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 specializing in private car tours throughout Tokyo and nearby regions. As of April 2025, I’ve guided over 1,600 foreign travelers (340+ tours), offering comfortable, customized experiences by car.
With over 30 years of work experience in both Japanese and international companies in Tokyo, I’ve gained deep insights into the city and its hidden gems. I’m also an avid traveler, having visited famous destinations across Japan and more than 40 countries worldwide.
I understand the challenges many first-time visitors face in Japan, especially when navigating the busy and complex city of Tokyo.
That’s why I focus on private car tours, which allow you to explore more places in less time, all in comfort and without the stress of public transportation. My tours are fully customized to your needs and include an experienced driver — my wife — so you can relax while I guide you through each location.
Whether you’re looking for iconic landmarks, quiet gardens, or local culture, I’ll create an efficient and enjoyable itinerary just for you.
I look forward to helping make your visit to Japan smooth, memorable, and deeply rewarding.
Reviews
Juliette M.
“Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Ken!”
Having met Ken on our first day in Tokyo following a long flight, we were so grateful for his care and attention, interesting stories and genuine passion for his country. He expertly curated a private tour for us including an incredible and authentic sushi lunch. Highly recommended.
Ken T.
Dear Juliette, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a true pleasure meeting you on your first day in Tokyo. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and the sushi lunch — I always try to make the experience both authentic and comfortable, especially after a long flight. Your warm feedback means a lot to me. I hope the rest of your trip in Japan was just as memorable. Please do visit again someday — I’d love to guide you once more! Warmest regards, Ken
Christopher H.
“Tokyo highlights with Ken”
Ken was an absolute pleasure to spend time with. He showed us the must-see spots that no first-time tourer to Tokyo should go home without seeing. He was professional, knowledgeable, informative and good company. But, most of all, he was eager that my wife and I should finish our tour with him having missed out on nothing that either we wanted, or he thought, we should see in Tokyo.
Ken T.
Dear Chris, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was truly a pleasure spending the day with you and your wife. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the must-see spots of Tokyo—there’s so much to take in, and I always try to make sure nothing important is missed. Your kind words mean a lot, and I’m happy I could help make your first visit to Tokyo memorable. Wishing you both all the best, and I hope our paths cross again someday! Warm regards, Ken
Jim A.
“Tokyo to Mtn Fuji”
Ken is outstanding in his knowledge of Tokyo, but where he is best is determining his customers personal preferences, limitations for physical activity, attention to personal needs and planning well ahead of customer arrival. He is an excellent listener and very good English.
Ken T.
Dear Jim, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. I’m truly honored by your words and very happy to hear that you felt well taken care of during your time in Tokyo. I always try to understand each guest’s preferences and needs to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. It was really a pleasure guiding you. Warm regards, Ken
$243/ per group
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