Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Noripy

What Is a 6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour of Japanese Gardens and Tsukiji Market Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest's initial request was to visit Tsukiji Market plus three gardens — Hamarikyu, Rikugien, and Koishikawa Korakuen — within a 6-hour tour. Because the guest was elderly, we had agreed in advance to decide the day's itinerary within a feasible range, taking into account the weather and the guest's condition on the day. When we met, the guest was still active and prominent. In earlier years the guest had played American football. The guest had extensive experience visiting Japan and mentioned having an office not far from a hotel. However, the guest was always busy with work, and this time had added an extra day after finishing business to devote to this tour. The purpose was to visit several Japanese gardens as a reference for creating a garden at the guest's home in North America. Originally from North America, the guest now lives at homes in North America depending on the season. The garden at one home was already complete, and the guest had a specific wish to reference the layout of Japanese gardens when creating the garden at another home. After enjoying a breakfast of salmon and tuna rice bowls at Tsukiji Market, we first visited Hamarikyu Gardens, where the guest enthusiastically observed the three-hundred-year-old pine and other trees and flowers. The guest had never been here before and was delighted, but for the personal garden plan wished to see a somewhat smaller-sized garden. Since both of the originally planned gardens were large and required time to reach, I suggested nearby, somewhat smaller options — Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens and the garden at Happoen, which displays wonderful bonsai — and the guest very much wanted to visit them. In the end, the guest was very pleased with both gardens. At Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens, the guest was moved by the rock arrangements and took many photos. The guest also commented on the beauty of the recreation of the Xihu causeway. Furthermore, when I mentioned the surrounding high-rise buildings that did not exist in the Edo period, the guest preferred a Japanese garden with modern high-rises as borrowed scenery. We accessed Happoen by taxi, and the facility, which had just reopened after renovation on October 1, was a first experience even for me as a guide. It had changed greatly. After a light lunch, we strolled through the garden. The carp in the pond were overwhelmingly large nishikigoi. We strolled while carefully observing the strolling-style garden, which uses the elevation of the land to enjoy waterfalls and ponds. It was also a great surprise to see two groups of Western guests taking commemorative photos in kimono. We could see that a wedding reception was being held inside the Kochuan building, and the guest was surprised, remarking, "So they hold these even on weekdays." The guest also admired the splendid bonsai and was very satisfied, saying, "Thank you for recommending this." The guest seemed full of ideas about the garden layout and how well Japanese trees might grow in the Florida-like climate.

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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!