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 @Hotel Takanawa
  • 2. 10:30 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
  • 3. 11:30 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
  • 4. 12:00 Lunch @Suju Dining (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building)
  • 5. 13:30 @Ginza (including shopping at Tokyu Plaza, Kyukyodo, Ginza Mitsukoshi)
  • 6. 15:00 @Meiji Shrine
  • 7. 16:30 Dismissal @Hotel Takanawa

What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Meiji Shrine

The guest was visiting Japan for the first time, traveling in connection with a business trip by a member of the group who works for a healthcare-related company. On the way to the Sakuradamon Gate of the Imperial Palace, while I was explaining the National Diet Building that came into view, the conversation turned to a recent national election, and the guest mentioned, "I voted before coming to Japan," which led to a talk about a presidential election overseas. Afterward, we walked toward Tokyo Station, and since it was just around noon, the guest enjoyed a Japanese-style lunch at a nearby restaurant. The hayashi rice that was ordered was enjoyed with the comment, "This is delicious!" The guest wanted to bring family members here next time and repeatedly checked the name of the restaurant. In the afternoon, the guest wished to purchase Shiseido cosmetics, so at Ginza Mitsukoshi a specialist staff member performed a skin analysis using the latest equipment. Based on those results, the guest purchased a tax-free set of basic skincare products suited to their own skin. Also, because it started to rain in the afternoon, we changed the original plan and decided to visit Rikugien Garden the next day, heading instead to Meiji Shrine. At the souvenir shop there, the guest bought a kabuto (samurai helmet) doll for a grandchild, and at Ginza Kyukyodo they purchased Japanese-style postcards for another grandchild, making it a day of buying many souvenirs. For the member of the group traveling together, the guest bought Taiwanese castella cake at Ginza Tokyu Plaza.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainJR Yamanote Line Shinagawa Station~Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station350JPY
Section 2TrainTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station~Ginza Station180JPY
Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ginza Station~Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station180JPY
Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station~Shinagawa Station180JPY
Total890JPY

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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