The Imperial Palace Garden in Tokyo, Japan, is a serene oasis located in the bustling city. Located on the grounds of the historic Imperial Palace, the gardens provide a harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Spanning over 100 acres, the gardens are divided into various sections, each showcasing a unique aspect of Japanese landscaping.
Otemachi is the center of Japanese companies' activities. Tokyo station is the center of the hub of the Japanese train network.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
The Imperial East Garden
The Imperial East Garden in Tokyo is a tranquil oasis nestled within the bustling metropolis, offering a serene escape into nature and history. Located on the former site of Edo Castle, the garden seamlessly blends historical significance with natural beauty, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
As you enter the garden, you are greeted by the majestic Otemon Gate, a reminder of the area’s feudal past. Walking through, you find meticulously maintained lawns, ponds, and traditional Japanese landscaping. The Ninomaru Garden, a classical Japanese landscape garden, is a highlight with its picturesque water features, carefully pruned trees, and seasonal flowers. In spring, cherry blossoms paint the garden in delicate shades of pink, while autumn brings vibrant hues of red and orange, making it a photographer’s paradise.
The garden's layout offers a harmonious balance between open spaces and more secluded, intimate areas. Strolling along its winding paths, you encounter historical remnants, such as the foundation stones of the former Edo Castle, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich history. The contrast between the ancient stone walls and the lush greenery exemplifies the garden's charm.
Another captivating aspect is the variety of plant species, which are carefully labeled, making it an educational experience for botany enthusiasts.
Otemachi; Business center in Tokyo
Otemachi, located in Tokyo, is indeed regarded as one of Japan's major business districts and a hub of corporate activity. Situated in the heart of Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, Otemachi is characterized by its towering skyscrapers, modern architecture, and bustling streets. It serves as a prominent financial and commercial center, housing the headquarters of numerous major corporations, financial institutions, and government agencies.
Upon entering Otemachi, visitors are greeted by a skyline dominated by sleek office buildings, such as the iconic Marunouchi Building and the imposing Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. These structures not only symbolize Japan's economic prowess but also showcase cutting-edge architectural design.
Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station, a historic landmark nestled in the heart of Japan's bustling capital, holds a magnetic charm that beckons visitors and locals alike. Built in 1914, its architecture blends Western and Eastern influences, showcasing an exquisite mix of red brick and traditional Japanese elements. Here’s why Tokyo Station is a must-visit:
Firstly, Tokyo Station embodies Japan's rich architectural heritage. Its iconic Marunouchi building, with its red brick facade and domed roofs, stands as a symbol of the country's modernization during the Meiji era. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in its design reflect an era when Japan was transitioning into a global powerhouse while preserving its cultural identity.
Secondly, the station is not merely a transport hub but a destination in itself. Its Grand Marunouchi South Entrance, often referred to as the "face" of the station, exudes an aura of grandeur and sophistication. Visitors are greeted by a vast, open concourse adorned with intricate ironwork, vaulted ceilings, and majestic chandeliers. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a bygone era, where every detail speaks to a time when railway travel was a luxurious affair.
Over view from the roof top of KITTE
The rooftop garden at KITTE in Otemachi is undoubtedly worth visiting for its unique blend of tranquility, urban charm, and cultural significance. Situated amidst the bustling heart of Tokyo, this hidden gem offers a refreshing retreat from the city's frenetic pace while showcasing a harmonious integration of nature and modern architecture.
Daimaru Department Store (Food Department or "Depachika")
In conclusion, Depachika in Japanese department stores are more than just food markets—they are cultural landmarks that celebrate the art of food, regional culinary traditions, and innovation in gastronomy. Whether shopping for gourmet ingredients, sampling local specialties, or dining in a vibrant atmosphere, a visit to Depachika promises a sensory journey through Japan's rich culinary landscape.
Tokyo Station
The end of the tour
Ending Point
Tokyo Station; JR line
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fees
We use public transportation. Location and time are subject to change depending on traffic conditions. Please feel free to contact me if you have any requests.
Transportation fees, admission fees, and meal fees during the tour.
Public Transportation fee from your Hotel to Tokyo station for you and your guide.)
(For example; The round trip from Shinjuku to Tokyo is about¥400)
No Admission Fee is required for this tour.
This tour involves a lot of walking, so please dress lightly. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Lunch is not included, so you can select to have lunch in "Depachika" or anywhere you like after the tour.
Imperia East Garden is closed on Monday and Friday.
