6-Hour Tour: Exploring Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi & Rikugien Garden – Tokyo’s Hidden Gems
Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Charm in Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi — and Rikugien Garden
- Explore quiet backstreets, traditional shops, and charming old houses in these nostalgic neighborhoods.
- Experience the slower pace of local life, and unwind in the peaceful beauty of Rikugien, one of Tokyo’s finest traditional gardens.
- Enjoy the flavors, sights, and stories of old Tokyo.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your Hotel
- - We usually meet at your hotel for a smooth and stress-free start. - However, if you prefer to save time and meet near the tour area, we can also arrange to meet at JR Nippori Station or Nezu Station — both are conveniently located in Yanesen. - Please let me know your preference!
Nezu Shrine – A Peaceful Spiritual Spot
- Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most spiritual and peaceful places, with over 1,000 years of history. It's known for its beautiful azalea garden in spring and the striking red torii gate pathway called “Senbon Torii.”
- Surrounded by nature and tradition, the shrine offers a quiet, sacred atmosphere where visitors can feel refreshed and spiritually uplifted.
Hebi-michi: The Serpentine Path
Stroll along Hebi-michi (Serpentine Path)
- Next, we’ll take a walk along Hebi-michi, or the “Serpentine Path.”
This narrow, winding street got its name from its snake-like curves.
It feels like a step back in time, with traditional houses, cozy cafés, and
small local shops along the way.
- The relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere offers a unique chance to experience
the everyday life of the neighborhood.
It’s a peaceful and photogenic area, perfect for a quiet stroll and
discovering hidden gems.
Sansaki-zaka and Yomise Dori
- We’ll walk up Sansaki-zaka, a gentle slope leading to Yomise Dori, a
traditional shopping street full of local treats and charming shops.
- Here, you can visit a chiyogami (traditional Japanese paper) shop that
has been in business for over 100 years, taste delicious senbei (rice
crackers), and enjoy a finger puppet theater, a unique local attraction.
- This place is a wonderful spot to try tasty snacks, shop for souvenirs, and
experience Tokyo’s old-fashioned charm.
Rikugien Garden
- Rikugien Garden is a beautiful example of a traditional Edo-period landscape garden, created in the 18th century.
- It features a large central pond, man-made hills, and winding walking paths that represent scenes from famous classical poems.
- Take a peaceful stroll through the garden and enjoy seasonal highlights such as cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
- Rikugien offers a quiet escape from the city and a glimpse into the refined aesthetics of old Japan.
Lunch in the Yanaka area
Enjoy a local meal.
Recommendations will be made based on your preferences.
Yanaka Ginza and Sunset Hill
- Yanaka Ginza is a lively shopping street that takes you back in time with its traditional shops, local eateries, and cozy cafes.
- It's the perfect place to sample delicious Japanese snacks and find unique souvenirs.
- Just a short walk away, you'll reach Sunset Hill (夕やけだんだん), a charming staircase that offers a beautiful view of the surrounding neighborhood, especially at sunset when the sky turns vibrant colors.
- This area is a wonderful mix of old-world charm and natural beauty, offering a true taste of local Tokyo life.
Visit Yanaka Cemetery
- A peaceful area full of history. We'll visit the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of the Tokugawa (Edo) Shogunate.
Nippori Station
To maximize your sightseeing time, you may choose to end the tour at Nippori Station in the Yanaka area instead of returning to your hotel. If you choose this option, the tour will end at Nippori Station at 3:00 PM. Please let me know your preference in advance.
Ending Point
Nippori Station (Yanaka area) or Hotel (on request)
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
Public Transportation Fees ... 6-8 USD per person (from/to your hotel and Nippori/Nezu), depending on where your hotel is located.
Lunch ... 10-25USD
(note) The cost of lunch may vary depending on your preference.
Food & Drinks ... 2-10 USD per person
(note) You'll need to stay hydrated; the price of beverages is not included.
Entrance fee (you and guide)
(note) This tour does not include any places where admission fees are required.
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
* Since this is a walking-intensive tour, it is essential to stay well-hydrated. Please prepare accordingly by bringing your own water or being ready to purchase bottled water.
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 Hideki M.
Go with a National Government Licensed Guide for an Unforgettable Experience!
Welcome to my tour page! I'm HIDE, your go-to guide for all things Tokyo and Japan!
As a government licensed guide, I am committed to providing you with a high-quality and authentic travel experience in Japan. Join me for an unforgettable journey through Japan’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.
Now, imagine this: a former flight attendant in his young days, now turned guide, after gaining experience in international affairs and cultural exchange including 12 years of overseas assignments in the airline industry. Yep, that's me!
I've seen the world, and the more I've seen, the more I've come to appreciate the beauty of Japan.
Now, it's time for me to dive deep into the charms of Japan with you.
From its breathtaking natural beauty to its rich culture and history, there's never a dull moment here.
My mission is to ensure that you enjoy your stay in Japan and come to love this country.
So, pack your bags, and let's dive into the amazing world of Japan together.
I'm sure you won't regret it.
Can't wait to meet you and share some unforgettable moments!
See you soon!
Reviews
Kay Q.
“A memorable last day in Tokyo”
We found Hideki to be a very organised, informative, excellent guide showing us parts of Tokyo we hadn’t seen before n experienced cuisine we hadn’t tried before.. He had an excellent itinerary organised and allowed us to divert every now and then. His knowledge of history and culture of Japan was imparted at every turn. We would highly recommend Hideki
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Hideki M.
Dear Kay, Peter, Karin and Danny, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure to guide you around Tokyo on your last day in Japan. I felt very lucky to spend the day with two lovely couples, and it was thanks to Kay-san and everyone’s warm, cheerful personalities that the tour was so enjoyable for me as well. I hope you’re all doing well and still enjoying the memories of your trip to Japan. Please don’t hesitate to visit again—I’d be honored to guide you anytime. Warm regards, Hide
$193/ per group
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