Hi I am Tsutomu. This is my #2 Full Day Tokyo Key Sites. This compliments my Plan#1 and of course, you could mix #1 and #2 if you wish. Both are my standard plans and my objective is to give you the best part of Tokyo in 8 hours.. I customize the tour especially for you. Tokyo has so many sites that would appeal to your intellectual interest, so feel free to let me know if you have any other places you wish to see. I will accommodate.
At your hotel in Tokyo 23 Districts
I will meet with you at your hotel in Tokyo to start your wonderful tour!
EDO is an old name of Tokyo. The name EDO comes from the old name of the city that goes back to the 17th century. "FUKAGAWA EDO MUSEUM" offers vivid and "real" atmosphere of the lives and people of the old times. There is no restrictions of photo and/or video shooting, so I will help you to take pictures/videos of yours with the "people" and lives of the 17th century Tokyo.
This used to be the world's biggest and busiest sea food and fresh food market. Now although the market has been shifted to Toyosu, Tsukiji still attracts people from all over the world and Japan for its nostalgic and practical charms. You will enjoy street food such as fresh sushi, sea food, Kobe beef and variety of fruits. Plus there are some green tea and kitchen ware shops.
LUNCH (60 minutes) - At an authentic Japanese restaurant for your favorite cuisine
This is an epitome of historical wonder of Tokyo – fusion of old history and modern cosmopolitanism. If you stand in the middle of this gorgeous garden, which offers you very wide natural perspective in the middle of Tokyo, you will feel somewhat mysterious sensation as if you were in “time machine”. In fact, this garden is the time machine itself. The properties from Edo Era of 17th century are surrounded by towering 21st century buildings. The famous “300 year-old pine tree” will give you strong spiritual power for longevity of life.
Tokyo Tower was built in 1958 and its height is 333 meters. As of today, Tokyo Tower is Japan’s 2nd highest construction.
It is a historical and nostalgic monument for Japanese people. Even after a much higher tower was constructed in 2012, which is Tokyo Sky Tree Tower with the height of 634 meters, Tokyo Tower has always been Japan’s popular sightseeing place for such nostalgia.
This "nostalgic" sensation is one of the most unique experiences you can ever expect - just like its European counterpart, Eiffel Tower of Paris.
Ginza is located in the center of Tokyo. It is a high end shopping & commercial area. For its luxurious image, Ginza is often compared with the 5th Ave of New York City or Oxford St of London. Other than the high end shopping or window shopping, you could visit fine art galleries in Ginza for classical paintings, modern arts & crafts work. Let's enjoy the highest of Japan's sophistication.
If you end the tour, at wherever you wish to end, you will save a traveling time to your hotel, such as 30 - 40 minutes. I will give you the precise directions of public transportation so you could return to your hotel if you prefer it that way, or of course, I would be happy to escort you back to your hotel.
At your hotel in Tokyo 23 Districts
① FUKAGAWA EDO MUSEUM offers vivid and "real" atmosphere of the lives and people of the old times (Admission @Yen 400)
② TSUKIJI : Still considered to be the most vibrant fresh food market area and restaurants
③ HAMA-RIKYU GARDENS : Wide area of the beautiful Japanese Gardens in the center of Tokyo (Admission @Yen 300)
④ TOKYO TOWER : Still a popular nostalgic monument in central Tokyo
⑤ GINZA : The center of commercial district of Tokyo - you can visit many top of the class stores and showrooms
⑥ AKIHABARA : World's famous electronics and pop culture capital city - you will see some of the newest cultures of Japan
Guide Fee
Transportation fee for the guide
Hotel Pick-up
Public transportation fee for the guest (Yen 1,600 per person for One Day Free Pass for Metro/Municipal/JR use is recommended)
Public transportation fee for the guide (Yen 2,000 including the commuting fee between home and the hotel)
Any meals or drinks
Admission fee : ＊FUKAGAWA EDO MUSEUM : Admission @Yen 400, ＊HAMA-RIKYU GARDEN : @Yen 300, ＊TOKYO TOWER : Admission for the 1st deck : Yen 1,200, Admission for the 1st and 2nd (top) deck : Yen 3,000.
Any meals for the guest
I can guide you if you pay my transportation fee.
