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.

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.

We’ll stop for lunch at the lively Ameyoko Street Market in Ueno — a vibrant area known for its affordable and varied food options. Here are the top recommended choices:

Option 1: Outdoor Seafood Bowl Stall (Kaisen-don)

Enjoy a fresh seafood rice bowl served at a casual outdoor street stall. These bowls come piled with tuna, salmon, uni, ikura, and more — and are priced well below typical market rates.

Price Range: Around ¥1,000–¥1,500

Best for: Quick, tasty, high-quality seafood in a street food setting.

Option 2: All-You-Can-Eat Yakiniku BBQ

A hidden gem offering grill-it-yourself meats, vegetables, rice, curry, soft drinks, and unlimited desserts — all at a budget-friendly weekday lunch price. Known as one of Japan’s most affordable all-you-can-eat yakiniku spots.

Price: Around ¥2,000 per person

Best for: Anyone looking for variety, volume, and great value.

Option 3: Explore and Choose Your Own

You’re also free to eat wherever you like in the area. There are great options including tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), a popular Chinese street food stall, fresh fruit stands, and even seasonal Japanese grapes available for purchase.

Our lunch stop at the Tsukiji Outer Market offers a chance to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Tokyo. This is a seafood-focused area — all restaurants serve raw or cooked fish, and there are no non-seafood or vegetarian options. At sit-down restaurants, each person must order at least one item — a standard rule in Japan.

Option 1: Crab Bowl Specialty Shop

This lesser-known stall serves only crab and ikura bowls, with no whole crabs to crack. Their highlight is the King Crab Tempura Bowl (¥3,000) — fast, filling, and a great value.

Menu range: ¥2,500–¥5,000

Best for: High-quality crab with minimal wait.

Option 2: Tsukiji Sushizanmai – Tuna King’s Shop

The original location of this famous chain offers premium lean, medium fatty (chūtoro), and fatty (ōtoro) tuna, plus other sushi items. This is the best sushi stop in Tsukiji.

Typical cost: Around ¥5,000

Best for: Tuna lovers and sushi fans.

Option 3: Other Seafood Bowls & Street Snacks

Other seafood bowl shops offer meals from ¥2,000–¥3,000. Food stalls sell grilled seafood skewers and oysters — great for snacks but not a full meal.

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.

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.