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
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Please read before reaching out. Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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Are the tours rail-based?
Yes—tours are primarily rail-based, especially within Tokyo. On the first day, I’ll help you learn the Tokyo rail system, assist with IC card setup, and explain how to navigate confidently.
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Can you book tickets for us?
I don’t handle advance reservations. Most people want to visit places like teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Studio Ghibli, or the Sumo Lunch in Tokyo. These must be booked separately on your own. I can include these as part of the tour day or drop you off there, but I can’t make bookings on your behalf due to liability issues and platform commission policies. Thanks for understanding.
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What about Mt. Fuji?
I don’t generally offer Mt. Fuji tours. Due to visibility issues and common misunderstandings about access and logistics, inquiries about Mt. Fuji often don’t lead to bookings. If you're interested, a group bus tour is usually the better option.
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. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history.
I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider:
One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights.
Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience.
Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests.
For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations.
While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request.
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation
Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
Reviews
Javier M.
“A MUST have guide.”
With the limited time I've spent with Grant it sure was a blast! Having Grant as a guide for a day taking me to the most popular technological and otaku filled place in Tokyo was wide opening. While Grant may look a bit intimidatingly awkward, hes quite professional in his touring and guiding skills. He taught me how to properly use Japan's shinkansen and train stations when traveling to other places besides Tokyo. If you are in the fence on having Grant as a guide in japan ill say go for it! Hes been living in japan as a foreign exchange student since high-school, as well as having traveled to all of Japan's prefectures! As a side note he taught me the history and manufacturing process of making Japanese whiskey and scotch, in which he is quite knowledgeable on.
Sofiabennie V.
“Custom Tour in Tokyo”
We had a great day with Grant. When we came to Tokyo we had already been in Japan for more than 2 weeks and and were out of firm plans and tired of all the planning. We wanted to let someone else take the wheel and a less crowded experience. We contacted Grant who asked about our interests and then built a custom itinerary for us. He took us to the Lucky Cat temple, Showa Kinen park, for som great fried chicken and to Nakano Broadway. What's more we also had som great discussions on living abroad, languages, history and much more. He has a great knowledge of Japanese history and culture which gave a depth and perspective to our discussions. We warmly recommend Grant as a tour guide.
Simon R.
“Thank you Grant!”
We booked Grant for 2x days in Tokyo and had a wonderful time with Grant who was able to show us around easily and provided a good balance of fun and information for both us and our two young children; including the challenges of where to eat! Thank you Grant, you made our holiday in Japan a highlight and would definitely recommend anyone to book Grant.
$274/ per group
More tours by Grant A.
Ginza Line Tour
Explore Tokyo’s top sights on this adaptable Ginza Line tour with the 600 yen Metro day pass. Visit Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, then enjoy Ueno’s street food scene. Discover Ginza’s luxury vibe, including a whiskey experience, and dive into Shibuya with its famous Crossing, anime shops, and Nintendo Store. The tour blends highlights like Ueno food, Ginza whiskey, and Shibuya anime tours, offering flexibility to match your interests.
Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
Start in Shinjuku's Kabukicho, known for its vibrant nightlife and New Kabukicho Tower. Head to Harajuku's Takeshita Street for trendy shopping. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine for a serene cultural experience. In Shibuya, explore Shibuya Parco's Nintendo Store and Pokemon Center, and visit the Parco Rooftop for city views. End with a stroll through Miyashita Park, enjoying its recreational facilities and green spaces.
Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
The Tokyo anime tour covers anime across four iconic districts! Start in Akihabara, the electric heart of otaku culture, then head to Ikebukuro's Sunshine City for an array of anime shops. Discover rare gems at Nakano Broadway, a treasure trove of vintage collectibles. Finally, unleash your inner otaku in Shibuya with must-visit stops like the One Piece Store, Nintendo Store, Mandarake, and Animate. Experience the best anime attractions Tokyo has to offer on this unforgettable journey!
Kanagawa Full Day Tour
The Kamakura Course covers the Great Buddha and major historical sites in the Kamakura area. Additionally, you can choose one of three side trips to Enoshima, Yokohama, or Odawara.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Tokyo
Tokyo City Walk(2) - Highlight of Western Tokyo (7 hours)
This tour covers main and major highlights in Western Tokyo, which is rather modern and urban places, including high rise commercial buildings, contemporary art places, subculture sites and entertainments.
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
There are lots of sightseeing spots in Tokyo. I will arrange a customized one-day tour based upon your requirements so that you could enjoy your stay in Tokyo. We can discuss and decide places to visit effectively for a limited amount of time. One example is shown here as follows, but I'm sure I will take you to some of my best selections so that you could enjoy both of traditional and modern culture. I can arrange an appropriate lunch restaurant based upon your requirement.
One-Day Historic Tokyo and Sky Adventure (Tsukiji, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Boat Cruise)
Enjoy shopping and spectacular view, and feel the atmosphere of Buddhism and Shinto! We will visit Tsukiji outer market and enjoy shopping and delicious sushi lunch. We also visit Namiyoke Shrine and Tsukiji Honganji Temple, which are the heart of Tsukiji people. From Hinode pier near Tsukiji we will take a boat to Asakusa. You can enjoy the view of Tokyo from a river. In Asakusa we will visit Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and Tokyo Skytree.
Tokyo Highlights! - Personalized Tokyo Full-Day Tour
Explore Tokyo with a fully customizable private tour tailored to your interests. Whether you're maximizing sightseeing or need a local guide to navigate, translate, and offer personalized recommendations, this tour is perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Discover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and the best places to eat, all while receiving expert advice to make the most of your Tokyo adventure. Let’s create an unforgettable experience just for you!
