5 Must-see Sightseeing Spots in Tokyo for 1st time travelers
Joined 2019
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
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
Want to personalize this tour?
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 and hotel pick-up in central Tokyo
Transportation fee (about 900 JPY per person, for you and the guide), 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 supplier
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
Joined 2019
About Tour Guide Joji T.
Hello!
I am Joji. Please call me Bonjoji, because Bon Jovi is one of my favorite Rock music groups. I was born and raised in Kyoto until 19 years old. I studied English and graduated from University of South Carolina with Statistic major. During my work at a precision equipment company, I have lived in California and New Jersey in the states for 12 years. While I was in the States, I have been treated as a family by many local American people. So, it is a time that I treat you back well while you are traveling in Japan.
The period I like in Japanese history is the war period when many local lords were challenging and fighting each other to expand their lands. I recommend that you should see their castles, since you can see their ambition and their survival strategy. The sports I like are American football and Sumo. Sumo is not just a wrestling game but deeply rooted in Shinto ritual, which is closely related to our daily life. These are the things I can talk about more when we meet. My hobby is visiting old ruins in the world so that I have been to Vesa Merde in the States, Macchu Picchu in Peru, Easter Island in Chile, Volbilis in Morocco, Tikal in Guatemala, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and etc. I have worked at the Japanese company as a salary man for 35 years, so that I can also talk about business, only if you wish.
Anyway, I am National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter authorized by Japan Tourism Agency and my goal is simply to make your journey more enjoyable while you are in Japan. Please feel free to contact me and let's enjoy the tour together.
Bonjoji
Reviews
Kathryn D.
“A wonderful day in Tokyo”
Our tour with Joji was our first full day in Tokyo and what a day it was! We couldn't believe how much we were able to pack into 6.5 hours and yet nothing felt rushed. Joji is a great guide and teacher. We were very nervous about using public transportation on our own but Joji taught us so well we had no issues the following days. We also asked Joji for a change in our itinerary and he happily obliged and took us to Gōtokuji Temple (instead of Shibuya Crossing) which was one of our favorite spots of the day. We highly recommend this tour! Thank you Joji!!!
Joji T.
Kathryn Very glad to hear you have enjoyed the tour. The beckon cat you bought will bring you more happiness to you and your family. Please come back again !!! Joji
Jo A.
“Tokyo with Joji T.”
We had a great experience with Joji. Joji had planned out our day but was also flexible to allow us to stop at other places of interest and for much needed breaks. Joji shared his knowledge of the sites we visited, and provided us with a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Joji T.
Jo, very glad to hear you enjoyed the tour. I appreciate you wrote the nice review. Thanks to the good weather, we could see nice view from Shibuya Sky. Please come back, again!
Isabel C.
“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.
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
$276/ per group
More tours by Joji T.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Tokyo
Tokyo Highlights! - 10-Hour Fully Customized Tokyo Tour
Tokyo Highlights! - 10-Hour Fully Customized Tokyo Tour
A one-day tour covering major spots in Tokyo for your first visit
A one-day tour covering major spots in Tokyo for your first visit
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
Kahoko's Tokyo "As you like" One Day Tour
Kahoko's Tokyo "As you like" One Day Tour
