Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Noripy

Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like with a Licensed Guide? Meiji Jingu, Zojoji, Asakusa and Shinjuku

The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America, traveling as a group. Before this tour, they had already visited Shibuya and Tsukiji. This time they planned to base themselves in Tokyo rather than going to Kyoto, and instead planned a visit to Kamakura, so when asked for recommendations I suggested the Great Buddha of Kamakura and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. As a reason for choosing Japan as a destination, they mentioned their interest in Japan as well as the fact that Japan is a very baby-friendly country. Indeed, this time the little one drew a great deal of attention. For about half of the tour, the baby slept soundly in the stroller, but when carried through the streets, people of all ages we encountered (an older person who rode the same escalator, a middle-aged person who stood nearby on the JR train, and others) were charmed by how adorable the baby was and would speak to them and gently touch the baby's cheek. At a souvenir shop along Nakamise near Sensoji, several shop staff spotted the little one, gathered around, and gave a warm and delighted welcome. On the trains, we tried to use the wheelchair/stroller spaces as much as possible, but even elsewhere people actively offered their seats. Moreover, whenever a break was needed for the baby (diaper change and feeding), the timing somehow worked out perfectly (likely thanks to the increased number of multipurpose restrooms), and a restroom suitable for feeding was quickly found, so there was no need to wander around searching. The only exception was the restroom at Hamamatsucho Station, which had no diaper-changing bed, but there was a small counter, so I laid out a simple mat that had been brought along and was able to help with the diaper change.

In the morning, the meeting point was in front of the torii gate of Meiji Jingu, and I had designated the torii right next to Harajuku Station, but it turned out they were at the torii on the Kitasando side. Coordinating through a direct conversation on a messaging app, we were able to meet up near the first parking area. At Meiji Jingu, they experienced the purification fountain and offering a prayer, and at Zojoji they enjoyed taking a commemorative photo combining the Buddhist temple main hall with Tokyo Tower. When awake, the baby looked around at the surrounding scenery with great curiosity while being held.

For lunch, at an udon shop in Tokyo Station, they ordered chikuten udon and a large portion of niku udon. They were very satisfied, finding it delicious. Upon seeing a whole egg tempura on top of the udon, one of the guests remarked that it was the first time seeing egg tempura and looked eager to try it. During the meal, the baby stayed quietly asleep and woke up just as we were leaving the shop, a very well-timed little one. In Asakusa, after visiting Sensoji, the guests, who love matcha, made purchases and ordered a matcha latte at a tea shop, and were impressed that the quality was far higher than what could be found back home. They also mentioned that on a later day, when visiting teamLab Planets, they had booked a tea ceremony experience nearby.

Finally, I took them by the Chuo Line to Shinjuku Station, and when I showed them the 3D signage cat on the East Exit side, the guests were delighted. There we said our goodbyes. As "your grandmother in Japan," I spoke to the baby, saying "please come and visit Japan again," and we parted.

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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!