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.
Tour Itinerary
- 1. 9:00 Meet @Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi
- 2. 9:10 @Roppongi (intersection, Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, National Art Center, Aoyama Cemetery)
- 3. 10:30 @Meiji Shrine (including the Inner Garden)
- 4. 12:00 @Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Sakuradamon Gate)
- 5. 12:45 Arrive @Sushi-making experience class
- 6. 12:50 Disband @Class (hand over to class staff)
Title: What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Roppongi, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace
The guests were visitors from North America, coming to Japan for the first time. They took advantage of a two-week holiday to realize a long-held interest in visiting Japan. One of the guests had visited Japan the previous spring with other members of the group and family, had loved the country, and made this current trip with another member of the group possible. Since their accommodation was in Roppongi, before boarding the subway I guided them through the National Art Center and on to Aoyama Cemetery. I had originally intended only to mention it, but the fresh greenery was beautiful, and one of the guests, who loves nature, requested to visit. I guided them to the Hachiko monument at the grave of Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, who was the owner of the loyal dog Hachiko, and to the foreigners' cemetery — related to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue that the guests had already explored on their own the previous day. Together with the fresh greenery of Aoyama Cemetery, they were very pleased. They also greatly enjoyed the forest of Meiji Shrine for its greenery and solemn atmosphere. The guests each purchased many amulets. Thinking it was the season when irises begin to bloom, I also guided them to the Imperial Garden. There, about one-third of the area was in full bloom with irises, which was very beautiful and delighted the guests. At the Imperial Palace, we viewed the Nijubashi Bridge and Main Gate before passing through Sakuradamon, then took the Yurakucho Line to Kojimachi, the venue for a sushi-making experience class. I handed them over to the staff there and said goodbye.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Tour & Sushi Roll Making, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Nijubashimae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station～Kojimachi 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!
Sep 10, 2026
Sonal_G
Noripy is just the best
Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Noripy is such a…
Sep 10, 2026
Sonal_G
Noripy is just the best
Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Noripy is such a great guide and just a wonderful human being that felt like an old friend. We had first visited Tokyo eight years ago, so we had not planned on getting a tour, but we felt like we got both a Food Tour and a cultural tour with her and we were so grateful for both. My daughter is moving to Japan, and so we were excited to be here but we were disappointed that we had not been able to find vegetarian food as easily. Noripy had tips and tricks and language she suggested we use and helped us with our first vegan ramen which was excellent. I highly recommend anything you can do with a Noripy, you should run and go do it! She trained at Boston University and international relations, and had ties with both my daughters from her schooling which tickled us with delight. She is a spry woman and the kindest soul and I’m so glad our paths crossed as Tokyo came to life through her welcoming eyes. We were nervous about going on this tour because we had a bad experience with a different tour with someone else the night before, but she restored our faith in humanity and tour guides and that was a tall order.
Jul 3, 2026
Jody D
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Best Post cruise tour ever
It was…
Jul 3, 2026
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…
June 19, 2026
Alec T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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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….