If you have more than 2 days in Tokyo, exploring one day in East, one day in West would be recommended, since Tokyo is such a huge city. This tour is basically walking tour, using public transportation, but we can take a taxi occasionally upon your request. My Eastern highlights is more with tradition and samurai history, and Western one is more with modern, young, Kawaii culture. Both are making today's Tokyo. Don't forget to check my Western Highlights too!
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
I can meet you at your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
The former Edo Castle. East Gardens of Imperial Palace closed on Mondays & Fridays, we visit Nijubashi Double Bridge instead, which is a very popular photo spot at Imperial Palace ground.
Noted : Imperial Palace building itself is not visible even from outside on usual visit, since it is off-limits area.
Enjoy sushi lunch! (lunch fee is not included). Tsukiji Market has become more bustle as street food paradise even after Fish Market has moved to Toyosu in 2018. You can experience Japanese people's food life here. If you don't like seafood, just let me know. I love to suggest other options for you!
Stroll around Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest and popular temples in Tokyo. Try Japanese delicacies and Japanese-style souvenirs at Nakamise shopping arcade. Don't forget to take a pic at huge red lantern at Kaminari-mon Thunder Gate, which is symbol of Asakusa!
Japanese people call it "Akiba" for short. Known as electrical town. Countless electrical appliances shops. Also famous for otaku (geeks) culture, manga comics, amine, gaming. Unique cafes such as maid cafes with stuff in costumes can be seen here. You'll see very unique side of Tokyo.
*If you are not interested in Akihabara, Ginza (the latest district in Tokyo) is possible instead.
We end the tour in Akihabara or other. Or I can take you back to your hotel if you like.
At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up, hotel drop-off
transportation fee (you and guide), food and drink (you and guide), entrance fee (you and guide)
【Major fees on tour day】
For guide, a one-day subway ticket costs 900 JPY.
For you, depending on what you have. (Ex. Welcome Suica.)
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>Transportation Tips in Tokyo.
If you’re staying in Tokyo for a few days, getting either of below at the airport makes your travel easier. Both require passport to purchase.
●Welcome SUICA for travelers (transportation IC card) is recommended to get around easily in Japan. Conveniently usable in all major cities in Japan.
●Tokyo Subway Ticket(24h / 48h / 72h)
Unlimited travel ticket for Tokyo Metro & Toei Metro (Not available for JR). Best value for Tokyo visitors. But limited line availability.
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For more information for transportation system in Tokyo, refer to my blog.
"What's the best ticket for Tokyo transportation?"
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【Optional】Hired cars
I'm happy to work with hired car you arranged at your end.
・Please bring some Japanese Yen, because some small shops don't accept credit cards in Japan.
●Imperial Palace
・East Gardens of Imperial Palace is closed on Mondays and Fridays. We visit Nijubashi Bridge of Imerial Palace instead.
●Tuskiji Market
・Tuskiji Inner Market has moved to Toyosu. But we can still enjoy Tsukiji Outer Market for street food and Sushi restaurants.
・Some shops are closed on Sundays and Wednesdays at Tsukiji Market
- I do tours with a small private group up to 4 people.
- Please kindly make an inquiry for available days on my GWG calendar.
- My tours basically start/end in Tokyo. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, my transportation fee from/to there should be covered. Thank you for understanding.
Kon-ni-chi-wa. Hello! I'm Kaori, having lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years since I got married with a photographer who lives here. I'm originally from Shizuoka prefecture which has Mt.Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I took 2 working-holiday-visa stays in my younger days. One is in Toronto, Canada, and another is Australia touring by motorcycle. One year respectively.
I love travel both international and domestic. That's why I love helping individual travelers rather than group tours, because I myself love travel freely. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love.
As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. We see what you like and talk what you are interested in. That's my style. If you don't know what to want, I can help you with that.
I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request.
・Half Day (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY
・Full Day (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY
・Extra hour : 8,000 JPY/hour
I'm quite an outgoing person, ( but organized well! ), easy to get along with anybody, including small kids to teenagers. Can't wait to see you soon!
““Tokyo 1 day as you like” Wonderful day! ”
We booked two tours with Kaori San & from the very start when communicating with her she was professional, prompt & went above & beyond to help us with all our questions prior. As we had no real set plan of what we’d like to do, Kaori planned a great day to suit us at our pace! My husband wanted to look at knife shops & trying lots of yummy foods so Kaori made sure these requests were included in the tour. On the day of the tour Kaori San was punctual, responsive and a knowledgeable guide. One of our group members was really struggling with walking due to an injury & Kaori was so kind, caring & accommodating to make sure he didn’t miss out. Also navigating this city wasn’t easy & Kaori helped give us have a seamless day. She also helped us purchase our onward travel tickets to the next cities on our trip. We had fantastic day with Kaori & highly recommend her! It was like exploring Tokyo with a longtime friend !Thank you so much Kaori San! If we come back to Tokyo we will definitely tour with you again!
Kaori S.
(74 reviews)Karen-san, thank you for taking your precious time to give me the warmest review while you are still traveling in Japan! I'm so grateful you described me "like a longtime friend". That is something I cannot expect more! We took so many pictures together for two days. I'm so happy to see you are kindly sharing ones here. These pictures make me smile anytime. I hope you continue your wonderful adventure safely. Cannot wait to hear from you again in the future. Arigato gozai masu! Hugs & kisses, Kaori
“Wonderful person to spend the day with!”
Kaori San is super reliable, punctual, responsive and knowledgeable guide. But the most important- she is a wonderful and caring person. We had fantastic experience with her today. I highly recommend her! Thank you again, Kaori San!
Kaori S.
(74 reviews)Let me give you a big THANK YOU, Tetyana-san, you took time to write a warmest review for me just after the tour. But the most important, thank you for treating me as a part of your family today. Now I've got a new friend of mine, a funny face Totoro at my desk by your happy surprise! Every time I see my Totoro, I’ll remind of time with your family. So happy to be a tour guide. Hope to see you again for maybe Yanaka adventure! Hugs and kisses, Kaori
Michelle C.
June 28, 2024 Custom Tokyo tour for Michelle-san and Leon-kun
Customized
“Wonderful cultural insights!!”
Kaori was a wonderful tour guide! She went above and beyond to understand what our interests were and then designed a tour specifically tailored to us. The time with her flew by! Our tour was an incredible mix of history, culture, and anime! Her kindness, warmth, and professionalism made our first day in Tokyo very special. Highly recommend!!
Kaori S.
(74 reviews)Thank you for giving me an excellent review, Michelle-san! I was so happy to be with you and your cute boy for a day in Asakusa and Akihabara for anime and gaming culture! Was so fun to chat with Leo-kun about favorite anime and character. Of course with you about culture and history too! Hope to see you again next time also with your busy husband! Hugs and kisses, Kaori