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!
Meeting Point
At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
Imperial Palace (East Gardens of Imperial palace or Nijubashi bridge)
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.
Tsukiji Market (Lunch)
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!
Asakusa - Senso-ji Temple
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!
Akihabara (or Ginza instead)
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.
End of the tour : Your choice!
We end the tour in Akihabara or other. Or I can take you back to your hotel if you like.
Ending Point
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 meet-up, send-off in Tokyo
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
- Sorry, I'm BOOKED OUT on MARCH & APRIL this year.
- Please kindly make an inquiry only for my available days on my calendar on GoWithGuide.
- I do tours up to 4 people to maximize your experience.
- I'm Tokyo based. My tours basically start/end in Tokyo. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee from/to there. 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 to a photographer who lives here. 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 as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY
・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY
・Extra hour over 8hours : 7,500 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!
Fred F.
“A day in western Tokyo”
Amazing experience with Kaori. We started communication long before the trip began to get a feel for what our wishes were. She showed up as promised at our hotel and (even though the weather was unbelievable awful) we had a great time. She was knowledgeable and pointed out many things that we didn't know. World highly recommend her for anyone looking for an excellent guide.
Kaori S.
Thank you for taking precious time to write an excellent review and recommendation during your holidays. I’m truly grateful that we enjoyed the day with smiles thanks to your positive mindset even when we’ve met a return of cold weather in spring. Oh, I feef responsible for your having lots of stuff to pack in the beginning of your trip already, but happy you did complete some shopping list! Thank you again. Wishing you enjoy Japan's beautiful season to the fullest. Big hugs, Kaori
Malavika N.
“Amazing experience! ”
We had the pleasure of having Kaori-san as our guide in Tokyo, and she was absolutely fantastic! She was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and went above and beyond to assist us—even helping with a small medical issue. Her ability to engage everyone in our group, regardless of age, made the experience even more enjoyable. She shared fascinating insights about the city, ensuring that we learned a lot while having a great time. We hope to return to beautiful Tokyo in the future, and when we do, we will definitely want to see Kaori-san again. If you’re looking for a guide in Tokyo, we highly recommend her services!
Kaori S.
Thank you for your lovely heartwarming feedback. Truly appreciate your recommendation. I thank that every member of your family was so kind to me and took time to chat with me during time together even though it was short introductory tour this time. Actually, your daughter's words of telling "arigato" meant a lot to me. Knowing having been able to help someone is one of the greatest joys for a tour guide. How happy person I am! Cannot wait to welcome you and your family for another bigger adventure! Tokyo and surroundings have lots to offer! Will be waiting to hear from you!! Big hugs, Kaori
David Z.
“Good time with Kaori”
We had a group of 5 adults with 1 1/2 days to spend in Tokyo to see the highlights. Kaori put together a nice plan to see the key spots in the city. Very flexible and accommodating. We ate lunch at one of her favorite places…something we never would have found…and it was good. Had a good 1 1/2 days with her.
Kaori S.
Thank you for taking your precious time to give an excellent feedback for me when you are still beginning of your trip, David-san. We covered the best seaonal highlights of Tokyo in 1 1/2 days thank to a hired car you kindly arranged on GoWithGuide. Glad you enjoyed local lunch, cherry blossoms and some extra shopping for ladies! Wishing you all the best and safe travels ahead. Big hugs, Kaori
$401/ per group