Feel free to send a message if you want to book this tour on another day. I may open up the slot for you. Scenic spots and good food are just 30 minutes away from Haneda Airport (HND). Perfect for all ages with a lot of photo opps. You have some choices - sample sushi at the historic Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, the hot spot called Shibuya (the Times Square of Japan), the Imperial Palace (outside only). [NO NARITA meet-up for this guide]
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Haneda Airport or your hotel (Central Tokyo or Yokohama only)
The meet up time is between 8 am to 3 pm. The numbered photos correspond to the following.
Meet-up at Haneda Airport
1. Tsukiji Fish Market (90 mins)
= Around 200 establishments, including sushi bars, vegetable stalls, and kitchen tools and equipment (such as sushi knives).
= Livelier in the morning.
= Closed on Thursdays and Sundays.
= ALTERNATIVE: Imperial Palace (outside only), if that’s more to your liking.
2. Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine (60 mins)
= The biggest Shinto shrine surrounded by a sacred forest.
= Let's learn more about Japanese culture and religion.
3. Shibuya (30 mins)
= Home of the world’s busiest pedestrian crosswalk
= Site of Hachi-ko statue (the faithful dog)
= Popular shopping street. This is much like Times Square in Manhattan.
Take train to Haneda Airport
Haneda Airport
Additional Options for the tour extension.
1 hour = 5,000JPY
2 hours = 10,000JPY
(a) The Imperial Palace, outside only (60 mins)
= Traditional castle buildings
= Imperial East Gardens, if we have time.
(b) The Zojoji Buddhist Temple (60 mins)
= One of the biggest temples in Tokyo. Huge 400-year-old wooden entrance gate.
= Excellent views and numerous photo opps.
(c) Ginza (60 to 120 mins)
= High-end shopping area
= If time permits, we’ll go to Mitsukoshi Department Store and other smaller stores in the area which sell Mikimoto pearls, Japanese swords, washi paper, etc.
(d) Harajuku and Shibuya Sky Observatory (120 mins)
= Most popular among the younger generation and Instagrammers.
= Harajuku - the center of Kawaii Culture (i.e., cute culture).
= Shibuya Sky Observatory - features an open air deck with a 360-degree view of Tokyo. Entrance = 2,000JPY/person (the guide has a pass for it.)
(e) Hamarikyu Garden (60 mins)
= Traditional garden with ponds and pine trees.
= Tea ceremony (Match green tea) is available. = 850JPY/person
= Entrance fee = 300JPY/person (the guide has a pass for it.)
(f) Asakusa (90 mins)
= Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine and Nakamise shopping street
= You can learn about Japan's history, culture and religion in one place.
The itinerary (time and/or order) may change depending on the weather, our pace, and the conditions on the day itself.
To save time and energy, we will take taxis at certain points. (One ride is about 1,300JPY)
As a special consideration if your flight is delayed, I can give you an extra hour for free while I wait. I will have to start charging after an hour’s wait.
Ending Point
Haneda Airport or the last stop in the itinerary
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
The following are PAID IN CASH on the day/s of the tour.
= Transportation during the tour (you & guide) = approx.2,000++JPY/person
= Lunch / food / drinks (you & guide)
Tour extension = 1 hour 5,000JP
The tour which starts after 2 pm may have a modified itinerary. As it gets dark at 5 pm. between November and January.
(1)As a special consideration if your flight is delayed, I can give you an extra hour for free while I wait. I will have to start charging after an hour’s wait. (2) To get a feel for the 'real Tokyo', we'll be taking public transportation--monorail, subway, and taxi. (3) This is a relatively quick tour which doesn't allow us to linger much.
Multiple-day bookings are encouraged. I might have greater flexibility in opening closed slots in this case. Let's talk about it. Send me a message! :‑)
MORE INFO:
= We use public transportation (train, subway, bus and/or taxi) in my tours as it's the best way to see the city.
= A custom tour = Please book at least SIX HOURS = 50,000JPY
= The meet-up time marks the official start of the tour.
= Hotel pick-ups = only in Central Tokyo, Yokohama, and a few hotels in Kawasaki.
= Four-hour tours available = Tokyo, Harajuku & Shibuya, Odaiba, Shinjuku, Ueno, Yokohama, and antique flea market. Please check out the corresponding tour pages.
"If my tour is not available on your preferred date, no worries! Just send me a message and I might be able to open up a slot for you."
