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. 8:00 Meet up @The Westin Tokyo
- 2. 9:00 @Meiji Shrine
- 3. 10:30 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
- 4. 11:30 @Tsukiji Market (food walk)
- 5. 12:30 @Higashi-Ginza (Kabukiza Theatre)
- 6. 13:00 @Akihabara
- 7.13:15 Disband @Yodobashi Akiba
Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Akihabara
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had just completed a cruise around Southeast Asian countries lasting about three weeks, arriving in Tokyo via Osaka the day before, and planned to fly home the following evening. Since they were not very interested in temples, we decided not to visit Asakusa, which had originally been part of the plan. The guests seemed to enjoy the forest of Meiji Shrine. For personal reasons they did not offer prayers, but experienced the custom by observing how I, as the guide, performed it. In front of the Meoto Kusu (the paired camphor trees), when I explained that they are a symbol of marital bonds, the guests took photographs. At the Imperial Palace, which we added to the itinerary, one of the guests listened intently to my explanation of Japanese history. At Tsukiji Market, some of the guests focused on shops featured on social media, purchasing various tuna sets at a tuna specialty shop and thoroughly enjoying them. Although there was a long line at the popular shop, the guests were very pleased to be able to taste the tuna sushi they had been hoping for after waiting about 15 minutes. Upon arriving at the next stop, Akihabara Station, we all had waffles from a shop located right outside the ticket gate.
In Akihabara, the guests were captivated by the first electronics store we entered, and some of the group carefully looked through various toys, eager to buy souvenirs for family back home. Since they wanted to take their time shopping, they kindly told me, the guide, that I could head home a little earlier than planned, and we parted ways. After shopping to their satisfaction in Akihabara, they mentioned they would also head to Ginza to enjoy more leisurely shopping.
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 Ginza Line Ebisu Station～Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station (Fukutoshin Line connecting with Toyoko Line) | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Hibiya Station～Tsukiji Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi-Ginza Station～Akihabara Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
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
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
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…
June 19, 2026
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….
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!…
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!