Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour — Guide Noripy

Title: What's a Private Off-the-Beaten-Path Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America, including one member visiting Japan for the first time. This stay of a few days was arranged around participation in the Tokyo International Marathon. Having already visited Japan for sightseeing about three years earlier, the group had seen most of the major attractions, and the first-time visitor among them had also toured the main Tokyo highlights before this tour. For this off-the-beaten-path tour, no specific destinations were requested; the guests simply wished to add somewhere a little different. As my suggestion, we first went to Otemachi to purchase NEX tickets for the member departing for Narita that afternoon, as well as for the others leaving Japan two days later, then took the Yamanote Line to Takanawa Gateway Station. After introducing the station's futuristic design and the exhibit of the Takanawa embankment discovered during development, we visited Sengakuji Temple, famous for the graves of the 47 Ako loyal retainers. There we experienced offering incense at the graves of the 47 retainers and Asano Takumi-no-kami. Returning to Takanawa Gateway Station, we rode a guidance robot and enjoyed the view over Tokyo Bay from the rooftop garden of Nowoman, a newly opened commercial facility in front of the station. Since the guests wished to end the tour at Otemachi Station at 1:30 to make the departure from Tokyo Station toward Narita in time, there was no time for a leisurely lunch. However, at the request of a guest who was a little hungry, at Ebisu Station where we transferred toward the next destination, the group chose curry bread (which I introduced as popular among Japanese people) and an onigiri. When I explained that eating while walking or on the train is not looked upon favorably, they immediately understood, quickly ate on the spot, and disposed of their trash in the bins provided. We transferred to the Hibiya Line and went to Roppongi. Passing through the basement supermarket of Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, one of the guests was surprised by white strawberries and purchased some. Next we walked through the National Art Center and headed to Aoyama Cemetery. We strolled while I introduced the foreign cemetery, the grave of Dr. Ueno where the Hachiko loyal dog memorial stands, the cherry-tree-lined path not yet in bloom, and enjoyed the plum blossoms already in full bloom. The guests were very fond of this visit, saying it was "really wonderful." Finally, after touching on the entrance fountain and architectural design of Tokyo Midtown, we hurried to the station and arrived at the Otemachi Station exit ten minutes before the promised time. It was a reassuring time to depart for Narita, and we parted with everyone smiling in satisfaction.

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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!