Harajuku & Shibuya Half Day Walking Tour (4 hrs)
Joined 2017
Harajuku is Kawaii Town! (Kawaii = cute) It's a mecca for those into kawaii culture, particularly young ladies. This includes popular sites: the Meiji Jingu Shrine (largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo), Takeshita Street for kawaii fashion, Omotesando for its unique shops and cafes, and Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection). These and many more await you on this tour!
(Please note that we can modify the time and add destinations to the packaged itinerary below.)
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Harajuku Station
Meet at JR Harajuku Station
The station is very close to the Meiji-jingu Shrine.
* Hotel meet-up (optional) = additional 5,000 JPY (only central Tokyo or Yokohama)
Meiji-jingu Shrine (#1)
The biggest Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the shrine grounds. It is believed to be the most powerful spiritual spot in Tokyo.
Takeshita Street (#2)
The height of KAWAII! Explore the ultimate in cuteness along this street.
Cat Street (#3)
Known for varied hole-in-the wall stores, vintage clothing, and cafes.
Omotesando Street (#4)
Features unique architecture and a high-end shopping district filled with domestic and international brands.
Shibuya crossing (#5)
The world’s busiest intersection. Around 3,000 people cross the intersection at the same time at peak periods (usually at night). I'll take you to a good vantage point where we can take pictures.
Hachi-ko (#6)
Faithful dog statue - Tokyo's most famous dog who was the subject of a Hollywood movie.
The tour ends at Shibuya Station.
* Hotel drop-off (optional) = additional 5,000JPY
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS (may require an extra hour)
Tour extension = 5,000JPY/hour
#7 Shibuya Sky Observatory Deck =Best spot to view city of Tokyo (1hr)
Highly recommended! Entrance = 2,000JPY/ person (the guide has a pass for it)
#8. Animal cafe
Features either cats, owls, dogs (usually shibas), miniature pigs, or hedgehogs (30 mins or more).
Entrance = 1,000++JPY/person
#9 Purikura (cute selfie machine)
Perfect souvenirs to a memorable trip!
= 400JPY
#10 Architecture tour ( walking for 1-2 hrs)
8 unique buildings designed by Japanese and international renowned architects.
#11. Nezu Museum (90mins).
Japanese and East Asian artworks and Japanese Garden.
Entrance = 1,300JPY/person
#12. Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum (90 mins)
Feel the explosion of his modern art. 20 walk from Omotesando street Entrance fee = 600JPY/person
#13. Ukiyoe museum (30mins.)
Features 17th to 19th century woodblock prints of tea houses, geisha, and Mt. Fuji .
Entrance = 700JPY/person
#14 Asakusa Mansion ( 1hour)
100 years old traditional residence in Daikanyama. We will enter the beautiful wooden house as well as stroll the small garden.
Entrance = 100JPY/person (60 years or older free of charge)
The itinerary (time and/or order) may change depending on the weather and circumstance.
[NOTE] I give discounts if you book two (2) 4-hour tours in one day.
Ending Point
JR Harajuku Station or Shibuya 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
The following are PAID IN CASH on the day/s of the tour.
= Transportation (you & guide)
= Entrance fee (you & guide)
= Lunch / food / drink (you & guide)
Tour extension = 5,000JPY/hour
Hotel Meet-up = 5,000JPY
Hotel Drop-off = 5,000JPY
Tour Important Information
It is a walking tour and we plan to walk more than 14,000 steps in 4 hours. If you want to see more Shibuya town, we will skip Meiji-jingu Shrine (#1)
This is one of our most popular tours. It has something for everyone. Trendy areas are particularly appealing for younger guests. It’s a perfect tour for Kawaii-philes (it's a favorite among young girls). The tour includes #s 1 to 6 in the above itinerary and can be customized as a daytime or evening tour. #7 to 14 are optional spots are local favorites. It's difficult to enjoy it without a local resident's help.
SPECIAL NOTE: Previous guests have found that 4 hours is not enough for shopping. If you would like to focus on shopping, we could either skip the Meiji-jingu Shrine OR get a 1-hour tour extension. Please let me know which you prefer on the day of the tour.
(1) The area is crowded on weekends and holidays. (2) This is a walking tour. We could also take the subway to Shibuya if we're short on time. Please shoulder transportation fare of 170 JPY/person (you and guide). (3) Meet-up or/and drop- off service ONLY in Central Tokyo and Yokohama.
Important message from the supplier
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.
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 2017
About Tour Guide Toshi H.
"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!
Reviews
“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.
$236/ per group
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