For the public transport, the total cost should be minimal such as Yen 2000 for all day per adult. So, if walking is no problem, I would recommend the public transport and walking. Above tour plan is based on the idea of using public transport. (I would like to ask you to reimburse this Yen 2000 for me also.)
If you need a hired vehicle for any reasons, you could book a car or a van through Triple Lights. The standard cost for a hired vehicle would be approx. Yen 7000 per hour. This way, your mobility will be easier compared with the public transport and walking but of course, it will cost more.
We were originally going with another family that are very familiar with japan, but it turns out they were not able to go due to family reasons, then it left me with my wife, kid and an older aunt and uncle couple. I am not a big fan of researching and planning but at the same time has a demanding wife. Then I decided to hire a guide so I can be off the hook. And am glad I did. Tom was amazing, we booked him for 2 days, we told him what places we want to go and he planned the whole itinerary for us in advance, and also made reservations for us as well for restaurants we want to try out. When the day came, Tom was so accommodating and was paying so much attention to details to make sure everyone was taken care of. On day1 he even took us to dinner and even helped us ordered food before taking off. Then day2 he went totally out of the way for us to the car rental place just to make sure I was able to pick up the car for our next day mt fuji trip. Also, japan has a very well developed metro system but quite complex for a newbie, Tom prepared all info needed and made sure we know the system well enough and can commute on our own for the rest of the trip, and now we are. Tom also takes really good pictures too and he literally put together an album for us and even did a day summary for us with pictures after each day. Bottom line is that we did the critical sight seeings needed and now I can just relax and enjoy the rest of my trip. My kid was crying after saying goodbye to you and kept saying he misses you. Thank you Tom.
To David and a beautiful family - Joyce, Jayden, Wella and Berry from Tom H., I truly appreciate your kind words - I am not sure if I deserve such generous comments. In fact, it is me who really enjoyed those two days which I will continue to cherish for a long time. We tour guides say it really is a luck what kind of people we meet in a given tour. The moment I met you at about 8:30 at the Metropolitan Edmond Hotel, I knew I was very lucky and after those wonderful 2 days, my first impression has been more than proven. For me, those two days were not "work" but a quality time that is actually difficult to experience only because there are rarely such warm hearted people whom you would enjoy being around. I will print some of the pictures we took together, frame them and review when I need to brighten up my mind. All of your family including yourself radiate natural pleasant feelings which create smiles in the people around you and for those two days, I was a lucky person who had an opportunity of being around you. I always wonder what makes human minds "warm" - I'm not quite sure what it is but I am convinced that positive mental attitude and consideration on others would be the key. I really enjoyed the natural smiles from you and your family along with affection all the family members were showing each other. This time I prayed for your safe journeys three time - at Yasukuni Shtrine, Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine. Now please let me pray for the wonderful journey of each member of your family in her and his lives and of course for you David. I really appreciate you. With love, Your friend, Tom
Tsutomu-san speaks excellent English. He is very kind and helpful. Unfortunately, due to ill health, I was unable to complete the full tour. But Tsutomu-san is a very competent and knowledgeable guide. I highly recommend him.
We had a most excellent time with Tom as our tour guide. We were a group of four, anxious to see some sights and to learn a little about Japan’s sites & history. He greeted us at our hotel, promptly & courteously. We enjoyed using different modes of public transportation to get around, and it was a real treat to find a few moments of quiet serenity while enjoying the beauty that is Kamakura. He booked us a reservation for lunch, much appreciated since he knows better about the peak times and finding availability at restaurants can be challenging. We enjoyed a delicious meal and each others company. Tom was patient as we got distracted with so much to see around us, and he even helped out a couple with some directions, testament to his earthiness and attentive nature. Although the tour was all day, the pacing made it easy to get through, as it wasn’t rushed and hurried, not exhausting at all. It was a rewarding experience. Thank you Tom for making our trip memorable.
We had 2 day tours of Tokyo with Tom. He was very kind, attentive and accommodating. His kindness reached us and showed to other strangers around him. He always made sure we were comfortable and went above and beyond for us. Really loved having him as our guide and I know he makes many others happy. He made our tours of Toyko magnificent.
Nika from Tom, I want to thank you for your kind review to my guiding service. I really enjoyed working for you as you are such nice people. You must be proud of your beautiful daughters. I will be wishing nothing but the very best for you and your family. Thank you for giving me a wonderful memory. Sincerely, Your guide of Japan