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Asakusa and Ueno, Taito Ward Half-Day Tour
Joined 2024
Experience Tokyo's highlights in my half-day tour. Begin at Kaminarimon, the gate to Sensoji Temple. Wander Nakamise-dori's historic stalls. Marvel at Sensoji and its towering pagoda. Next, ascend the Tokyo Skytree, offering stunning city views. Conclude at Tokyo Skytree Town, where you can explore shops, dine, and visit the Pokémon Center.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
- Free pick up and drop off within Tokyo 23wards
Kaminarimon: Thunder Gate
Kaminarimon, or "Thunder Gate," is the iconic entrance to Tokyo's historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Adorned with a massive red lantern and guardian statues, it symbolizes the fusion of history and spirituality. The vibrant Nakamise Shopping Street, leading from the gate to the temple, is lined with traditional shops and eateries. Visiting Kaminarimon is like stepping back in time, offering a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Nakamise-dori
Nakamise-dori is a historic shopping street in Asakusa, Tokyo, leading up to Sensoji Temple. It is lined with traditional Japanese stalls known as "omiyageya," selling a variety of souvenirs, crafts, snacks, and local specialties. The vibrant atmosphere and the charming architecture of the shops make it a must-visit for tourists.
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest, is a major cultural icon. Founded in 628, it's dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. The Kaminarimon gate leads to the bustling Nakamise-dori, a vibrant marketplace. At the temple's heart lies the magnificent Hondo main hall. Visitors purify themselves at chozuya, make offerings, burn incense, and pray. Don't miss the five-story pagoda, exquisite gardens, and stunning cultural displays.
Along the Sumida River: Asahi Beer Building
Explore Tokyo's Sumida River, flanked by historic sites and modern marvels. See the famous Asahi Beer Building, resembling a frothy pint. Admire the innovative architecture of the "Golden Flame" atop its roof. A memorable sight along this iconic waterway.
Ueno Park Stroll
Take a leisurely walk through Ueno Park's picturesque landscapes, dotted with cherry blossoms, serene ponds, and lush greenery, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and contemplation amidst Tokyo's urban oasis.
Toshogu & Inari Shrines Mini Shrines: Immerse yourself in serenity as you visit the historic Toshogu and Inari Shrines, where you can admire the intricate architecture and serene surroundings, offering a peaceful escape from the city hustle.
Optional: Dog Cafe
A dog cafe is a haven for dog enthusiasts, offering a warm and inviting space to enjoy time with adorable dogs. Guests can sip on beverages while cuddling and playing with a variety of friendly pups. These cafes often provide a range of dog-themed treats and accessories, making it a fun and engaging visit. Perfect for those missing their own pets or looking for a joyful outing, dog cafes deliver endless smiles and wagging tails.
Optional: Cat Cafe
A cat cafe is a delightful retreat where visitors can relax and interact with friendly felines. These cozy establishments offer a unique opportunity to enjoy coffee or tea in the company of playful cats. With their soothing ambiance and affectionate companions, cat cafes provide a calming break from the daily grind. Whether you're a cat lover or just seeking a unique experience, a visit to a cat cafe is sure to leave you with a smile.
Optional: Ueno Ameyoko Food Stall Tour
Ameyoko, short for Ameya Yokocho, is a bustling street market in Tokyo's Ueno district. Originally a black market after WWII, it now offers an array of goods from fresh seafood to trendy fashion. The vibrant atmosphere, with its energetic vendors and eclectic shops, creates an exciting shopping experience. Whether you're hunting for bargains or sampling street food, Ameyoko is a must-visit spot for a taste of local culture.
Japanese seafood bowl stall
Customize your Japanese seafood bowl to savor an array of sushi delights. Choose from fresh fish, succulent shrimp, and delectable toppings. Experience the essence of Japanese cuisine in every bite!
Chinese Dumplings and Oysters
Indulge in Chinese dumplings and fresh oysters on our tour. Pair them with your choice of drinks for a complete culinary experience. Taste the savory delights and sip on refreshing beverages for a truly satisfying outing!
Optional: Touching the Sky: Tokyo Skytree
Rising 634 meters above Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree is an architectural wonder and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Elevators whisk you up to observation decks, where 360-degree views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji await. Explore the Skytree Town shopping complex at the base, offering diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options for all. Experience Tokyo from new heights!
Optional: Skytree Mall Adventures: Pokemon Center
Located at the base of the Tokyo Skytree, the Skytree Town mall is a shopper's paradise. Discover a world of specialty stores, cafes, and attractions. For Pokemon fans, the Pokemon Center Skytree Town is a must-visit. Immerse yourself in the world of Pikachu and friends, with exclusive merchandise, photo spots, and more. Enjoy a diverse array of dining options and unforgettable shopping experiences, all just steps away from the iconic Tokyo Skytree.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
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
Tour Guiding
Japanese/English Interpreting
Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards
Guide's Rail fare
Tokyo Skytree admission tickets - these will be to be booked in advance
Your rail fare
Tour Important Information
I can meet you at your hotel to begin our journey or another convenient location. You have the option to combine this tour with another half-day tour of Tokyo, tailoring the experience to suit your preferences. Flexible and accommodating, I strive to ensure your Tokyo adventure is unforgettable!
Important message from the supplier
My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Grant A.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy.
I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties.
I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan. I studied at Japanese language school in Kyoto. I visited all the world heritage sites in Kyoto and have a lot of knowledge on the history of Japan. I can provide tours of Kyoto or places outside of Tokyo for an additional transportation fee.
Tour options:
Half-Day Tour: 20,000 yen (4 hours)
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen plus transportation expense
Reviews
“Customized 4 hr tour”
Grant was fantastic, he met me at the Ariake Tennis Park. My main goal was to see some sites and learn how to use the Tokyo transit/train system. He more than exceeded my expectations and made the rest of our trip to Tokyo a success. He provided additional information on some of the additional activities my wife wanted to take in and we managed to find everything using the train system. I would highly recommend Grant for a tour.
“Ginza Line tour with Grant”
Grant was an excellent tour guide! He was very kind, flexible and extremely knowledgeable about Tokyo history, customs and areas. It was a fantastic introduction to a very complex city. He gave us a great orientation to the transit system and how it works. His Japanese fluency is terrific and he is besides all that funny and personable, very easy to be with. We felt so much more confident about the rest of our 2 week stay in Japan. We would have booked another tour but he was pretty much booked up! We highly recommend his tours!
“Great 2-Days With Grant”
My family of 7 people booked two days with Grant and it was a wonderful trip. Grant made the trip relevant and exciting for ages 11-75. He arranged for us to have lunch (no easy task seating 8 people in Tokyo), and shared his knowledge on everything from the design and reconstruction of Tokyo through nuances of the language (which was great for my oldest son who is here on a study abroad semester). We got oriented to the city over the course of two days and got to see the very best highlights of traditional, historic, and modern Tokyo. Absolutely would do it again.
$134/ per group
Reserve
