3-Hour Introductory Tour: Central Tokyo Highlights
Discover the heart of Tokyo on a compact 3-hour tour that covers the city’s core. Starting from Tokyo Station, explore the fascinating blend of history and modernity before strolling through the Tokyo Imperial Palace park, a serene area surrounded by lush greenery and centuries of heritage. Continue to Ginza, Tokyo’s elegant shopping and entertainment district, and finish at the Hamarikyu Gardens — a beautiful urban oasis offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Tokyo station Marunouchi Central Exit on the west side
- I will wait for you at the Marunouchi Central Exit on the west side just outside of the station building. I can also pick-up you from your hotel.
Tokyo Station
When we step into this area, we’re not just in a train hub - we’re standing in front of one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks. Tokyo Station first opened in 1914, designed by Japanese architect Tatsuno Kingo. The red-brick façade you see here was inspired by European architecture, particularly Amsterdam’s Central Station, yet it carries a very Japanese sense of elegance.
Tokyo Palace park
Right in the center of this modern metropolis lies a vast green space, home to the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s Emperor and his family. The palace stands on the grounds of the old Edo Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. Imagine this area 400 years ago: massive wooden gates, deep moats filled with water, stone walls, and hundreds of samurai guarding the shogun’s stronghold.
Ginza district
Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most famous districts, known today for luxury shopping, dining, and modern architecture. But it wasn’t always this way. In 1612, the area was originally a silver coin mint during the Edo period, which is where the name Ginza (“silver place”) comes from.
After a devastating fire in 1872, Ginza was rebuilt as Japan’s first modern commercial district, with brick buildings inspired by Western architecture. It quickly became a symbol of Tokyo’s modernization, blending Japanese culture with Western innovation.
We will visit famous landmarks such as Ginza place, Ginza Six, couple of art galleries as well as some other architectural landmarks and spots of interest. Famous Kabuki-za theater is nearby.
Hamarikyu Gardens
Hamarikyu Gardens is a traditional Japanese garden located in the Chūō district, near Tokyo Bay. It is a beautiful urban oasis, offering a peaceful retreat from the busy city.
The garden is famous for its ponds, seasonal flowers, and historic teahouse. Originally constructed in the Edo period (1603–1868) as a villa and duck hunting ground for the Tokugawa shogunate. After the Meiji Restoration, it became an imperial garden and later opened to the public.
Hamarikyu preserves the Edo-era landscape design, including tidal ponds and carefully arranged greenery. Green tea degustation is available here.
Ending Point
Shinbashi JR station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Hotel pick-up
- Transportation (for you and for the guide): We will use public transportation such as the metro and JR lines, and occasionally take a taxi to save time.
- Entry tickets, if any (for you and for the guide).
- Lunch (also for the guide if his presence is necessary).
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so please make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour focuses on Tokyo’s history, architecture, and culture. Children may find it less engaging, so please request kid oriented tour from me through direct message
* This tour is not recommended for those with back/knee problems, so please request adopted tour from me through direct message
* This tour is not wheelchair accessible, please contact me through direct message for wheelchair accessible tour
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions so I may suggest you lunch or dinner restaurant
Important message from the supplier
I will be glad to adjust my schedule to your needs.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Dmitrijs B.
Hi! I have lived in Japan for more than 10 years so far, including 4 last years in beautiful Kamakura. I know all corners of the town and I would be glad to share my knowledge with my guests. I speak five languages and love meeting new people! Please do not hesitate to contact me know, should you have any question or requests!
Reviews
Jane K.
“Excellent tour! carring, knolagable and attentive guide”
We are very pleased with our tour of Tokyo by Dmitrijs. It was our very first time in Japan, and we had lots of worries about visiting Tokyo without any ability to understand Japanese, especially written Japanese. Dmitrijs connected with us ahead of time, built the itinerary especially for us and gave us his tour beyond any expectation. He not only gave us an excellent informative tour, but also helped us to get oriented, the transportation options, the restaurant's recommendations and much more! Thank you Dmitrijs!
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Dmitrijs B.
Thank you so much, Jane, for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found it interesting. Hope to see you in Tokyo again soon! All the best!
$96/ per group
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