One Day Customized Tour in Tokyo
Recommended for those who want to make the best of your limited days in Tokyo!
First, choose 1 or 2 places from the selection list in ‘Highlights,’ and let me know your requests.
Then I will suggest the best itinerary especially for you.
If you are thinking of touring around other areas starting from Tokyo or ending at Tokyo, I could assist your planning as a tour guide+consultant. Feel free to contact me.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or at any convenient place in central Tokyo
Your hotel lobby or any place of your convenience in metropolitan area of Tokyo
Starting time is changeable. The following list covers my recommended places in Tokyo. Let me the places you are interested in from the list below or general preferences and requests. The first 3 spots, Asakusa, Imperial Palace, or Meiji Jingu shrine would be the best choice if you have not been there.
1. Asakusa and Senso-ji temple (district with an atmosphere of old Tokyo and its oldest temple)
2. Imperial Palace and East Gardens (residence of the Imperial Family, former site of Edo castle, and a beautiful park) *admission free
3. Meiji Jingu shrine (dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji, a beautiful forest in the midst of Tokyo)
4. Ueno Park (city park with multiple museums such as Tokyo National Museum, which is the oldest and considered the best. There is also a zoo, shrines, and temples on this historical site.) *admissions vary depending on facilities and exhibitions; most facilities are closed on Mondays
5. Yanaka (district with a pleasant nostalgic atmosphere of old Tokyo with lots of temples and small local shops. Asakura Museum of Sculpture, the former residence and studio of the artist with scenic beauties can also be found here.) *admission to museum: 500 yen / adult, closed on Mondays and Thursdays
6. Japanese traditional gardens, such as Rikugi-en, Hamarikyu-garden, and Kiyosumi- garden. (*admission 150 - 300 yen/adult)
7. Harajuku (center of Japan's teenage culture and fashion as well as an array of high-end adult shopping. You can enjoy Hedgehog & Otter cafe :)
8. Shinjuku (district around Japan's busiest station, featuring many large shops, countless restaurants, skyscrapers including Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office building with free observatory, nightlife areas such as Kabukicho, Omoide-yokocho, etc.)
9. Shibuya (prominent landmark of the large intersection known as the Crossing is here, popular district among younger generations, packed with shopping, dining, and nightclubs.)
10. Tsukiji Outer Market (Fun market where you can learn Japanese food culture and enjoy fresh seafood, sushi, and other delicious food.)
11. Ginza (Tokyo's largest shopping & dining district, close to traditional Kabuki-za theater.)
12. Ryogoku (town of Sumo wrestling with typical restaurants, excellent museums such as the Sumida Hokusai Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Museum) *admission to Sumida Hokusai: 400 yen / adult, to Edo-Tokyo: 600 yen / adult, both closed on Mondays
13. Fukagawa (relaxing old town in eastern Tokyo with a small, but interesting Edo Fukagawa museum where you are led and immersed into ancient lives of Tokyo commoners and Fukagawa Fudodo, an impressive Buddhist temple hall) *admission to museum: 400 yen / adult, closed on 2nd and 4th Mondays
14. Koishikawa Korakuen garden and Kagurazaka (traditional Japanese garden; wandering around a town with nostalgic but trendy narrow alleys.) *admission to garden: 300 yen / adult
15. Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower - panoramic view of Tokyo from obervatory decks * admission: refer to their official website
16. Any place of your interest in Tokyo
Ending Point
At the final destination or any place of your convenience
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
■ hotel pick-up (only inside the metorpolitan area of Tokyo)
■ transportation fee (you and guide): about 1,500yen/person
■ lunch
■ admission fee if needed
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 Tomoko H.
Hi everyone! Hearty welcome to Japan.
I’m Tomoko.
I am an English-speaking licensed tour guide, and a registered nurse as well.
“Fun Discovering Experience Walking like a Local!” – F-D-E-W-L!
That’s what I suggest.
【Experiences】
My work history is as follows.
1) high school teacher ---12 years
2) nurse--8 years + 2 years as operational manager for Kamakura city vaccination team (during COVID period)
3) tourism related jobs such as tour conducting, guiding, and backyard supporting---10 years
As a tour conductor, I’ve visited about 20 foreign countries (possibly yours?) as well as countless number of towns and villages in Japan.
I’ve enjoyed these jobs while being a mother.
Through these experiences with lots of people from different backgrounds, I've found it a great pleasure to share the joy of learning and experiencing something new!
【Guiding Areas】
<Basic> Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Fuji, Yokohama, Nikko, and other neighboring areas from Tokyo
I’m a specialist in Tokyo and Kamakura as I have lived and enjoyed walking a lot in those cities for decades. To be honest, even after all my years here, I still enjoy exploring like a tourist as Tokyo is such an enormous city with great diversity and is constantly changing.
Kamakura is a historical small city with nice beaches and hills and lots of hidden spots of beauty. Almost every time I go out, I feel I’m still making new discoveries. That’s why I cannot stop exploring.
