Imperial Palace, Tokyo Government Office, and lively towns

Day Trip

Masako N.

4.87 / 5
(38 reviews)
Tokyo
Japanese (Native), English
4 hours
Private tour (only you and your group)
Up to 10 people

We will first visit the navel of Japan, Imperial Palace. It used to be the site of the Edo castle, which is still surrounded by moats and magnificent stone walls. Next destination is a modern town, Roppongi. We will visit a unique commercial complex, Roppongi Hills. Then move to Tokyo Government Office to enjoy the view from 202 meters high. Mt. Fuji can be seen in fine weather. Lastly, let's cross one of the world's busiest intersections in Shibuya and see a statue of a faithful dog Hachi!

Meeting Point

At your hotel

09:30 AM

Imperial Palace Garden

The Imperial Palace is located on the site of the former Edo Castle. Although we cannot see the residence of the emperor, the remains of the old castle, such as stone walls and guard houses can be viewed. The East Garden is open to the public, too.

10:40 AM

Roppongi

Roppongi Hills is a commercial complex including more than 200 shops, a hotel, movie theaters, museums, and others. The representative building is Mori Tower, whose design symbolizes samurai armor.

11:40 AM

Tokyo Government Office

Please enjoy the view from the 45th floor of the building. Anyone can play the piano designed by Yayoi Kusama.

12:30 PM

Shibuya intersection and a statue of Hachi

On a busy day like Saturday and Sunday, about 3,000 people cross during one green-light for 2min. It is amazing! People rarely bump into each other because they are accustomed to crowds. Let's be one of them!

Ending Point

Shibuya

What to Expect

This is a four-hour tour. We will visit four destinations, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Governmental Office, Roppongi, and Shibuya crossing. These are some of the most requested spots from my past guests for their second-day tour. The Imperial Palace lies in the center of busy Tokyo, but is an oasis that keeps stillness and solemnity. In sharp contrast with it, the three towns, Shinjuku, Roppongi, and Shibuya are lively around the clock. Many high rise buildings harmonizing with up-to-date culture can be seen. In this tour you will experience both aspects of Tokyo, quiet and avtiveness.

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Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

guide fee, hotel pick-up

What‘s not included

your transportation fee and guide's・・・about¥700 per person


Important Information

I can guide you in the metropolitan area including Tokyo and Kanagawa every day as long as I am available.




The Imperial Palace and Tokyo Governmental Office are closed during the period before and after New Year's.

The Imperial Palace Garden is usually closed on Mondays and Fridays. And also, the observation floor of Tokyo Governmental Office is closed on the first and the third Tuesday of every month. In that case, we will visit your favorite spot as an alternative.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the start time of the tour flexible?

Yes. You can shift the time, for example it starts at 1pm and ends at 5pm.

Reviews

A

Alan S.

5 / 5
Dec 31, 2022

Fantastic to see key locations in the one tour

Masako was fantastic in helping us navigate our way around Tokyo on our first day. We efficiently got to each location and Masako explained the history and culture which we would have missed without her. Masako also answered all of our questions which really set us up for the rest of the week. Can’t thank you enough Masako, you were so kind and helpful, it really made our stay wonderful. Have a wonderful new year and we look forward to visiting Japan again soon.

Masako N.

Hello Alan, Thank you very much for your kind comment. I am glad to hear you enjoyed our tour and had a wonderful week in Tokyo. It is my great pleasure if I would give you any help with your stay in Tokyo. I also thank you for your cooperation and patience during the tour. I was impressed you always followed me in an orderly line when moving in crowds. It was a big help to me and I easily guided you. I appreciate it. Please give my best regards to your wife and daughters. May the new year bring you and your family happiness! Kind regards, Masako

W

Waqas A.

5 / 5
Dec 7, 2022

A wonderful experience and an amazing guide

Masako-san was very knowledgeable, patient and punctual. A learnt alot from our tour and hope to engage her service in the future when I return to Tokyo with my family. Iroiro arigato gozaimashita.

Masako N.

Dear Waqas, Thank you very much for your lovely comment. I appreciate it. You are enthusiastic about Japanese history and culture, which helped me a lot to operate the tour. I was impressed that you understand cultural difference and show respect for other cultures. Please come back to Japan. I look forward to meeting your family. Kind regards, Masako

B

Brook R.

5 / 5
Nov 1, 2022

Lovely guide

Masako was a lovely guide. She provided interesting background information about the places we visited and life in Japan in general. She was also curious and inquisitive, so we had some nice conversation throughout our time together. Additionally, Masako was flexible and enabled us to extend our time in certain places as well as helped us make some purchases at the market.

Masako N.

Dear Brook, Thank you very much for your lovely comment. I appreciate it. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the tour. I was impressed you are well versed in our culture though it was your first visit to Japan. I was also moved you make every effort to pursue a better life. Your diet is a good example for me to follow! Thank you very much again. Kind regards, Masako

D

David I.

5 / 5
Oct 17, 2022

Highly Recommend

Communication was great from the start. She provided suggestions or options for my kids. She was early for both meeting times. Very knowledgeable and informed about the tours and we learned quite a bit. I would definitely use her again for a guide in Tokyo even if not for the visa requirements.

Masako N.

Hello David, Thank you very much for your kind words. I am very glad to hear you and your family enjoyed the tours. I was impressed all of you are friendly and warm-hearted, and besides your children are cooperative and patient. Thank you for pleasant chatting. I very much enjoyed having been with you. Please come back to Tokyo some day in the near future and have conger eel sushi in Tsukiji! I thank you again for hiring me. Kind regards, Masako

$115/ per group

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