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. 10:30 @Ginza (Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Ginza Main Street)
  • 3. 11:00 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
  • 4. 11:30 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
  • 5. 12:00 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Basement Food Floor)
  • 6. 13:00 Lunch @Shibuya
  • 7. 14:00 @Meiji Jingu Shrine
  • 8. 14:45 @Harajuku Takeshita Street
  • 9. 15:00 @Piglet Cafe
  • 10. 16:00 Disband @The Okura Tokyo

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, Shibuya, and Harajuku

The guests conversed among themselves in their own language. The person who booked the tour came to Japan from North America, while the others gathered in Japan from various parts of the world, including Europe and the Middle East. They appeared to be participants connected to a business promotion meeting held in Japan. Some had already visited the Imperial Palace the previous day, but before heading there together today, we strolled around the Kabukiza Theatre and the area near the Ginza 4-chome intersection, where I explained landmarks such as WAKO, Mitsukoshi, the NISSAN showroom, Kyukyodo, and Kimuraya. They took many photos while walking. Afterward, from the Imperial Palace, we passed through Tokyo Station and went to Nihonbashi Takashimaya. In the basement food hall, they were amazed at the prices of premium fruits such as mangoes and cherries. One of the guests had visited Japan about thirty years earlier, though the memory had faded, and recalled a very Japanese scene of department store staff lined up to greet customers with "Irasshaimase" at opening time. In Shibuya, after viewing the Scramble Crossing from a second-floor window of the building leading to the Inokashira Line ticket gates, one of the guests departed from the tour to head to Ginza. The remaining three had a simple lunch of Hakata tonkotsu ramen at a casual, half-outdoor table, which they seemed to enjoy quite a bit. Everyone finished their meals. After visiting the Hachiko statue, we said goodbye to one guest who planned to watch sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan at three o'clock, seeing them off in a taxi. Although it was this person's first visit to Japan, they had become familiar with Japanese culture through NHK broadcasts overseas and had a strong interest in Japanese culture such as sumo. From our conversation in front of the Kabukiza Theatre, I could also tell they had a deep knowledge of kabuki.

Afterward, the tour continued with the final group of two guests, and we headed to the next destination, Meiji Shrine. They were moved by the trees of the shrine's forest. Continuing on to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, they were delighted by the various animal cafes, and when it came to the piglet cafe, they very much wanted to go in. Since it was not too crowded and entry without a reservation was possible, they had the experience—though only for about ten minutes—of holding a piglet on their lap and petting it. It seemed to be a truly memorable experience, and they were overjoyed. I took many photos of the guests enjoying themselves on each of their smartphones. By the time we left Harajuku, only about thirty minutes remained in the tour, so we skipped Hamarikyu, Zojoji Temple, and Tokyo Tower, and I saw the guests off at their hotel to say goodbye.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Toranomon Hills Station~Higashi-Ginza Station700JPY
Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station~Harajuku Station150JPY
Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Hibiya Line Toranomon Hills Station0JPY
Total850JPY

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!

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