Must-See Spots in Tokyo Downtown for First-Time Travelers
This tour is designed for first-time travelers who want to explore the major sightseeing spots of Tokyo's downtown area in just a day.
Starting from Tokyo Skytree and the historic district of Asakusa, you'll experience the essence of traditional Japan. As an option, we can head to Akihabara, the heart of anime and gaming culture, where you'll discover the roots of Japan’s subculture, including a visit to a popular maid café.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Oshiage Station-Bus terminal exit
- The meeting point is at the bus terminal exit of Oshiage Station. The exact location will be shared in advance via a Google Maps link along with reference photos.
Skytree - Entrance to Observation deck
After meeting, I will guide you to the 5th floor of the base building (Tokyo Solamachi) and assist you in purchasing tickets for the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree.
Photo spots
I will take you to the best photogenic spots around Skytree for capturing great memories and social media posts.
Shopping Street at Solamachi
Tokyo Skytree is built on Solamachi, a large shopping complex with over 300 souvenir stores. I will guide you to selected popular shops for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Lunch
I will visit the restaurant area of Solamachi, where you can choose from a variety of Japanese and Western cuisine options.
Walking tour to Asakusa
I will take a scenic walking route to Asakusa, crossing the Sumida River via a charming bridge.
Asakusa: Kaminari-mon & Nakamise Street
Starting from the iconic Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate), we will walk through Nakamise Street, a lively shopping street with traditional snack shops and souvenir stores. This path leads us to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, where you can also try Omikuji (fortune slips).
Matcha Experience (Needs reservation)
At this point, you can choose one of the following:
1. A matcha (green tea) making experience in a peaceful Japanese-style tatami room led by a matcha specialist.
2. Enjoying matcha sweets at a traditional matcha café.
Moving to Akihabara Anime city(Option)
We will head to Akihabara, either by train or taxi, to explore Tokyo’s mecca for anime, gaming, and otaku culture.
Akihabara Anime city tour (Maid Cafe)
Akihabara is filled with various specialty entertainment stores. I will guide you to the most famous Maid Cafe or Shops based on your interests.( A popular option is visiting a maid café—one of over 200 in the area.)
The tour ends at Akihabara station
Our tour concludes at Akihabara Station. From here, you can continue exploring or head back to your hotel.
Ending Point
Akihabara station
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
①Public transportation/taxi fee from Asakusa to to Akihabara for you and guide. Distance is about 3km taxi might be more efficient than public transportion.
②Lunch & cafe fee (approximately 10~20 USD per person, for you and guide)
③Tokyo Skytree observation decks entrance fee
Adult 18 years old and over is ¥3,100yen.
Teenager 12 to 17 years old is ¥2,350yen.
Child 6 to 11 years old is ¥1,450yen.
④ Matcha experience ¥2,480yen
⑤ Maid Cafe entrance ¥2000~ .
Tour Important Information
1. This tour lasts long hours and covers many sightseeing spots, but if you feel tired, it can be customized into a shorter or longer tour based on your request. I am always happy to accommodate your preferences.
2. This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
3. This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
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
About Tour Guide Ken T.
Certified Domestic Tour Conductor — ensuring safe, smooth, and memorable travel in Japan.
Hello! My name is Ken (Kenichi), and I’m a professional tour guide specializing in private car tours throughout Tokyo and nearby regions. As of April 2025, I’ve guided over 1,600 foreign travelers (340+ tours), offering comfortable, customized experiences by car.
In addition to my experience, I am officially certified as a Licensed Domestic Tour Conductor (Itinerary Control Manager) under Japan’s Travel Agency Law. This nationally recognized qualification ensures that I can professionally manage itineraries, prioritize safety, and provide worry-free travel experiences — the same standards required for group tours operated by major Japanese travel companies.
With over 30 years of work experience in both Japanese and international companies in Tokyo, I’ve gained deep insights into the city and its hidden gems. I’m also an avid traveler, having visited famous destinations across Japan and more than 40 countries worldwide.
I understand the challenges many first-time visitors face in Japan, especially when navigating the busy and complex city of Tokyo. That’s why I focus on private car tours, which allow you to explore more places in less time, all in comfort and without the stress of public transportation. My tours are fully customized to your needs and include an experienced driver — my wife — so you can relax while I guide you through each location.
Whether you’re looking for iconic landmarks, quiet gardens, or local culture, I’ll create an efficient and enjoyable itinerary just for you.
I look forward to making your visit to Japan safe, smooth, and deeply rewarding.
Reviews
Robert C.
“Last day Japan”
It was a great idea! Usually, the last day of the vacation is stressed by looming prospect of travel to airport. We spend day with Ken as it was one more day of the vacation. He took “ farewell stress” off and change it to the great experience of seeing beautiful lbuddist temple. He’s a very professional and in contrast to other guides that we use in Japan was involving us all the time by telling stories, explaining culture. There was no “quiet” moment, but we felt free to require one if we need it.(did not happen.:). His had camera and took care of pictures that he shared with us very promptly after event. Perfect English, great manners . Everything flawless : starting at pick up at the hotel up to delivery the airport door in a very relaxing atmosphere. Ken: THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
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Ken T.
Dear Robert, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was truly my pleasure to guide you, your lovely wife, and your daughters. I really enjoyed spending such a pleasant time with all of you. Actually, I was a bit worried about the weather that day, but we were very lucky — no rain during the tour, and it started just after we arrived at the airport! I’m very happy that you could enjoy the last day of your trip in Japan without stress. My wife and I both feel grateful for the opportunity to spend that memorable day together. Please come back to Japan again in the future — we would love to see you all again! Warm regards, Ken
Arthur C.
“Wonderful Time in Tokyo”
Ken was very easy to work with and went out of his way to accommodate us. He did so with a great big smile and went along with our needs and desires to be able to see the sights we wanted and the experience we wanted to have to have a taste of Tokyo life. His wife also is so kind and patient with us. We were able to experience a one day tour of Tokyo and was able to sample a good amount of Japanese delights. I would highly recommend him and his wife for a very good job well done. We would certainly ask him to do another tour with us in the future should it happen! We're hoping!
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Ken T.
Dear Arthur, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I truly appreciate your kind words and it was my great pleasure to guide you and your lovely family around Tokyo. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed experiencing a taste of Tokyo life and Japanese culture. My wife and I both had such a good time with you — your warm smiles and positive energy made the day so pleasant for us as well. We sincerely hope to see you again in the future and would be delighted to guide you once more whenever you return to Japan. With warmest regards, Ken & Sachi
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Oren P.
“On Time! Good Tokyo Driving Strategy.”
Had a great Tokyo Cruise Port pickup with Ken T. in the morning (9am) for the day with an early (2pm) afternoon drop off at Haneda Airport for a flight home. Saw the sites we wanted to see, since we had been to Tokyo before, and he accommodated and adjusted his timing with us. His communication with us beforehand was concise and accurate.
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Ken T.
Dear Oren, Thank you very much for your kind review. I also truly enjoyed guiding you that day. Coincidentally, it was the same day former U.S. President Trump was visiting Japan, and there were many traffic restrictions in Tokyo — but fortunately, we were able to reach Haneda Airport right on schedule without any issues. You’ve traveled to many countries, and I hope you’ll visit Japan again in the future. Wishing you all the best and continued wonderful journeys. Warm regards, Ken
$257/ per group
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