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Tokyo 4hr Private Tour: Explore Modern and Traditional Sights with Certified Guide
4.9
786 Ratings
Asakusa
Experience the best of modern and traditional Tokyo in just 4 hours with a certified guide! Create a customized itinerary to explore this dynamic city.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Asakusa - This tour offers a more efficient way to explore Tokyo in a single day. Start at your hotel and proceed to any destination of your choice.
- Imperial Palace - This tour offers a more efficient way to explore Tokyo in a single day. Start at your hotel and proceed to any destination of your choice. Note that entry inside the palace is not permitted.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most beloved parks. Just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, the park’s expansive lawns, winding paths, and serene scenery provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. In spring, it becomes one of the top spots in Tokyo to view cherry blossoms.
- Shibuya Crossing - This tour offers a more efficient way to explore Tokyo in a single day. Start at your hotel and proceed to any destination of your choice.
- Tsukiji Fish Market - This tour offers a more efficient way to explore Tokyo in a single day. Start at your hotel and proceed to any destination of your choice.
- Meiji Jingu Shrine - This tour offers a more efficient way to explore Tokyo in a single day. Start at your hotel and proceed to any destination of your choice.
- 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. Recently, Akihabara has also become a hub for Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture, with many stores dedicated to anime and manga interspersed among the electronics shops. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the 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. Constructed in the early Edo Period (1600-1867) at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family, the garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging rulers to seek pleasure only after ensuring the happiness of their people. Koishikawa is the district where the garden is located.
- Hama Rikyu Gardens - Hama Rikyu (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū) is a large, beautiful landscape garden in central Tokyo. Situated alongside Tokyo Bay, Hama Rikyu features seawater ponds that change with the tides and a teahouse on an island where visitors can relax and enjoy the view. The traditional garden contrasts sharply with 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 Japan’s oldest and largest national museum, alongside the Kyoto National Museum, the Nara National Museum, and the Kyushu National Museum. Established in 1972 at Yushima Seido Shrine, it moved to its current location in Ueno Park a few years later. The museum boasts one of Japan’s most extensive collections of art and archaeological artifacts, with over 110,000 items, including nearly a hundred national treasures. Around 4,000 items from the permanent collection are displayed at any given time, and 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 vibrant and popular Buddhist temple in Asakusa. According to legend, in 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, from the Sumida River. Despite returning the statue to the river, it always came back to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess Kannon, and 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. Built around 1700 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, Rikugien means “six poems garden” and recreates 88 scenes from famous poems in miniature. The garden is a prime example of an Edo Period strolling garden, featuring 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, offering wide lawns, ponds, and forested areas. It’s an excellent spot for jogging, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. While Yoyogi Park has fewer cherry trees compared to other Tokyo sites, it is still a pleasant place for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Additionally, its ginkgo tree forest turns a brilliant gold in autumn.
- Takeshita Street - Harajuku (原宿) refers to the area around Tokyo’s Harajuku Station, located 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 heart of Harajuku’s teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) and its side streets, lined with trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothing stores, crepe stands, and fast food outlets catering to fashion-conscious teens.
- Odaiba District - Odaiba (お台場) is a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Originally a series of small fort islands (daiba means “fort”) built in the late Edo Period (1603-1868) to protect Tokyo from sea attacks, the islands were later joined by massive landfills. Tokyo began an ambitious development project in the 1980s to transform the islands into a futuristic residential and business district. However, development slowed significantly after the burst of the “bubble economy” in the early 1990s, leaving Odaiba nearly vacant.
- Shibamata - Shibamata (柴又) is a neighborhood on Tokyo’s eastern edge, near the Edogawa River, which forms the natural border between Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. The town retains its nostalgic charm and offers a perfect escape from modern Tokyo. One of the main attractions is the Shibamata Taishakuten Temple, located near the station.
- Nezu - Miraculously spared from major damage during world wars and natural disasters, Yanaka and Nezu—two neighborhoods that make up shitamachi, Tokyo’s old downtown—retain their early 20th-century charm. Historical sites like Yanaka Cemetery and Nezu Shrine are nestled among shitamachi’s narrow alleys, traditional wooden houses, izakaya pubs, cozy coffee shops, and retro stores selling old-fashioned sweets and snacks. Visitors can experience a slower-paced, more genteel Tokyo here.
