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.
※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.)
We met with Tomoko over zoom to discuss an upcoming trip. Her suggestions and insights to our desired itinerary were incredibly helpful! Would recommend :)
It was my great pleasure to share my experiences and thoughts when you plan your family trip to Japan. You have a half year ahead, so I'm sure you'll make a great itinerary satifying all your family members:) Thank you again, Willow!
I had an awesome day in Tokyo with Tomoko! She was very flexible with some last minute changes to the itinerary and showed me so much of Tokyo over the course of our time together. I still can't believe how much ground we covered during the day! Tomoko was also very patient and was so kind to teach about Japan's history and language. She indulged my questions and she also is a fantastic photographer -- she happily captured many moments and shared them with me during our trip around Tokyo. We had ample stops for food / drinks / restrooms and the improvisation as we went along added to the experience. Tomoko accommodated my asks, but I get the impression she can meet any needs and customize them to make it work. I highly, highly recommend a tour with Tomoko!
Thank you for your review just after our tour, Wilson! I’m surprised myself that we covered so many places with natural flow visiting Tsukiji, Ginza, Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace Garden, Nezu shrine, Yanaka residential/temple town (with encounter with the artist’s wife), Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, and Shibuya. We tried so many good foods like sushi, strawberries, rice-shop-made rice balls, and that tasty coke, etc. I’m so glad you ventured and enjoyed the little seasonal squids (Hotaruika) and ‘anago’ sea eel! Thank you also for your sincere interest to our history and language. It’s a brief, first visit to Tokyo after your business trip, but I’m sure you’ve got a lot of stories to tell to your sweet wife waiting for your return. Thank you again:) - Tomoko
Tomoko speaks excellent English. At our Zoom meeting, she was able to use technology to provide me with information on the screen. She is easy to talk with. I found our consultation to be very helpful and highly recommend her.
Thank you for taking your time to write the review, Deborah. Glad to hear the session was helpful for your planning and future visit. I was impressed by your profound passion and understanding of Japanese traditions and culture. Thank you again!
We spent a day with Tomoko this week. We were first time visitors, so on day 1 Tomoko was able to give us a good sense of the city. We visited traditional shrines and temples, took in view sites, saw the Imperial Palace and experienced some street life too. We walked a lot, took trains and admired her energy and enthusiasm and liked her and sense of humour. She got us ready for the week ahead. Tomoko is really great and was a perfect guide for us with an excellent command of English! ????????
Thank you so much for the review, Mark. It was my great pleasure to be part of your merry band of travelers. Yes, we walked a lot, caught a lot of beautiful/interesting sights, tasted good food, talked a lot , and above all, laughed a lot:) It was me that was more impressed by your diverse interests and energy! Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you again, Mark, Naëtt, Sang & Mike!