Must-See Spots in Tokyo Downtown for First-Time Travelers
Joined 2024
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. Next, we head to Ueno, known for its cultural landmarks and vibrant park.
Finally, we visit 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 Ueno
After completing the Asakusa tour, we will head to Ueno by train or taxi (approx. 1.5 km).
Ueno Park shrine and Ameyoko street walk
In Ueno, I will take a relaxing stroll through Ueno Park, visit its small lake, and explore Ameyoko Street, a lively old-style shopping district.
Moving to Akihabara Anime city
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
Akihabara is filled with various specialty entertainment stores. I will guide you to the most famous 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?
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 Ueno and from Ueno to Akihabara for you and guide. Distance is about 2km 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 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
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Ken T.
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.
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 helping make your visit to Japan smooth, memorable, and deeply rewarding.
Reviews
Juliette M.
“Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Ken!”
Having met Ken on our first day in Tokyo following a long flight, we were so grateful for his care and attention, interesting stories and genuine passion for his country. He expertly curated a private tour for us including an incredible and authentic sushi lunch. Highly recommended.
Ken T.
Dear Juliette, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a true pleasure meeting you on your first day in Tokyo. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and the sushi lunch — I always try to make the experience both authentic and comfortable, especially after a long flight. Your warm feedback means a lot to me. I hope the rest of your trip in Japan was just as memorable. Please do visit again someday — I’d love to guide you once more! Warmest regards, Ken
Christopher H.
“Tokyo highlights with Ken”
Ken was an absolute pleasure to spend time with. He showed us the must-see spots that no first-time tourer to Tokyo should go home without seeing. He was professional, knowledgeable, informative and good company. But, most of all, he was eager that my wife and I should finish our tour with him having missed out on nothing that either we wanted, or he thought, we should see in Tokyo.
Ken T.
Dear Chris, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was truly a pleasure spending the day with you and your wife. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the must-see spots of Tokyo—there’s so much to take in, and I always try to make sure nothing important is missed. Your kind words mean a lot, and I’m happy I could help make your first visit to Tokyo memorable. Wishing you both all the best, and I hope our paths cross again someday! Warm regards, Ken
Jim A.
“Tokyo to Mtn Fuji”
Ken is outstanding in his knowledge of Tokyo, but where he is best is determining his customers personal preferences, limitations for physical activity, attention to personal needs and planning well ahead of customer arrival. He is an excellent listener and very good English.
Ken T.
Dear Jim, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. I’m truly honored by your words and very happy to hear that you felt well taken care of during your time in Tokyo. I always try to understand each guest’s preferences and needs to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. It was really a pleasure guiding you. Warm regards, Ken
$256/ per group
More tours by Ken T.
Shinjuku & Shibuya Night Tour: Explore Tokyo’s Neon Wonderland
Shinjuku & Shibuya Night Tour: Explore Tokyo’s Neon Wonderland
Tokyo Highlights (Car+Driver+Guide) Luxury & Time Saving
Tokyo Highlights (Car+Driver+Guide) Luxury & Time Saving
Narita-San & Airport (Car+Driver+Guide) : Luxury Farewell to Japan
Narita-San & Airport (Car+Driver+Guide) : Luxury Farewell to Japan
One Iconic Spot, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Tsukiji and others
One Iconic Spot, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Tsukiji and others
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Tokyo
Visiting the must-see spots in attractive Tokyo
Visiting the must-see spots in attractive Tokyo
Tokyo Highlights Private Tour : For Any Group Size with a Friendly Local Guide!
Tokyo Highlights Private Tour : For Any Group Size with a Friendly Local Guide!
Tokyo Highlights! - Personalized Tokyo Full-Day Tour
Tokyo Highlights! - Personalized Tokyo Full-Day Tour
Tokyo Six Hour Tour Customized for You
Tokyo Six Hour Tour Customized for You
