If this is your first travel to Tokyo, you should take this tour. You can not only visit famous must-see spots but also understand the city, history, culture, and the life of the Tokyo people. Although I can recommend the basic tour itinerary, actual tour will be done according to your request, because this tour is custom made and you can select the place to visit.
At your hotel in Tokyo
Meiji-Jingu shrine – located near Harajyuku station. One of the biggest shrine in Tokyo and it is surrounded by sacred forest. Emperor Meiji and his wife, empress Shoken, are enshrined. It is the best place to understand and feel Japanese indigenous religion Shinto.
Asakusa – it is the most crowded place by the foreign visitors. Main place is Senso-ji Temple. Its main gate Kaminari-mon gate (or Thunder Gate), where a red huge lantern hangs, and two deities of Fu-jin (God of wind) and Rai-Jin (God of Thunder) are probably most famous place in Tokyo and the landmark of Asakusa. You may find the traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise shopping Street in front of the main hall of Sensoji Temple. You may understand the Buddhism and Temple in contrast to the Shintoism and Shrine.
Tokyo Skytree – Built near Asakusa area in 2012 and the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world with 634 m height. There are two observation decks at the level of 350 m and 450 m. You can enjoy the beautiful city view with Mt. Fuji also if weather is fine in winter.
Tsukuji Fish Market (Outer Market) – Tsukiji used to be the biggest wholesale market in the world. Although the wholesale market has moved to Toyosu area in 2018, Tsukiji is still provide us the fresh fishes, meats, vegetables and lovely nice seafoods. You may select delicious sushi restaurant for your lunch.
Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace & East Garden – Tokyo station is the gateway of Japan made by red bricks and important from the cultural and architectural point of view. Imperial palace is normally closed for public and visitors only can see the entrance bridge named Nijubashi Bridge. If time allows, the East Garden of Imperial Palace where former Edo castle was built is a nice garden to walk. Sumrai buildings in Edo period and beautiful Japanese style garden can be seen.
Ueno Park – It is the first public park in Japan. Many museums such as Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Western Art are located. There are also historical buildings such as Ueno Toshogu shrine, Five story Pagoda of Kaneiji Temple. You can see the cute Panda at the Ueno Zoo. Ameyoko Shopping Street is also located in Ueno.
Tokyo Tower & Zojo-ji Temple – Built in 1958 and was the tallest tower before the completion of Tokyo Sky Tree. Its height is 333 m and two observation decks are located at 150 m and 250m. Because it is located at the center of the city, you can enjoy the magnificent view. Zojo-ji Temple is located near Tokyo Tower. If you have no time to go to Asakusa & Sky Tree, Tokyo Tower & Zojo-ji Temple is alternative option.
Ginza Street – Famous shopping street. You can find world famous luxury boutiques such as Chanel and Dior.
Shibuya – Famous for the most crowded PED crossing. Statue of faithful dog “Hachi” is standing in front of the station. The town is the place of young people and many young fashion arose here.
Sinjuku – You can enjoy a nice city view from the top floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Sinjuku-Gyoen Garden is a green oasis in the middle of big town. Many people become lost in Shinjyuku station because of the size. It is one of the biggest entertainment district and you can find any kinds of amusements throughout night.
Harajyuku – Fashion town and famous for Takeshita Dori street that is always full of young girls. Harajyuku is a Holly land of Kawaii culture.
Much more – Of course, there are so many places to visit such as Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Roppongi, Odaiba, Yanaka, and many gardens.
At your hotel in Tokyo
Tokyo has a lot of sight seeing spots and it is difficult to finish everything in one day. In this tour the guide will make the itinerary considering your requests utilizing the time most efficiently. The tour will be done by using public transportation, mainly subway. The followings are some example places where you may visit;
1. Meiji-Jingu shrine – located near Harajyuku station. One of the biggest shrine in Tokyo and it is surrounded by sacred forest. Emperor Meiji and his wife, empress Shoken, are enshrined. It is the best place to understand and feel Japanese indigenous religion Shinto.
2. Asakusa – it is the most crowded place by the foreign visitors. Main place is Senso-ji Temple. Its main gate Kaminari-mon gate (or Thunder Gate), where a red huge lantern hangs, and two deities of Fu-jin (God of wind) and Rai-Jin (God of Thunder) are probably most famous place in Tokyo and the landmark of Asakusa. You may find the traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise shopping Street in front of the main hall of Sensoji Temple. You may understand the Buddhism and Temple in contrast to the Shintoism and Shrine.
3. Tokyo Skytree – Built near Asakusa area in 2012 and the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world with 634 m height. There are two observation decks at the level of 350 m and 450 m. You can enjoy the beautiful city view with Mt. Fuji also if weather is fine in winter.
