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

Asakusa’s main highlight is Sensoji, a highly popular Buddhist temple built in the 7th century. Visitors approach the temple via Nakamise, a shopping street that has been offering a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.

• 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 ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the capital and imperial residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. The construction of the new Imperial Palace was completed in 1888. The palace was destroyed during World War Two but was rebuilt in the same style afterward.

• 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 escape from the bustling urban center. In spring, Shinjuku Gyoen becomes one of the best spots in the city to view cherry blossoms.
• Shibuya Crossing - Known as the busiest crossing in the world, Shibuya Scramble is a marvel of modern urban life. Visitors can also see the loyal Hachiko dog statue here!
• Tsukiji Fish Market - Discover the historic fish market in Tokyo!
• 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. Located next to the JR Yamanote Line’s busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park form a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths perfect for a relaxing 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 district in central Tokyo famous for its numerous electronics shops. In recent years, Akihabara has also become recognized as the center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture, with many shops and establishments dedicated to anime and manga now interspersed among the electronic stores. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, 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 namesake in Okayama, the garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people. Koishikawa is the district where the garden is located.
• Hama Rikyu Gardens - Hama Rikyu (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū) is a large, attractive 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 rest and enjoy the scenery. The traditionally styled garden stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the adjacent 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 top-level national museums, which also include the Kyoto National Museum, the Nara National Museum, and the Kyushu National Museum. It was originally established in 1972 at Yushima Seido Shrine and moved to its current location 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. Despite returning the statue to the river, it always came back to them. Consequently, 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. Built 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, 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, featuring wide lawns, ponds, and forested areas. It is an excellent place for jogging, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.

Although Yoyogi Park has relatively few cherry trees compared to other sites in Tokyo, it is a lovely spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Additionally, it is known for its ginkgo tree forest, which turns a brilliant golden color 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 historic sights.

The focal point of Harajuku’s teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) and its side streets, which are 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. It originated as a set of small man-made fort islands (daiba literally means “fort”), built towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868) to protect Tokyo against potential sea attacks, specifically in response to the gunboat diplomacy of Commodore Perry.

More than a century later, the small islands were joined 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 burst of the “bubble economy” in the early 1990s, leaving Odaiba nearly vacant.

• Shibamata - Shibamata (柴又) is a neighborhood on the eastern edge of Tokyo, not far from the Edogawa River, which serves as the natural border between Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. The town retains its old-school charm from yesteryear and offers a perfect break 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 make up shitamachi, Tokyo’s old downtown—retain their last-century charm. Visitors will find historical sites such as Yanaka Cemetery and Nezu Shrine tucked away among shitamachi’s narrow back alleys, traditional wooden houses, izakaya pubs, atmospheric coffee shops, and retro stores selling old-style sweets and snacks. Here, one 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 moved, and a number of eating 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 that line the way. Many of the buildings are made of wood, remnants from the Showa Era. Most measure only around thirteen square meters (one hundred forty-two 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 - The retro-chic version of Tokyo Skytree! This vermillion tower has been a symbol of Tokyo for generations and can be seen in the background of many famous animes!
• Gotokuji Temple - Gotokuji Temple, located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, is a Buddhist temple said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, or “luck-inviting cat figurine.”

These small statues, which depict a cat sitting up and beckoning with its front paw, have become quite popular worldwide among cat lovers.

• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect
• Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Tokyo
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Private Vehicle
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses

Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour of Tokyo accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced English Speaking guide! Your guide will introduce both modern and traditional aspects of this dynamic city.

Due to the enormous size of Tokyo, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, a one-day tour would probably focus on one small area, which would still leave you in awe at the scale of the city. Tokyo is where you can experience both modern and traditional, and your experienced private guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full day in this dynamic Japanese capital. Let us know what you would like to experience, and we will customize a six-hour tour that’s best for you!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

• 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.