Concise Japanese history tour. Recommended especially for those who like to overview Japan’s history and art at the start and the end of your trip. Focusing on the early modern era in Ueno Park, we survey the entire history at Japanese Gallery in Tokyo National Museum. It’s not in a lecture style, but in relaxed, interactive way. Why don’t you share its real treasures with me, an Ueno local?
At Parkside Exit (Koen-guchi) of JR Ueno station *I will be waiting just across the street from the exit with a signboard or something you can recognize me
Ueno Park (walking in nature and visiting historical spots)
Tokyo National Museum (Japanese Gallery, etc.)
At Tokyo National Museum
1.Fun Walk at Ueno Park: Ueno Park is a spacious public park enjoyable to walk around and many excellent museums and Japan’s oldest zoo are located here. Not only that! The whole area was once the grounds of Kaneiji temple, the city’s largest, wealthiest temple in 17th to 19th century. Many historical events happened here. Let’s spot such remains* while walking in beautiful nature with seasonal flowers blooming.
(* statue of Saigo Takamori, Shinobazu Pond, Kiyomizu Kannon hall, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Great Buddha of Ueno, etc.)
2. Tokyo National Museum (Japanese Gallery): We are to appreciate the museum’s Highlights of Japanese Art exhibition. While exploring the exhibition rooms with Japan’s authentic treasures, you can travel from over 10,000 years ago to the late 19th century. Sharing my personal views and answering your questions, I would like to deepen your understanding and make your travel experience unforgettable!
※ In the large museum complex, there are 5 more buildings and a nice gift shop. If you are interested in other exhibitions or have request to extend the tour, I would be glad to be your company.
- guide fee
- transportation fee (you and guide),
- admission fee of Tokyo National Museum (620 yen / adult , if you are under aged 18 or 70 or over, showing your ID will make your admission free)
□ admission fee of Ueno Toshogu Shrine if you want to take a close look at it. ( 500 yen / person) * You can have its general view from outside
□ lunch if needed
★ Travel insurance is not included in our tours. I would recommend you take out your own travel insurance just in case of any unexpected accident, loss, or damaging others' property. You can find the counter of a few insurance companies at the airport when you arrive.
★ Free pick-up service to your hotel is only in Tokyo metropolitan area, in 23 wards. For other places, the extra charge will be added depending on the distance and the time necessary.
★ For the evening tour, some extra charge(25%) might be added depending on the time.
☆I could start our tour from early in the morning like 7 or 7:30 if you prefer. For details, please contact me before booking.
☆Kamakura Hiking trails are partially unavailable due to the damaged pathways caused by the typhoons hitting the area in September & October, 2019.
※The pictures of my previous guests on my web-page are posted only after securing their consent.
Not available on Mondays or the Tuesdays just after National holidays as Tokyo National Museum is closed
■ Please wear comfortable shoes and outfits for walking.
■ I could extend the tour and guide you to Yanaka * if requested.
＊Yanaka is a nostalgic residential temple town with old houses and lifestyle remaining, just adjacent to Ueno.
■ Maximum number of participants is 6 (taking the convenience of other visitors to the museum considered.)
Tomoko shared a lot about the culture, history as well as common Japanese phrases. We learned a great deal about the Feudal and Edo periods. She did a great job mixing Temples, Shrines, markets and local cuisine. Along the way, she guided us on how to navigate the train system, which was invaluable. To end a great day, we enjoyed an amazing local sushi & sashimi meal! We highly recommend Tomoko!
Thank you so much for sharing great time together, Jerome and Zai! The weather was not really favorable, but our spirits stayed high and enjoyed visiting Imperial Palace Garden, Tsukiji, Ginza, Asakusa, and Meiji Jingu. That was close! Thank you for running together. Glad to hear you enjoyed a lot of good food, too. ‘Eyes are bigger than our stomachs!’ (Me ga hoshii!) My Arigato for sharing your insights. I learned that there were many things I did not know or I had not even thought of. I appreciate your words of recommendation.
Thank you Tomoko for being so helpful and helping me plan my tun coming trip.
It’s my great pleasure! Thank you for posting such nice words, Ashley. I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy your trip to Japan with your family. -Tomoko
My wife and I had an amazing day in Nikko with Tomoko. She reached out beforehand to get our preferences and then met us on the train to Nikko (offering to meet us at our hotel). She had all the transportation planned out perfectly the whole day and knew all of the sites very well. She explained all of the history and background and pointed out lots of interesting things. Tomoko is an amazing guide with lots of knowledge and experience.
Thank you for sharing great time in Nikko and posting such a nice review, Dan. I’ve been to Nikko many times by Tobu train from Asakusa or by Shinkansen from Tokyo, but it was my first to take the JR-Tobu combined one from Shinjuku. Relieved and glad that the seats were spacious and that you liked the direct service. Thank you for all your cooperation. The weather stayed dry, and we could enjoy Nikko’s beautiful nature and history fully. I’m sure you enjoyed the lovely sights of Shichigosan (seven-five-three blessings), wedding, and most of all, the exciting event of Nikko trail run! Wishing your health and happiness, dear Nicole and Dan.
Tomoko was extremely helpful even before we arrived in Japan - she for example helped us find a great restaurant and made a reservation and even made sure that the restaurant translates the menu into English before our dinner there. In Tokyo, Tomoko took us around on a personalized tour, specifically focusing on the points we were interested in and providing very insightful background information. Overall, I can highly recommend Tomoko as a tour guide, everything was perfect!
Thank you for taking your time to write such a nice review, Chris. There are so many nice restaurants in the area Ginza, where you stayed, so it would have been very challenging for me to find a suitable one for you and Rosa if you had not made clear about your preferences and budget. I visited the restaurant the next week at lunch time and told them you really enjoyed the food and service they provided. They were so happy about that. Because of your request, I’ve found a hidden nice place for my future guests???? Hope you’ve enjoyed the rest of your stay in Japan. - Tomoko