed at the Guggenheim Museum, and we parted as the guest boarded a bus bound for Shibuya Station at the nearby bus stop.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Tokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi-Ginza | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Kudanshita Station～Otemachi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station～Toei Oedo Line Shiodome Station | 220JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Toei Oedo Line Shiodome Station～Roppongi Station | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,140JPY | ||
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
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It was…
Jul 3, 2026
Jody D
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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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Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…
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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…
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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!