Hi, I am Toshi.
I love traveling! It gives me a chance to get to know how other people live, their culture, and discovering new places (usually off the beaten track). This is why as a guide, my goal is to give guests a real "local experience"--the kind that I like when I travel.
I've been a licensed tour guide since 2008. I've conducted tours for international guests from the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Kuwait, Mexico, Singapore, the Philippines, Italia and so on. In fact, I conducted 120 tours (one day tours and a-week long tours) in 2023.
I also speak a little Spanish (un poquito).
In my spare time, I give back to the community as a volunteer: tsunami clean-up activities, entertainment at evacuation camps, guide for foreign visitors in affected areas, and at various cultural events.
Let me show you "My Tokyo"! Enjoy the city like a local and maximize your time in Tokyo!
See you soon!
“Tsukiji Market Morning Tour for Food Lovers”
Our group of five from the states recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Tsukiji Market Food Lovers tour with our fantastic guide, Toshi. This tour was an incredible journey through the heart of Tokyo's culinary and cultural heritage, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide or a more enriching experience. Our first stop was Uogashi, the bustling wholesale market where locals come to buy the freshest fish. The sheer variety and quality of seafood on display were astounding. We learned about the different types of fish and seafood, their origins, and how they are prepared. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way, with the sights, sounds, and smells of the market creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Next, we visited the Namiyoke Shinto Shrine, a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the market. This shrine, dedicated to the gods of the sea and safe voyages, provided a peaceful contrast to the lively market. Toshi explained the significance of the shrine and its role in the lives of the local fishermen and market workers. Next stop, the Tsukiji Outer Market was a food lover's paradise. Here, we wandered through narrow alleys lined with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to exotic fruits, pickles, and traditional Japanese snacks. Toshi guided us to some of the best vendors! We stopped for a quick lunch at Mawaru Sushi Zanmai, a renowned sushi restaurant. The sushi was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and we enjoyed a variety of nigiri, maki, and sashimi. Our final stop was the Tsukiji Honganji Buddhist Temple, a stunning architectural marvel with its unique Indian-inspired design. Toshi shared the history of the temple and its significance in the local community. Overall, the tour was an unforgettable experience. Toshi's expertise, enthusiasm, and friendly demeanor made the tour truly special. If you're a food lover visiting Tokyo, this tour is an absolute must. Thank you, Toshi, for an amazing tour!
Toshi H.
Arigato, Brian! I also had a wonderful time with you. I'm so glad we were able to see so much of Tsukiji in just 3 hours! You tried a variety of foods and drinks. Did you make Japanese soup at home? You can try to see a tuna auction in Toyosu Market next time. It will be another interesting experience. Please come back as Tokyo has more local food you must try. See you again soon!
Neha M.
Customized tour (two days, 12 hours in total)
Customized
“Great tour”
Toshi spent 12 hours with us and did a wonderful job orienting us to Tokyo. We changed our itinerary and she was very flexible. We really enjoyed our time with her
Toshi H.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review, Neha. I am truly delighted to hear that you had a positive experience exploring Tokyo together. I appreciate your kind words about my flexibility in accommodating your itinerary changes. Hope to see you again.
“Shinjuku, Cherry Blossoms, and Shopping!”
If you're looking for a customized tour, reach out to Toshi. She was flexible, organized, and very pleasant company. I had a day to myself in Tokyo while my husband was at a conference. I booked a custom tour with Toshi, and am so glad that I did! Our trip was at the tail end of cherry blossom season, so weren't seeing very many blossoms near our hotel. Toshi took me to the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden where there were other varieties in full bloom. It was beautiful! I'm an artist and had scouted out a couple of art supply stores before our trip. Toshi advised which ones would be feasible to visit during our timeframe, and then offered suggestions of other things we could do/see in the area near the shops. We saw some 'hidden gems', including a local Shinto shrine, Godzilla, and Omoide Yokocho. Toshi was constantly sharing information about the area and its history as we explored. She made sure I was comfortable, filled the role of interpreter, and ensured I had a great day. Thank you, Toshi!
Toshi H.
Arigato, Annie! I also had a wonderful time with you. So glad that we managed to hit the places you wanted to visit - shopping, cherry blossoms and sightseeing. Please come back here in late November to see the fall foliage. I'm sure it will give you a lot of inspiration for your paintings. Hope to see you again.
$325/ per group