I would take you to some neighboring areas like Hakone, Yokohama, Nikko, and Mt. Fuji area (Lake Kawaguchiko), etc.
<Based on Requests > *if my transportation & accommodation are covered
Nagoya, Kyoto, Nagano(Nagano city, Snow Monkey park, Kisoji trail, etc.), Hida (Takayama, Shirakawa-go), Kanazawa, Oita, Yamagata, Akita, etc.
My original family is from Nagoya, so I know their culture and even their language(dialect) well. Later in my life, I have lived in Oita, Kyushu(far south west of Tokyo) for nearly 10 years and traveled a lot in Kyushu. I love traveling Tohoku, the northern Japan area, too. I’ve planned and enjoyed visiting many of those local areas in the north, too. So, I could share those experiences with you even while having tours in Tokyo or online.
【Personality and others】
- I love meeting people, listening and talking to them.
- I'm friendly and caring, I hope:)
- I love nature and enjoy hiking and skiing.
- I love seasonal flowers and good local food.
- You will see a lot about Japanese culture, nature, and lifestyle with me.
What has made you decide to come to Japan, by the way? Is it its scenic beauties, exotic culture, history, food, anime, or what else? Is it your business that has brought (or will bring) you here? Let me have a clue and customize your tour. I will make the best tour suggestion for you.
Why don’t you contact me now? I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Thank you! Arigato-gozaimas!
Reviews
Mark M.
“The Perfect Guide for Our Family!”
Where do we even begin with Tomoko? We spent a full day exploring Tokyo with her and she was absolutely fantastic. Warm, funny, patient, knowledgeable and incredibly engaging, she quickly felt less like a tour guide and more like someone who had become part of our family’s day. We were travelling with two boys aged 15 and 12, and Tomoko was brilliant at engaging them and bringing Japanese culture and history to life in a fun and relatable way. At Meiji Jingu she taught us about the torii gates, sake barrels and shrine traditions, including how to bow, clap, pray and receive a fortune. Our 12-year-old loved this so much that he continued doing fortunes throughout our trip! At Tsukiji Market, Tomoko introduced us to different foods and flavors and helped us order and try things we may never have discovered ourselves. We also loved visiting the Imperial Palace area and Fukazawa Edo Museum, where her explanations made old Japan come alive. Kappabashi was another highlight. As a family who loves food and cooking, we loved exploring the kitchenware, plastic food displays and knife shops. A favorite memory was our 12-year-old trying to master a traditional cup-and-ball toy, then Tomoko stepping in and getting it almost immediately! She had us all laughing. We finished in Asakusa at beautiful Sensō-ji, the perfect end to our day. What made Tomoko truly special, though, was how she looked after us. She adapted completely to our pace, accommodated rest and drink stops, communicated wonderfully with our driver and locals, translated, helped us order and made sure everyone felt included. Tomoko shared stories about her own life too, and by the end of the day it genuinely felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend. We cannot recommend Tomoko highly enough. Thank you for such a memorable introduction to Tokyo and Japanese culture. We absolutely loved our day with you!
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Tomoko H.
Mark, I’m sure you’ve just returned from a wonderful trip with your family to the other side of the equator and are back to your busy routine, so I’m truly grateful that you took the time to write such a heartwarming and detailed review. From the very first time you contacted me, I was impressed by how thoroughly you had researched and planned this trip to ensure that your sister, your wife, and your two teenage sons would all enjoy it. I was inspired by your passion, and I’m so happy that we were able to create a fun day together. I was inspired by Zac's various questions and Toby's genuine reactions. I also really appreciated your wife's cheerfulness and your sister's warmth. What I enjoy most about being a tour guide is helping guests experience daily life firsthand together with the people of the town they’re visiting—including the way of life, the history and traditions behind it, and perhaps even some slightly quirky superstitions and customs. I felt like I was part of your wonderful family, too. Thank you again! Please give my regards to your family. I look forward to seeing you again someday.‐ Tomoko
David N.
“Tokomo was wonderful”
Tomoko was a fabulous introduction to Tokyo and how to get around in this big complicated city. She met me at my hotel and we traveled by train to the Imperial Garden in the morning and then in the afternoon she introduced me to Sumo! Sumo was totally new to me and I had wanted to learn more. She arranged tickets to see an afternoon of matches leading to a national championship. She knows all about Sumo and the matches were a perfect introduction to this lesser known aspect of Japanese culture. I should have had more days with her.
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Tomoko H.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review while travelling, David. I love sumo as you noticed, and I go to even Osaka and Nagoya when I get tickets; although this time I ended up involving you for nearly the half of the day’s tour, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you very much for sending me so many photographs of ukiyo-e depicting sumo. I was also delighted that you visited the Tokyo National Museum the following day and were able to rediscover and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and joys of sumo. Tomorrow is the tournament's final day. Well, I wonder which of the two wrestlers with three losses will win the title. I'm planning to cheer them on on the telly. If the timing’s right, why don’t you have a look at NHK’s sumo broadcasts too? Thank you again!- Tomoko
Adam L.
