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5 Must-see Sightseeing Spots in Tokyo for 1st time travelers
We visit five most famous sight-seeing spots in Tokyo within one day: Meiji Jingu, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Fish Market, Imperial Palace and Asakusa. They are the excellent choices for 1st time travelers to Japan. If it were cloudy or rain, I would go Shibuya crossing instead of Tokyo Tower. If you have another preferable place to go, I am flexible to change the itinerary to meet your wishes.
Meeting Point
At your hotel or the designated location that you request in central Tokyo
①Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, with the vast land of the forest (70ha). It was established in 1920, to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empreress Shoken who contributed to make a foundation of modernized Japan. After visiting it, we will walk through Takeshita street in Harajuku that has many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, second hands stores, crepe stands, animal cafes and etc (please note some shops are not open early). Enjoy seeing both traditional quiet scene and busy teenage culture site at the same time.
②Tokyo Tower (or Shibuya Crossing)
This Tower was built in 1958 and is still a simbol of Tokyo. Even Monster Gozilla tried to attack it in 1960. There are two kinds of observatory: Top Deck (250m = 820ft) and Main Deck (150m = 492ft). If you were brave & powerful enough and/or would like to get rid of jet lag immediately, there is a choise of going up to the main deck by walking 600 steps of outdoor stairs. There are many souvenir shops at lower levels.
If it were cloudy or raining, I would go to Shibuya crossing instead of Tokyo Tower.
③Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji is a well-known brand of "fresh fish market". Although the whole sale fish market was moved to Toyosu in 2020, Tukiji's Outer Market still remains popular and attracts many people. There are many food stands selling ready-to-eat sushi meals, a bite-sized egg roll, deep fried poteto croquette, rice balls, Yakitori, fish-shaped cake with sweet beans and etc (please note some stores closed on Sunday, Wednesday).
If you were a fish lover, we could have a lunch here. If not, we could eat something you like like Tempra, Okohomiyaki, Noodle or something.
④Imperial Palace / Edo Castle
Imperial Palace used to be Edo Castle. It was a head quarter of Tokugawa Shogun that has ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. 1868 was the year of Meiji Restration and the shogunate was overthrown. The capital and imperial residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, then. The Edo Castle has unfortunately burned down and currently imperial family is living at new Imperial Palace. We are not allowed to go an inner part of the palace but can view popular Nijubashi bridge and traces of Edo Castle such as moats and massive stone walls.
⑤Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
Asakusa is located at downtown area of Tokyo. After going though Kaminari gate with a large red lantern, we will walk through Nakamise, a shopping street that has a variety of traditional snacks, local specialities and tourist souveniers for centuries. At the end of the street, there is the main attraction, Sensoji, a very popular and the oldest temple (7th century) in Tokyo. You can enjoy the atomosphere of past decade of Japan. At last, we will over-view Asakasa district from eight floor building, if you wish.
Ending Point
At your hotel or the designated location that you request in central Tokyo
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee and hotel pick-up in central Tokyo
and all transportation fees for the guide
Transportation fee (about 900 JPY per person, for you only), Lunch (for you and the guide), Entrance fee (for you and the guide) and etc.
Tour Important Information
1. We will use only a public transportation: a train. It is an ideal to have a train pass. If you do not have it, I can assist to buy it.
2. We will walk a lot. So, please wear a comfortable shoes.
3. Some of the shops and stores do not accept credit cards. A cash is more preferable.
4. Travelers should have their own travel insurance.
5. If it were a rain or other mother of nature, the schedule may change.
6. Some particular shops or restaurants may close, so please make sure they are open if you have any particular choice.
Important message from the guide
I am currently available only on Saturday, Sunday and any national holidays.
Currently, my main coverage is Tokyo and its suburb, but I can mostly go anywhere if you can bear my transportation fee. I am easy and flexible.
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
Tokyo Tour Reviews
Isabel C.
5 Must-see Sightseeing Spots in Tokyo for 1st time travelers
“Great time in Tokyo”
It was a great pleasure to spend an 8 hour tour with Joji in Tokyo. We received in advance a detailed itinerary covered all our interests by him. Joji is a very polite and sensitive guide endowed with a sound knowledge of historical and temporary developments in Japan and its capital. We enjoyed this tour very much and we recommend this guide to our highest satisfaction.
Joji T.
(10 reviews)Isabel Thank you for writing the nice review while you are still busy traveling. It was my pleasure to guide both Isabel and Michael. I am glad to hear you have enjoyed my tour. Since both of you were not just interested in Japanese history & culture but wanted to learn them, so that it was worth explaining them. Please enjoy the rest of your trip. Regards, Joji
Jennifer M.
Customized Tour for 6.5 hours - Shibuya, Harjyuku and others
Customized
“Best time of our lives in Tokyo!”
We are so lucky we had Joji T. (also known as Uncle Bonjoji) as our tour guide for our first trip to Tokyo. He went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our tour. He was the only guide willing to meet us at our hotel at Disney and teach us how to use the trains in Tokyo and he made sure we got back to our hotel safely. He was so patient with my 4 children and was willing to tailor our tour to activities both children and adults could enjoy. Even before we arrived in Tokyo, Uncle Bonjoji was always in contact with me planning this tour well in advance and very responsive. He helped us buy our bullet train tickets, stayed with us longer than he needed to, and just did more than what was asked of him. His kindness, patience, and expertise makes him stand out from any other tour guide. I highly recommend Uncle Bonjoji as your tour guide in Tokyo! We can’t wait to go back!
Joji T.
(10 reviews)Jennifer Thank you for writing the nice review. My goal is always to make your trip enjoyable and comfortable. I am very glad to hear I could support some of it. But, the only thing I could not control was the weather. When you plan to come to Japan again in the next time, I would recommend you to make it warmer April-May timeframe. Now, it is a bit warmer April and a time to wear the Hawaian T-shirt that you gave me. I enjoyed the Macademia chocolate, too. I am also very lucky to be chosen by kind Jennifer and wonderful family. Mahallo! Uncle Bonjoji
Isaac C.
5 Must-see Sightseeing Spots in Tokyo for 1st time travelers
“Great rainy day in Tokyo”
Me and my friends had a wonderful time with Joji-san. From the scheduling phase to agreeing on sites to see, the interaction with Joji-san was perfect. He’s was very knowledgeable and had very interesting facts to share with us. He’s English is fantastic and we would all recommend him for tours. We really enjoyed our time in Tokyo. Highly recommended! Thank you Joji-san.
Joji T.
(10 reviews)Isaac-san I appreciate that you wrote nice review while you are still traveling. I am very glad to hear you and your colleague enjoyed the tour. Have a safe trip back to the USA and please come back! Best Regards
