This compliments my Full Day Tokyo Key Sites #1 and #2 in order to offer wheel chair friendly and more relaxed tour. All the sites in this tour are wheel chair friendly with easy access and logistics. If you prefer, you can book a private car or mini van for easier logistics. I would be happy to give minor modifications if you wish.
At your hotel in Tokyo
I will meet with you at your hotel in Tokyo and we start the tour from there!
Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of the most renowned Shinto Shrines of Japan. It deifies Emperor Meiji who is regarded as the key person who made great contribution to modernize Japan after the end of Edo Era. If you visit Meiji Shrine, you will have a clear idea of Shinto - the indigenous religion of Japan. I will introduce the formal ritual of Shinto prayers, praying for the continued safe journey for you and yours. This always is a great starting point of your Tokyo tour.
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.
After Hama-rikyu garden, we could either eat in Ginza or if you wish, we will discover your favorite food in Tsukiji.
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.
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.
I will escort you back to your hotel.
At your hotel in Tokyo
This tour allows more time at each site so you could relax and enjoy fully - no need to hurry. I designed this tour in a way that the logistics requires less amount of transfers from one site to another. Still the whole hour is full of cultural and historical investigations and I am sure you will discover something new in this tour!!
guide fee, hotel pic-up, transportation for guide
your transportation fee, any meals, any admission fees
I can guide you if you pay my transportation fee.
If you need a hired vehicle, I will book one for you. 8 hour hire of a vehicle for this Tokyo tour is Yen 39,660 (US$280) or if you prefer public transportation, the best deal will be purchasing a Yen 900 (US$6.50) one day subway pass.
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