“Tomoko - 10/10 Experience in Tokyo”
I hired Tomoko to lead my parents on a guided day tour of Tokyo. From the start, Tomoko was very easy to communicate with and made sure that the day trip itinerary was perfectly suited to my parents physical abilities and general interests. After spending two weeks in Japan, my parents still say that their day with Tomoko was their favourite part of the trip. I would definitely hire Tomoko again!
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Tomoko H.
Adam, thank you for the wonderful review. This is the 200th review I’ve received on this site—a real milestone! I’m so glad your parents enjoyed their two-week cruise and returned home safely. Since you love Japan and have visited several times yourself, I could tell from your very first inquiry how much you wanted your parents to enjoy Japan too. At first, I suggested a standard itinerary, but since you took the time to carefully explain each of your parents’ hobbies, interests, and their plans afterward—and considering it’s the hot season—I thought about how to plan the first day so they could really enjoy themselves. Anat’s idea to end the day by seeing the beautiful goldfish exhibition in Ginza was brilliant, and all three of us really enjoyed it. It would be nice if we could have coffee or tea together the next time you visit Japan. Please give my regards to your parents. - Tomoko
$419/ per group
More tours by Tomoko H.
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Hakone Highlights - One Day Excursion from Tokyo
One-day fun excursion to Hakone from Tokyo. Hakone is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than one hundred kilometers from Tokyo. This tour covers the highlights of Hakone. You will enjoy its natural beauties, spectacular views of volcanic activity, a lovely museum with great masterpieces, historical sites, and fun vehicle rides. If weather permits, the view of Mt. Fuji is gorgeous! Fun excursion for both adults and children.
Hakone Highlights - One Day Excursion from Tokyo
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Kamakura Highlights with Local Expert - from Tokyo
One day fun excursion to Kamakura, a small, coastal city just one hour south of Tokyo. Sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, Kamakura offers numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments as well as beautiful beach and forestry hills. Refer to this model plan, and I will customize your tour based on your tastes and requests. Count on me, Kamakura specialist!
Kamakura Highlights with Local Expert - from Tokyo
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Nikko Highlights - One Day Excursion from Tokyo
One day fun excursion to Nikko from Tokyo. Nikko is the perfect destination for those who want to escape busy Tokyo and enjoy great nature and historical beauty. Nikko is designated as Japan’s National Park as well as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. 2 hours north-east of Tokyo by train. Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine is what you cannot miss. Your tour can be customized depending on your interests. Do not miss tasting local food, too. Let’s enjoy the beauties of Nikko together!
Nikko Highlights - One Day Excursion from Tokyo
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Kamakura Day Hike with Local Expert
Kamakura is a small, quiet, lovely town, one hour south of Tokyo. It was Japan's political center around the 13th century. This tour is especially recommended for nature lovers who seek a day-escape from busy Tokyo. It covers many hidden spots never visited in a large group tour. You will visit some famous spots like the Great Buddha as well. Kamakura is my hometown when I spent half of my life and I still often visitt to see my family. I'm sure you can enjoy the area just like locals do.
Kamakura Day Hike with Local Expert
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Tokyo
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Tokio, traditionell und modern
Bei dieser Tour können Sie beide traditionelle, historische Seite und moderne, urbane Seite von der Stadt genießen! ・Sensoji Tempel und Nakamise Einkaufsstraße in Asakusa (ganz historisch) ・Tokio City View in Roppongi(urban) ・Meiji Jingu Schrein in Shinjuku (traditionell, spirituell) ・Große Kreuzung in Shibuya (modern) Wir fahren gemeinsam mit dem Zug oder Metro von einem Besichtigungsort zum nächsten Zielort.
Tokio, traditionell und modern
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6-hour private tour in Tokyo visiting famous spots
Please select tourist landmarks of your choice. There are various famous spots like Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace, Hama-Rikyu Gardens, Sensoji Temle, Tsukiji Outer FIsh Market, Yanesen-Street, River Cruse by sightseeing boat and so on. We visit famous spots in 6 hours. You can enjoy the sacred atmosphere in the historical places and also taking a stroll through local area.
6-hour private tour in Tokyo visiting famous spots
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Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori
This tour fits all, from first timers to repeaters who love local experiences. You can choose what you like from spots listed, or I can pick up for you if you don't have clue. Just let me know your preferences. I can make a good combination of old and modern, major and local. Tokyo has a lot more besides the list. As full day tour (up to 8h), please pick up 3 or 4 spots. Or you can request specific spot not on the list. "Enjoy together with fun learning" is what you can expect with me.
Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori
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TOKYO Tour of your choices
If this is your first trip to Tokyo or your first time to have free time in Tokyo, I recommend visiting "three" major spots of your choice, I will show you the brief history of Japan from the Edo Period to the Meiji Period by explaining these spots. You can also enjoy shopping in this trip if you want, I want you to know two sides of Tokyo; historical side and modern side.
TOKYO Tour of your choices
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