But sometimes it closed temporarily.
My Name is Naoya.
I was born in Tokyo in 1952.
After my graduation from Keio University, I joined a Japanese bank.
Mainly I was assigned international business and stayed in London for three years.
At the age of 52, I moved to a Japanese manufacturer company and had worked for 11 years.
As a personnel manager, I engaged in hiring Indian graduates.
Then for two years, I went to Tashkent in Uzbekistan as a JICA senior volunteer.
I taught "corporate finance" at Tashkent Financial Institute in English.
I got the guide license in 2017, After I came back to Tokyo, I am working as a volunteer guide,
especially in Shinjuku.
I hope to create special and deep tours in which tourists are interested but by now they were not
able to gain access to.
For example; Visit to various Universities, Visit to narrow streets in Tokyo, Visit to feel Edo (Now and Then)
My hobby is playing the guitar. I hope we are in peace through music.
I am also interested in Art, History and cooking.
My major subject is economics and finance.
Samantha F.
“Amazing Guide and great tour”
Today is our 7th day with Naoya, he is our best guide ever! We have been on many tours and can honestly tell you we highly recommend him. Today we went to Hakone but had to cut our tour a bit short because we had an early shinkansen to get to kyoto. We had just enough time for an amazing lunch at Pola Museum and then tour this amazing museum. A tiny bit of shopping for us and then off on our shinkansen to our next destination. Naoya personalized each day to what we wanted, gave us great advice and was so informative about all aspects of Japanese life. I don't usually write reviews but I have every tour with Naoya because he is such a gem.
Naoya U.
Hi, Samantha It was our last day together, but it seems you were satisfied. Thank you for your nice comment. I cut our plans short because you were heading to Kyoto, but I think it was good because the weather was unpredictable. The heavy rain and thunder will be a memorable experience. The Pola Museum of Art's program starting today was Van Gogh. Did you learn about the relationship between the Impressionists and Japanese Ukiyo-e? It seems you were satisfied with the lunch. Please visit Japan again, and I look forward to seeing you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip in Japan. Thank you. Naoya Usuda
Samantha F.
“Amazing tour with amazing guide”
Another incredible day with Naoya. He took us to a very old shrine and planned it so we were able to witness an incredible moving ceremony with drums, monks, fire and chants. We were able to take part in a purification ceremony, it was wonderful to experience something so different. We briefly wandered around to different shops and bought candy from a store that has been in multiple generations. A highlight was an incredible lunch at a very authentic Japanese restaurant that was very small and we tried some local cuisine. Then we went to the Edo museum which was very informative and interesting. We loved this tour and it was very interesting! Definitely book with Naoya. He tries to personalize every tour we have taken with him!!!!!!
Naoya U.
Thank you Samantha for your wonderful comment. Today I visited the Fukagawa area. The goma prayer at Fukagawa Fudo was a valuable experience. The approach to the shrine lined with long-established shops has a nostalgic charm. Today's lunch was Fukagawa Meshi. It is soul food eaten by fishermen during the Edo period. How did you like the clams? After that, I traveled back in time and visited the streets of Edo. Edo was a city where everything was recycled. It seems that sushi used to be big. Thank you for a fun day. Naoya Usuda
Samantha F.
“Amazing Guide, best guide ever”
Naoya san is truly our best guide. We booked about 7 days with him and glad we did. He is knowledgeable, patient, kind and accommodating. He has a great sense of humor! We had to switch plans on him twice today because we were needing to stop and eat and he was very flexible. He carefully plans each day and explains the days plans and gives us lots of interesting facts. He does not overwhelm us with info which is great. We have asked him a ton of questions and he always patiently answers. We used public transportation like buses, trains and shinkansen which I preferred to keep the cost down. He realled planned a great day, lots of activities including gondola ride and pirate ship. Definitely book with him!
Naoya U.
Hi, Samanths A lot happened today, but we were able to see the beautiful Mt. Fuji at Kawaguchiko Station before catching the train to Shinjuku. Thanks to everyone's cooperation, it was a very enjoyable day. Mt. Fuji is seen from the top of the hill we climbed on the gondola. Only the top was still covered in snow. For lunch, we had houtou, a local soul food. It was filled with a variety of vegetables. How about the squash and shiitake mushrooms? And we talked about US TV movies. It was quite fun. Anyway, I was happy to see Mt. Fuji at the end of the day. Thank you for your kind words. I will do my best until the end. Naoya Usuda
$172/ per group