• Asakusa - Asakusa (浅草) is the heart of Tokyo’s shitamachi, or “low city,” a district where the essence of Tokyo from past decades is still alive.

The main highlight of Asakusa is Sensoji, a highly frequented Buddhist temple established in the 7th century. Visitors reach the temple through Nakamise, a shopping street that has been offering a variety of traditional local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.

• Imperial Palace - This tour does not include access to the interior of the Imperial Palace
  The current Imperial Palace is situated on the former site of Edo Castle, a vast park area encircled by moats and massive stone walls in central Tokyo, just a short walk from Tokyo Station. It serves as the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.

Edo Castle was once the seat of the Tokugawa shogun, who governed Japan from 1603 to 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the capital and imperial residence were relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo. The construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed in 1888. The palace was destroyed during World War Two and later rebuilt in the same style.

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most beloved parks. Located a short walk from Shinjuku Station, the park’s expansive lawns, winding walking paths, and serene scenery offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling urban center. In spring, Shinjuku Gyoen becomes one of the city’s top spots for cherry blossom viewing.
• Shibuya Crossing - Known locally as Shibuya Scramble, Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world and home to the famous statue of Hachiko the dog! Discover the story of this loyal dog and experience the vibrant energy of Tokyo up close! (The Hachiko statue may be inaccessible during Halloween week to prevent vandalism.)
• Tsukiji Fish Market - Tsukiji is Japan’s former fish market, brimming with delicious and unique foods. Both locals and tourists flock here to enjoy the excellent selection! Be sure to make a purchase to support local businesses! Tsukiji may be unavailable in December and early January due to market requests to halt tours during the holidays. Thank you for your understanding in advance.
• Meiji Jingu Shrine - Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Situated next to the busy Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park form a large forested area within the densely built city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The shrine was completed and dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the emperor’s passing and six years after the empress’s passing. The shrine was destroyed during World War Two but was rebuilt shortly thereafter.

• Akihabara - Akihabara (秋葉原), also known as Akiba after a former local shrine, is a central Tokyo district renowned for its numerous electronics shops. In recent years, Akihabara has also become recognized as the hub of Japan’s otaku (enthusiast) culture, with many shops and establishments dedicated to anime and manga now interspersed among the electronic stores. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the district’s main street, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March).
• Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園, Koishikawa Kōrakuen) is one of Tokyo’s oldest and finest Japanese gardens. It was constructed in the early Edo Period (1600-1867) at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. Like its counterpart in Okayama, the garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to seek pleasure only after ensuring the happiness of his people. Koishikawa is the district where the garden is located.
• Hama Rikyu Gardens - Hama Rikyu (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū) is a large, picturesque landscape garden in central Tokyo. Situated alongside Tokyo Bay, Hama Rikyu features seawater ponds that change level with the tides and a teahouse on an island where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. The traditionally styled garden stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the nearby Shiodome district.
• Tokyo National Museum - The Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館, Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) is the oldest and largest of Japan’s premier national museums, which also include the Kyoto National Museum, the Nara National Museum, and the Kyushu National Museum. It was initially established in 1972 at Yushima Seido Shrine and relocated to its current site in Ueno Park a few years later.

The Tokyo National Museum boasts one of the largest and finest collections of art and archaeological artifacts in Japan, comprising over 110,000 individual items, including nearly a hundred national treasures. At any given time, about 4,000 different items from the permanent collection are on display. Additionally, temporary exhibitions are held regularly. Excellent English information and audio guides are available.

• Senso-ji Temple - Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and popular temples.

Legend has it that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they returned the statue to the river, it always came back to them. As a result, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple.

• Rikugien Garden - Rikugien (六義園) is often regarded as Tokyo’s most beautiful Japanese landscape garden alongside Koishikawa Korakuen. Constructed around 1700 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, Rikugien literally means “six poems garden” and recreates in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems. The garden is a prime example of an Edo Period strolling garden and features a large central pond surrounded by manmade hills and forested areas, all connected by a network of trails.
• Yoyogi Park - Yoyogi Park (代々木公園, Yoyogi Kōen) is one of Tokyo’s largest city parks, featuring expansive lawns, ponds, and forested areas. It is an ideal spot for jogging, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.

