Hamarikyu is a spacious Japanese garden, where used to be part of the sea.
Strolling around at a relaxing place, I'll explain some historical events that occurred there.
We would also visit Ueno Park, which also has some historical buildings and wonderful museums.
At the lobby of your hotel in Tokyo/Yokohama or at Shimbashi Station
At your hotel or the places in Ueno Park if you prefer to
Hamarikyu Garden, which was built in the 17th Century by the Shogun family, has many scenic views.
Even surrounded by many modern skyscrapers, the beautiful flowers and the view would give you a relaxing time.
If you would like to, we could taste Matcha at a teahouse, where retired President Grant of the US and the Meiji Emperor met, overviewing a pond at Hamarikyu Gardens. Prince Williams also had tea with the former Tokyo Governor in 2015.
Instead of taking the water bus, which you might feel quite long at this season without cherry blossom views, we'll go to Caletta Shiodome to have a view of the Tokyo Bay area.
Ueno Park was owned by a temple four hundred years ago. It has a taste of Mini Kyoto and mini Nikko. We will visit those historical Kiyomizu Kannondo Temple, Hanazono Inari Shrine, and Ueno Toshogu Shrine.
We would also see the building the National Museum of Western Art, which is acknowledged as one of the World Heritage.
If you would like to visit the Tokyo National Museum or Ueno Zoo, I will guide you to the entrances and give an overview where to go to see the things of your interest, so you could take your time on your own if you would like to, but it is also possible to only visit the toll-free spots at Ueno Park.
If you would like to have lunch during the tour, I can recommend some good restaurants.
Guiding fee, hotel pick-up in Tokyo, The Guide's Admission fee for Hamarikyu,Tokyo National Museum,and Ueno Zoo
Transportation fare (You and guide)
Admission fee for Hamarikyu ( ¥300/ 65 years old and over: ¥150)
(No charge for primary school children)
Optionals:
meals (If you have a full breakfast, the tour can go on without a lunch break. It's up to you.)
Matcha with a sweet (720 yen),
snacks,
beverages (Soft Drink-Vending machines are available at several places if you get thirsty)
Admission fee of your options (Ueno Zoo, Museums etc.)
We are supposed to walk a lot, so PLEASE WEAR WALKING SHOES.
Highheels or sandals might give you a hard time.
The places to visit in Ueno Park is up to you and your interest. I would appreciate if you would tell me what you are interested in: history, art or Zoo etc.
Yoko-san was so knowledgeable and was able to fill in on all questions we posed to her. She would often tickle us with some interesting trivia, and there was not a boring moment in Kamakura. She was very patient and obliging to entertain our detour to the many interesting shops in the area. We were thrilled to find out that she really knows her sake, and she made sure we were shown 'the sake place' within Tokyo Station for tasting and purchase of nice sake. Couldn't have asked for more!
Thank you so much for such an excellent review. I'm glad you enjoyed that day in Kamakura. I felt totally lucky that I could enjoy it with you and your amazing wife. Kamakura is so soothing that I never get tired of visiting there and I could relax myself with wonderful guests. I'm happy that you enjoyed your Kuheiji and each time I drink Hassen I will remember your beautiful wife and her lovely comments from now on. Thank you again!!
We had a wonderful day with Yoko. The Open-Air museum is well worth the visit, and Yoko has a personal interest, so she is enthusiastic about it all. She also pointed out lots of info on buildings and areas as we were on the train. We highly recommend her as a guide, and the trip to Nihon Minkaen.
Thank you so much for writing a great review so soon. I deeply appreciated that you took time in seeing each folk house, disappearing from the modern Japan and preserved, as a grandkid of an architect and a researcher of those folkhouses. I hope you enjoy the rest of your visit to Tokyo.
Great day out visiting Mount Fuji. Yoko was very helpful with the booking and anticipating all needs prior to the tour. On the day, Yoko met us at the lobby of our hotel and off we went to see Mt Fuji! Great day with the weather on our side. Yoko was very knowledgable, thank you for sharing your experience with us! I was traveling with my 7 year old son, we both really enjoy the day out and everything went smoothly. If you want a personalised tour, go for it, it makes a huge difference with no hassle, great learning experience, worth everything. Yoko is very flexible. Merci beaucoup Yoko!
Ne de rien!! Thank you so much for such a great review, Sophie. The pleasure was mine that I could share the great view of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko. I enjoyed the conversation with you a lot about France, UK and yourself even the temperature difference seemed to be quite tough for Rye. I hope you and Rye remember how to do the origami of Kabuto, the samurai helmet. I will practice the frog based on the site you told me. I hope you're enjoying Kyoto and please enjoy the rest of your stay. Merci beaucoup et à bientôt!!
Yoko was an excellent tour guide. She devised a tour with our interests as well as “must sees” as a newbie to Japan. Yoko is extremely organized and knowledgeable. Our time with her was well spent. We learned a lot and would definitely recommend Yoko for an enjoyable tour of Tokyo.
Thank you for a wonderful review. I had a great day with both of you. When I see works of Yayoi Kusama, I will remember you and the wonderful conversations we had that day. Nikko is also an amazing place to visit for an art fan like you, so please come again. Thank you again!!