4. Tsukuji Fish Market (Outer Market) – Tsukiji used to be the biggest wholesale market in the world. Although the wholesale market has moved to Toyosu area in 2018, Tsukiji is still provide us the fresh fishes, meats, vegetables and lovely nice seafoods. You may select delicious sushi restaurant for your lunch.
5. Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace & East Garden – Tokyo station is the gateway of Japan made by red bricks and important from the cultural and architectural point of view. Imperial palace is normally closed for public and visitors only can see the entrance bridge named Nijubashi Bridge. If time allows, the East Garden of Imperial Palace where former Edo castle was built is a nice garden to walk. Sumrai buildings in Edo period and beautiful Japanese style garden can be seen.
6. Ueno Park – It is the first public park in Japan. Many museums such as Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Western Art are located. There are also historical buildings such as Ueno Toshogu shrine, Five story Pagoda of Kaneiji Temple. You can see the cute Panda at the Ueno Zoo. Ameyoko Shopping Street is also located in Ueno.
7. Tokyo Tower & Zojo-ji Temple – Built in 1958 and was the tallest tower before the completion of Tokyo Sky Tree. Its height is 333 m and two observation decks are located at 150 m and 250m. Because it is located at the center of the city, you can enjoy the magnificent view. Zojo-ji Temple is located near Tokyo Tower. If you have no time to go to Asakusa & Sky Tree, Tokyo Tower & Zojo-ji Temple is alternative option.
8. Ginza Street – Famous shopping street. You can find world famous luxury boutiques such as Chanel and Dior.
9. Shibuya – Famous for the most crowded PED crossing. Statue of faithful dog “Hachi” is standing in front of the station. The town is the place of young people and many young fashion arose here.
10. Sinjuku – You can enjoy a nice city view from the top floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Sinjuku-Gyoen Garden is a green oasis in the middle of big town. Many people become lost in Shinjyuku station because of the size. It is one of the biggest entertainment district and you can find any kinds of amusements throughout night.
11. Harajyuku – Fashion town and famous for Takeshita Dori street that is always full of young girls. Harajyuku is a Holly land of Kawaii culture.
12. Much more – Of course, there are so many places to visit such as Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Roppongi, Odaiba, Yanaka, and many gardens.
guide fee, hotel pick up and drop off inside of JR yamanote line area
travel expenses, entrance fee (you and guide), lunch (you and guide)
- Tokyo Tower entrance fee : 1200 Yen / person, Sky Tree entrance fee : 2300 Yen / person
Mainly, Tokyo Metro (subway) will be used for the transportation. One day Metro Pass is 600 Yen per person.
I can recommend the basic tour itinerary, however actual tour will be done according to your requests so you can select the places to visit.
This tour is walking tour using public transportation.
Please put on a comfortable clothings and shoes as you will walk a lot.
Lunch is not included. Guide may reccomend a suitable luch according to guest's request - restaurant or first food.
I would thoroughly recommend any first time visitor to Tokyo to spend the day being shown around by Fuji- San. He is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and will create an experience tailor made for you! We learnt all about Buddhism, Shinto religion and the traditions of bowing and purification before entering holy sites. A lesson in negotiating the, very efficient, public transport system was really useful. We were taken to a delicious restaurant for lunch - the various different traditional Japanese foods were explained. We saw so much of contemporary and traditional Japan. I would highly recommend booking a day with Fuji-san - it really helps if it's your 1st time in Japan, and it's a really interesting day! Be prepared for lots of walking!!
Thank you for spending the time with me in Tokyo and giving a nice review. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it a lot. I could not introduce all of Tokyo, because one day is not enough. As there are many beautiful places in Tokyo/Japan showing different charms depending on seasons, I really ask you to re-visit Japan again and to spend more days here. I am looking forward to seeing you again in cherry blossom season or colorful autumn. Fuji
We had a very nice day with Fuji--- and we walked thousands of steps making all the important "to-do" sights that could be covered in one day. Thank you, Fuji!
Thank you for spending the time with me in Tokyo and giving a nice review. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it a lot. I could not introduce all of Tokyo, because one day was not good enough. As there are many beautiful places in Tokyo/Japan showing different charms depending on seasons, I really ask you to re-visit Japan and to spend more days here. I am looking forward to seeing you again in cherry blossom season and/or colored leaves in Fall. Fuji
Great guide, quick with responses, helped us with tips for the rest of our stay. He was really nice, helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating for our family. Highly recommended!
Thank you for spending time with me in Tokyo and giving a nice review. I am sure you have wonderful days in Tokyo. As there are many beautiful places in Japan showing different charms depending on seasons, I really ask you to visit Japan again and to spend more days here. I am looking forward to seeing you again!! Fuji
A wonderful guide to a beautiful and historic city. He was very informative and inspiring. Would recommend him to friends and family.
Thank you for spending time with me in Tokyo and giving a nice review. As we talked, there are many beautiful places in Japan. I am looking forward to seeing you again in cherry blossom season. Fuji