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 @The Okura Tokyo
- 2. 10:40 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
- 3. 11:40 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
- 4. 12:00 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Underground Food Court)
- 5. 12:50 Lunch @Suju Dining (inside Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
- 6. 14:00 @Tokyo Midtown Roppongi (Suntory Museum of Art Shop, Kiya, etc.)
- 7. 14:45 @The National Art Center, Tokyo
- 8. 15:00 @Hamarikyu Gardens
- 9. 15:45 @Ginza Main Street (Café Paulista, Shiseido, GSIX, Whisky Museum, Kyukyodo, NISSAN)
- 10. 16:45 Disband @The Okura Tokyo
**Title:** What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Imperial Palace, Hamarikyu, and Ginza
The guests were a group of colleagues who came to Japan from Europe. Most of the group had already visited Japan multiple times before. Their plan for the day after the tour was to visit Meiji Shrine early in the morning and then continue with their work, and the following day they were scheduled to head to another destination in Asia. When we met, we agreed to visit the Imperial Palace, and the group brought umbrellas and set out from the hotel. The weather forecast had predicted considerable rain, so I was concerned, but by the time we got off the subway and began walking in front of Sakuradamon Gate, the rain had nearly stopped, and it did not rain afterward, which was a great relief.
From the beginning, the guests had expressed a wish to enjoy a leisurely lunch over about two hours, so I guided them to Suju Dining inside Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, where they enjoyed a Japanese lunch. Since they were enthusiastically discussing work matters in their own language, I respected the conversation among the group and proceeded with the tour accordingly.
After the meal, I guided them to the specialty knife shop "Nihonbashi Kiya," where they eagerly examined Japanese kitchen knives, and one of the guests purchased a nail clipper. At the shop in the Suntory Museum of Art, although they did not make a purchase, the guests all admired the Edo glass with a base carved into the shape of Mount Fuji.
Next, we visited Hamarikyu Gardens and strolled through it at a relaxed pace, then walked to Ginza Chuo-dori and enjoyed the pedestrian paradise "Ginbura." They took many photos along Ginza Chuo-dori and at the Nissan showroom. Perhaps partly because they had enjoyed plenty of beer at lunch, the guests seemed to relax and thoroughly enjoy the stroll afterward.
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 | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Toranomon Hills Station～Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station～Hibiya Line Roppongi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Toei Oedo Line Roppongi Station～Shiodome Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ginza Station～Toranomon Hills Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
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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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.
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Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…
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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!
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Hema_R
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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….
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Sara B
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Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…
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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!