Although Yoyogi Park has relatively few cherry trees compared to other sites in Tokyo, it offers a pleasant cherry blossom viewing experience in spring. Additionally, it is renowned for its ginkgo tree forest, which turns a brilliant golden hue in autumn.

• Takeshita Street - Harajuku (原宿) refers to the area around Tokyo’s Harajuku Station, situated between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. It is the epicenter of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for adults and some historical sights.

The focal point of Harajuku’s teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) and its side streets, which are lined with numerous trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothing stores, crepe stands, and fast food outlets catering to fashion and trend-conscious teens.

• Odaiba District - Odaiba (お台場) is a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It originated as a series of small man-made fort islands (daiba literally means “fort”), constructed towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868) to protect Tokyo from potential sea attacks, specifically in response to Commodore Perry’s gunboat diplomacy.

More than a century later, the small islands were merged into larger islands through massive landfills, and Tokyo embarked on a spectacular development project to transform the islands into a futuristic residential and business district during the extravagant 1980s. However, development slowed significantly after the “bubble economy” burst in the early 1990s, leaving Odaiba nearly vacant.

• Shibamata - Shibamata (柴又) is a neighborhood on Tokyo’s eastern edge, not far from the Edogawa River, which serves as the natural border between Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. The town retains its nostalgic charm from days gone by and offers a perfect escape from modern Tokyo. One of the main attractions is the Shibamata Taishakuten Temple, located near the station.
• Nezu - Having miraculously avoided major damage during world wars and natural disasters, Yanaka and Nezu—two neighborhoods that form part of shitamachi, Tokyo’s old downtown—retain their last-century charm. You’ll discover historical sites such as Yanaka Cemetery and Nezu Shrine nestled among shitamachi’s narrow back alleys, traditional wooden houses, izakaya pubs, atmospheric coffee shops, and retro stores selling old-fashioned sweets and snacks. Here, you can step back in time to a slower-paced, more genteel Tokyo.
• Shinjuku Golden Gai - Golden Gai is said to have originated around 1950 when the black market that had emerged in front of Shinjuku Station relocated, and a number of dining and drinking establishments set up shop in this new area. Although Shinjuku has undergone significant modernization since then, Golden Gai has remained largely unchanged.

The alley is narrow and crowded with countless signs advertising the various establishments lining the way. Many of the buildings are made of wood, remnants from the Showa Era. Most measure only about thirteen square meters (142 square feet). It’s a dim, lively place filled with the aromatic smoke of grilling meats. Despite the nearly endless number of sleek new restaurants available in Shinjuku, this little alley continues to attract foreign tourists. Golden Gai is a popular “un-touristy” tourist spot.

• Tokyo Tower - Access is limited to the main deck; the top deck is not included
  The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, constructed in 1958. Standing at 332.9 meters, it is the second-tallest structure in Japan.
• Gotokuji Temple - Gotokuji Temple, situated in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward, is a Buddhist temple believed to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, or “luck-inviting cat figurine.”

These small statues, depicting a cat sitting up and beckoning with its front paw, have gained popularity worldwide among cat enthusiasts.

• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Tokyo
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private Vehicle
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Join us for a streamlined, half-day exploration of Tokyo, guided by a government-certified, multilingual expert! They will acquaint you with both the modern and traditional facets of this bustling Japanese city.

Given the enormous expanse of Tokyo, one of the world’s vastest metropolises, a full-day tour could likely only cover a minor part, still leaving you astonished by the city’s scale. In Tokyo, you find a unique blend of the new and the old, and your expert private guide will facilitate a smooth and enjoyable half-day journey through this energetic Japanese capital.

Share your interests and preferences, and we shall tailor a four-hour excursion that suitably matches them!

Note*1: Please choose your preferred attractions from a list provided in the tour details to build your personalized itinerary.

Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification, awarded by the Japanese government, necessitates a thorough understanding and knowledge of Japanese culture and history.

• Tour dates can be changed up to 2 days before the tour. Any tour date change may result in a change of tour guide or tour unavailability.
• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.