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 Westin Tokyo
  • 2. 10:40 @Drugstore (near Hamamatsucho Station)
  • 3. 11:00 @Zojoji Temple
  • 4. 11:30 @Tokyo Tower
  • 5. 11:50 @Ginza (Kabukiza Theatre, 4-chome Intersection, Ginza Main Street)
  • 6. 12:30 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge)
  • 7.13:00 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Marunouchi Side of Station Building)
  • 8. 13:10 Lunch @Kamachiku Udon (Gransta Yaesu)
  • 9. 13:50 @Chidorigafuchi
  • 10. 14:30 @Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
  • 11. 15:00 @Meiji Shrine
  • 12. 15:50 Dismissal @In front of JR Ebisu Station ticket gate

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Zojoji, Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossoms, and Shibuya

The guests were visitors currently living in Oceania. They appeared to be seasoned travelers, having come to Tokyo directly from their previous stop in Asia. One of the guests had visited Japan many times before, while the trip marked a first visit to Japan for another in the group. The group was joining a golf-focused tour, with a friend from North America also taking part. Following this Tokyo sightseeing day, they planned to stay in Tokyo while enjoying seven days of golf at courses in nearby Kanagawa and Ibaraki Prefectures, and afterward to spend about four days in Kyoto.

Shortly after the tour began, one of the guests asked me for help purchasing some specific cosmetics. At the first destination, a large drugstore near Zojoji Temple, we found the items and purchased two. One was bought duty-free, and the other, intended for use during the stay in Japan, was purchased without the tax exemption. In any case, one of their goals was achieved right away, and they seemed very pleased.

When I introduced the Himalayan cedar planted by General Grant at Zojoji Temple, it turned out that the guests had a particularly deep connection to General Grant. The group shared that, having grown up in North America, they had often visited the general's birthplace and childhood home in their youth, as well as places associated with the general when traveling to a neighboring area. They took many photographs, including the scenery combining the temple with Tokyo Tower, the Jizo statues, and the cherry blossoms in full bloom in front of them.

When I guided the group to Chidorigafuchi for cherry blossom viewing, they were amazed by the fully blooming cherry trees, and even asked me to confirm the name of the spot and mark it on a map so they could recommend it to their friend arriving from North America the next day. So I marked it on a map I had on hand and gave it to them. As is typical of famous cherry blossom spots, it was quite crowded, though not as much as on weekends. We walked through the path from the Kudanshita side to the Hanzomon side, and headed to our next destination, Shibuya, boarding the Hanzomon Line at Hanzomon Station.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainEbisu~Hamamatsucho210JPY
Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station~Higashi-ginza Station700JPY
Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Tozai Line Otemachi Station~Kudanshita Station0JPY
Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Hanzomon Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
Section 6TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
Section 7TrainHarajuku~Ebisu160JPY
Total1,230JPY

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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