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＠Tokyo Station
- 2. 10:05 ＠Tokyo Station
- 3. 10:30 ＠Imperial Palace (Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Tatsumi Turret)
- 4. 11:40 ＠Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Asakusa Shrine, Azuma Bridge)
- 5. 13:00 ＠Ginza (Ginza 4-chome Intersection, WAKO, Kabukiza Theatre)
- 6. 13:30 ＠Tsukiji Market
- 7. 13:45 Lunch＠Tsukiji Uogashi Food Court
- 8. 14:40 ＠Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- 9. 15:30 ＠Shibuya (Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
- 10. 15:50 ＠Nintendo (inside PARCO)
- 11. 16:20 Dismiss＠Shibuya Station JR Ticket Gate
Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji, Tsukiji, and Shinjuku Gyoen
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They kindly showed me photos of a snowy home. They were staying at a hotel and we met at Tokyo Station. Although the Imperial Palace had not been included in the itinerary during our advance planning, since it was only about a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station and they might not have another chance to visit Tokyo, I guided them to Nijubashi and the Main Gate. After this tour, they planned to enjoy a theme park for several days and then travel to another destination in Asia to visit a friend. In front of the Main Gate of the Imperial Palace, a changing of the guard by the Imperial Guard was taking place, and they took photographs. At Senso-ji Temple, they both tried drawing omikuji fortunes and were delighted to receive "good luck" and "small good luck." In Asakusa, I suggested that ramen could be an option for lunch, but there was interest in having sushi at Tsukiji, so we went via Ginza to the Tsukiji Market. After walking around the outer market, one of the guests mentioned eating fish but not raw fish, so in the end they had chicken ramen at Toritoh in the food court of Tsukiji Uogashi. At Shinjuku Gyoen, we strolled along a route from the Sendagaya Gate to the Okido Gate and enjoyed viewing the cherry blossoms. Although many of the blossoms had already fallen, quite a few trees could still be enjoyed, and the azaleas that were just beginning to bloom were also beautiful, which impressed them and led to many photographs. Finally, I guided them to a Nintendo shop (inside Shibuya Parco), which was of interest. They were overwhelmed by the long line in front of the cashier and did not make a purchase. After looking around the store, they decided to head back, so I saw them off at the ticket gate of Shibuya Station.
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 Hibiya Station～Ginza Line Asakusa Station | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Ginza Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Tsukiji Market～National Stadium | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station～Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 920JPY | ||
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…
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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
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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!
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….
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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!…
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!