Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
Joined 2024
Explore Eastern Tokyo with our tour, beginning at Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, leading to Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori. Stroll along the Sumida River to admire the Asahi Beer Building. Relax in Ueno Park, delve into Akihabara’s tech scene, and visit Tsukiji Outer Market. Experience traditional Japan at Hamarikyu Park and Zojoji Temple, where you can see Tokyo Tower in the distance. The tour is optimized by proximity, ensuring a smooth and efficient exploration of this vibrant part of Tokyo.
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
Default Course: Tokyo Harbor District (4 Hours)
Zojoji Temple & Tokyo Tower View
See the Daimon Gate, a majestic remnant of the temple’s original complex.
Visit the historic Zojoji Temple, spiritual home of the Tokugawa shogunate, with deep connections to Japan’s feudal era.
Pay respects at the rows of Jizo statues, protectors of children and travelers, dressed lovingly in red caps and bibs.
Take in the dramatic contrast of ancient temple grounds set against the modern backdrop of Tokyo Tower.
Hamarikyu Garden & Nakajima Tea House
Wander through Hamarikyu Garden, a former feudal lord’s residence featuring tidal ponds, seasonal flowers, and walking paths. (Admission: 300 yen per person)
Enjoy matcha tea and traditional wagashi sweets at Nakajima Tea House, nestled in the garden’s center. (1,000 yen per person; includes tea and sweets, without the ceremony)
Tsukiji Fish Market
Explore the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, famous for its fresh seafood, street food, and traditional Japanese snacks.
Visit Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, a unique Buddhist temple known for its striking Indian- and Western-influenced architecture, offering a peaceful contrast to the market’s bustle.
Core Course: Taito Ward Asakusa and Ueno (4 Hours)
Asakusa
Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) – Iconic entrance to Sensoji Temple with a massive red lantern and guardian statues.
Nakamise-dori – Historic shopping street lined with traditional stalls selling snacks and souvenirs.
Sensoji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple, featuring the Hondo main hall, a five-story pagoda, and cultural rituals.
Sumida River & Asahi Beer Building – Enjoy riverside views and see the famous "Golden Flame".
Ueno
Ueno Park – A scenic escape with cherry blossoms, ponds, and cultural sites.
Toshogu & Inari Shrines – Peaceful shrines with intricate architecture, perfect for quiet reflection.
Ameyoko Street Market – Bustling open-air market with fresh seafood, street food, and bargain shopping.
Optional Course: Soka Private Tea Ceremony and Cultural Experiences (4 Hours)
1. Origami Folding Experience
Start with an origami folding session led by the tea master's assistant. I’ll interpret as you learn to fold traditional designs, gaining insight into the cultural significance of this craft.
2. Private Japanese Tea Ceremony
Next, enjoy a private tea ceremony with a skilled tea master, where ceremonial-grade matcha is prepared and paired with traditional sweets or Soka senbei rice crackers. I’ll interpret each step, explaining its cultural meaning. Note: Advance notice is required, with a 3,000 yen fee per person to be given directly to the tea master.
3. Soka Senbei Rice Cracker Making
Experience the process of making Soka Senbei, a crispy rice cracker unique to the area. I’ll guide you through mixing, pressing, and grilling, while sharing the history behind this beloved snack.
4. Oku no Hosomichi - Soka Pine Promenade
Conclude with a walk along the Soka Pine Promenade, featured in Matsuo Bashō’s Oku no Hosomichi. As we stroll, I’ll share insights into Bashō’s journey and poetry, connecting you to the literary and natural beauty of the area.
Optional Course: Ginza Whisky (4 Hours)
1. Shinanoya Ginza
Top destination for bourbon lovers, known for Heaven Hill selections. Great chance to find Evan Williams 12-Year and Wild Turkey 12-Year.
2. Liquor Mountain Ginza 777
Sample a wide range of bourbons, scotches, and Japanese whiskies—10ml pours from 200 yen. I can create tasting flights and match you with whiskies based on your preferences. Expert advice and interpretation available.
3. Ginza SIX – JWC Whisky Collection
Explore ultra-rare Japanese whiskies at JWC. Enjoy high-end Suntory or Nikka pours from 500 yen for 15ml. I’ll assist with recommendations.
4. M’s Whisky Museum Ginza
A premium boutique offering rare international and Japanese whiskies. Ideal for both collectors and casual drinkers.
5. Yamaya Ginza
Wide selection of whiskies, often carries Buffalo Trace distillery products and Japan-exclusive Blanton’s Black and Red labels.
6. Rare Whisky Ginza
See legendary bottles like Yamazaki 50-Year and rare Mizunara cask editions.
7. Liquor Express Ginza
Known for hard-to-find Japanese whiskies at reasonable prices, often cheaper than major retailers.
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
Your rail fare
Hamarikyu Park admission at 300yen
Tour Important Information
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:
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen plus transportation expense
Reviews
Joshua C.
“Good times ahead”
Grant was very kind and catered to all needs when they arose. Adapted schedule accordingly to time and had many good tips and advice.
Dan C.
“The best tour guide we ever had!”
So I’m a 69-year-old guy and my wife and I went out with Grant today. We met in the lobby, I told him my likes and dislikes such as not liking temples, not loving crowds, etc. So I think initially he was perplexed as to what we were going to do For the eight hours. But he figured it out and we just had a fabulous time —walked 8.2 miles and. almost 23,000 steps and that was a plus. But the best thing about Grant is he is an absolute treasure trove of information. My wife called him an encyclopedia. He is an historian, and if you want to know anything about Japan history, he pretty much knows it. And if you want to find out about Japan in the 1400s or whenever and the wars that they were in and the politics he is your man. There was one question that he could not answer (which I don’t remember what that was about, but I don’t think it had anything to do with history). We had gone out with a Japanese native guide two days ago. And to that guides detriment, the weather was bad we couldn’t do a lot. But that other guy, even though that guy sounded good on his video, he wasn’t remotely as good. We had a very enjoyable time. The first guide on a 1 to 5 (With one being the lowest and five being the highest) scale. And I would give that other guy a 2 ascompared to Grant who is a 5 for sure. If you’re lucky enough to get hom, you’re very lucky and don’t be shy about asking him questions, particularly about history, or anything about Japan. He loves both and he knows a ton about both.
Jay R.
“What an incredible time with Grant!”
We couldn't reccomend Grant A. higher as a knowledgeable, entertaining and engaging guide. He and our son Grant hit it off on subjects like Pokemon and Anime but I enjoyed learning about the language and culture. He had increidble reccomendations for eating during and outside of our day with him, even for other cities we were visiting. Don't limit him to just Tokyo but consider him for other cities on your trip as he has lived in country so long, is beyond fluent in language and culture and has led many tours around the beautiful country. He books up quick and is often booked every day so reach out to him and don't delay as you won't be dissapointed. Look forward to booking again on our next trip.
$281/ per group
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