From Futuristic Heights to Nostalgic Streets: Tokyo's Modern & Retro Culture in 6 Hours"
Joined 2024
Start at Skytree, the tallest landmark & admire its stunning city views and cutting-edge architecture. Then, go to Shibamata, a district rich in nostalgia. Visit Shiba-Taishaku Temple, famous for its wood carvings and serene gardens. Walk along Taishaku Sando, a charming street from the classic film "Otoko wa Tsurai yo", and explore Tora Museum to experience Showa-era pop culture. This tour offers a fascinating contrast between Tokyo’s futuristic skyline and its retro charm, all in just 6 hours!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Oshiage Station
- At the rotary of Oshiage station next to Skytree. Exact location shall be shared including Google map link in advance.
Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure at 634 meters, serving as a broadcasting tower and popular tourist attraction. It offers panoramic views of Tokyo, shopping, and dining experiences.
Lunch
Tokyo Solamachi, the commercial complex adjacent to Tokyo Skytree, offers approximately 80 restaurants and cafes, providing international visitors with a wide array of lunch options. From Japanese cuisine to Western and ethnic dishes, guests can enjoy a diverse culinary experience.
Oshiage Station
Moving from Oshiage station to Shibamata Station
Taishakuten Temple & Shibamata Walk
Shibamata Taishakuten (Taishakuten Daikyoji Temple) is a historic Buddhist temple in Tokyo’s Shibamata district, famous for its beautiful wood carvings and peaceful Japanese garden. Established in 1629, the temple is a spiritual landmark and Taishakuten-Sando is a charming 200-meter-long shopping street. This quaint, winding path preserves its old-world charm and is lined with traditional shops and restaurants offering local specialties. A great destination for those looking to explore Japan’s cultural heritage!
Cycle station at Shibamata
Renting a bicycle and go to Yagiri watashi river port
Yagiri Watashi Boat riding
Yagiri no Watashi is a historic river ferry service in Shibamata, Tokyo, operating across the Edo River. Dating back over 400 years, it is the only remaining traditional ferry in Tokyo, once used by locals as an essential mode of transportation. Today, it offers visitors a scenic boat ride with beautiful riverside views, connecting Tokyo and Chiba. The short but nostalgic journey provides a glimpse into Japan’s past, making it a unique cultural experience for travelers exploring the Shibamata area.
Option1 Visiting Tora Musium
Visit the Tora-san Museum, dedicated to the beloved protagonist of Japan’s long-running movie series “Otoko wa Tsurai yo” (It’s Tough Being a Man). The museum features recreations of film sets, original costumes, and props used in the movies, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Japan’s Showa-era culture.
Option 2 Cycling along Edo river bank
Here, you can rent a bicycle and enjoy a smooth ride along the scenic embankment of the Edogawa River, heading downstream. It’s a refreshing and exhilarating cycling experience!
Finishing at Shinohara station
Walking back to Shibamata station
Ending Point
Shinohara station
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
Guide Fee
Meals & Drinks
Public transportation fee (for guests and guide) 200Yen/person
Entrance fee (Skytree : 2570-3100Yen, Tora musium 500Yen Yamamoto cafe 100 Yen)
Yagiri boat return ticket (400 Yen)
Renta cycle : 1000Yen
Tour Important Information
Not included:
Public transportation fee 200 yen (Oshiage-Shibamata)
Yagiri boat fee 200 yen
Retal cycle 500 yen
Tora Musium 500 yen (Adult) 300 yen (child)
Meals and drinks at Skytree 800 yen ~
Send a message for check availablility. Shibamata areas are open everyday from mid March -end November (10:00-16:00)
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 Ken T.
Hello! My name is Ken (Kenichi), and I’m a professional tour guide with experience guiding over 1,500 foreign tourists as of February 2025.
I have worked for both Japanese and international companies in Tokyo for over 30 years, giving me deep insight into the city and its unique charm. I also love traveling and have explored many famous destinations in Japan as well as in 40+ countries worldwide.
I fully understand the challenges that many first-time travelers face when visiting Japan, especially in a busy city like Tokyo.
My goal is to provide you with a fully customized, time-efficient tour that meets your needs and preferences.
Since most travelers have limited time and want to visit as many places as possible, I carefully plan tours that highlight the best spots and the most efficient routes, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
For added comfort and luxury, I offer the option of using a car with an experienced driver (my wife), making your tour even more convenient and stress-free.
I look forward to guiding you and helping make your visit to Japan truly memorable.
Reviews
Chris W.
“Great Tour”
Ken and his wife planned and executed a great tour of Tokyo for us. His knowledge, professionalism, and sense of humor made a fun day. We highly recommend this tour.
Ken T.
Dear Chris, Thank you so much for your kind review! It was a great pleasure guiding you on your final day in Japan. Although the weather wasn't ideal and we needed our umbrellas for much of the day, I truly appreciate how warmly you embraced the experience—especially during our visit to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. I'm so glad you were able to enjoy the rich history and atmosphere despite the rain. I'm also happy that we arrived at Narita Airport on time, just as planned. It was an honor to be part of your journey, and I hope the rest of your travels went smoothly. Wishing you all the best and hope to see you again someday in Japan! Warm regards, Ken
Katherine L.
“Amazing Shinjuka and Shibuya night tour”
Ken is an excellent and very engaging person spoke English very well. This was one of the best tours we had in Tokyo. I would highly recommend Ken as a guide. This tour was very enjoyable fun and very informative about Tokyo night life. Thank you
Ken T.
Dear Katherine, Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! I'm truly honored to hear that the Shinjuku night tour was one of your favorite experiences in Tokyo. It was a real pleasure spending the evening with you and sharing a bit of Tokyo's vibrant nightlife and culture. I'm also very happy that you enjoyed the fun and informative parts of the tour—especially around some of the most energetic areas of the city. Your recommendation means a lot to me. Wishing you many more great adventures, and I hope to see you again someday in Japan! Warm regards, Ken
Jonathan M.
“Great experience!”
I was in Tokyo with my family and pretty quickly realized that my dads mobility was worse than we thought it would be, so he had to sit out a few days. I decided it'd be a good idea to get a guide for him and my family so me and my partner can have a day to ourselves to explore. I reached out to Ken 2 days prior and let him know the situation and the needs and preferences of everyone he would be guiding. For example, I told him that my mom and sister wanted some time to go shopping and my dad wanted to see a cultural spot. I also told him that my dad might need to sit down and rest while my mom and sister shop and would love to just chat and ask questions about Japan. Ken responded super fast and told me that he was happy to be flexible and meet the needs of everyone. Once I booked him, he created an itinerary that included wheelchair assistance for my dad. We spoke on the phone briefly to confirm the itinerary and the plans were set. I wasn't actually on the guide so I can't speak for that personally. However, throughout the guide, he was very communicative with all the members of the family and took lots of photos. While my mom and sister shopped, he took my dad around on a wheelchair and took photos with him. He sent them to me afterwards and said he had lots of fun hanging out with my dad. Highly recommend!
Ken T.
Dear Jonathan, Thank you very much for your kind review. It was truly my pleasure to guide your father and family. Since we are of a similar generation, I felt a special connection with him, and we quickly became friends. We were lucky to have such beautiful weather, and I’m glad we were able to visit a lovely garden—especially with the availability of a rental wheelchair. Thanks to the warm support from your entire family, we enjoyed a smooth and memorable walking tour together. I’m also happy to hear that you appreciated the photos I took during the tour. Thank you once again for choosing my tour, and I wish you and your family all the best in the days ahead. Warm regards, Ken
$190/ per group
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