- Shinjuku Golden Gai - Golden Gai is believed to have originated around 1950 when the black market that had emerged in front of Shinjuku Station relocated, and numerous eating and drinking establishments set up shop in the new area. Despite Shinjuku’s significant modernization, Golden Gai has remained largely unchanged. The narrow alley is filled with countless signs advertising various establishments, many housed in wooden buildings from the Showa Era. Most measure only around thirteen square meters (142 square feet). It’s a dim, lively place filled with the aroma of grilling meats. Despite the abundance of modern restaurants in Shinjuku, this little alley continues to attract foreign tourists. Golden Gai is a popular “un-touristy” tourist spot.
- Tokyo Tower - Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, built in 1958. Standing at 332.9 meters, it is the second-tallest structure in Japan.
- Gotokuji Temple - Gotokuji Temple, located 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 become popular worldwide among cat lovers.
What's Included
- 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
What's Not Included
- 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.
Additional Information
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.
Location
Asakusa
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(786 Ratings)
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Mary_c
Jul 28, 2024
Excellent tour with Sachi! - We had the best afternoon with Sachi showing us around Tokyo on our first day in Japan back in December. Sachi was excellent and it was the best welcome to Japan!
Review provided by Viator
Eivinds2017
Jul 27, 2024
Guided tour - We had a splendid trip with our guide Sam, he showed us Asakusa and Tsukiji fish market, very friendly and full of knowledge. Had sushi at a fantastic local restaurant. Fantastic experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_k
Jul 26, 2024
Fantastic - Tani, went above and beyond for us during our trip. We were incredibly fortunate to have such a caring, supportive, respectful, and knowledgeable tour guide. As a first-time wheelchair user, Tani expertly navigated both the Tokyo railway system and the city itself. We visited Meiji Jingu Shrine. We couldn't finish all the tour because the trip on the train took longer then anticipated. However we had a fantastic lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant.
On our return to the hotel, I realized I had left my mobile phone in the taxi. Tani stayed with us and guided us through the necessary steps to retrieve it, and I couldn’t believe that my phone was returned safely.
This holiday has been a true eye-opener for both my nephew and me. Japan, its people, and its culture represent the best of humanity. My nephew is reluctant to leave and has placed Japan at the very top of his list of unforgettable experiences, and Tani played a pivotal role in making this happen.
I wholeheartedly recommend this tour and strongly encourage you to request Tani as your guide; he is truly exceptional in every way.
Review provided by Viator
D8528eyjoshual
Jul 26, 2024
One of the Best Tours Ever - Everything was incredible, it was tailored to what we wanted to see primarily and then your guide could suggest extra places if time permits. Our guide Show was amazing, came to our hotel and took us to the nearest station and along the way explained everything from the tiniest things to the largest making it super informative. We visited serene places and he helped us get in, get water, etc. Show was an overall amazing person and whoever he gets assigned to next would be lucky to have him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darlene_e
Jul 25, 2024
Knowledge with pictures - Shun is extremely knowledgeable and brought written materials with explanations. Very accommodating and personable.
Review provided by Viator
Venture826497
Jul 24, 2024
Walking tour of harajuku, Shibuya crossing, matcha tea and shopping - Lily is an amazing tour guide. She was very helpful with showing us how to navigate the train system as well all the historical history. Our favorite was takasheeta st and harajuku. Highly recommend Lily she is so sweet and informational about Japaneses culture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X6220iilarso
Jul 24, 2024
Very nice guy! - Our guide was very helpful and nice. He took us several places and we had a lot of fun together. While traveling to different locations he taught Japanese to us so we could try and order food or say thank you and such
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beritlundo
Jul 22, 2024
Excellent Tokyo-guide - Bruce Sugano was a great guide for our 4-hour tour in Tokyo. He was pleasant, attentive to our needs and had answers to all of our questions. He spoke excellent english and was also able to teach us some japanese words.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wander47807688793
Jul 22, 2024
Tokyo guide - We were so lucky to get Bruce-san as our guide for our Tokyo trip. A very informative, helpful, experienced and funny guy with a lot og lokal knowledge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sverreb666
Jul 24, 2024
Tokyo privat tour July 2024 - Very nice private tour, with a nice guy. Lots of knowledge and a good balance between lecture and just showing the different spots.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
