Shinjuku Half-Day Tour
Joined 2024
See the highlights of Shinjuku in half a day—Meiji Jingu Shrine near Harajuku station, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and finally Kabukicho with a large Godzilla behind the Toho cinema.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu, located in Tokyo's Shibuya district, is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Established in 1920, its grand wooden architecture and serene forest setting provide a tranquil escape from the city. Visitors engage in traditional rituals like purification and prayer, while seasonal festivals and cultural events showcase Japan's rich heritage. This sacred site symbolizes Japan's deep reverence for its imperial history and spiritual traditions.
Oedo Subway Line Yoyogi station to Tochomae station
We will go just one stop by train to save time walking.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a prominent landmark in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Comprising twin towers with observation decks offering panoramic city views, it's a hub of government administration. Designed by Kenzo Tange, its modernist architecture features soaring structures and a central plaza. Free to enter, it's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering an unparalleled vista of Tokyo's sprawling metropolis.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Tokyo's vibrant entertainment district, nestled in Shinjuku. Known for its neon lights, theaters, and nightlife, it pulsates with energy day and night. Home to diverse establishments like host clubs, karaoke bars, and restaurants, it caters to various tastes. While famed for its lively atmosphere, Kabukicho also harbors quieter corners with traditional izakayas and quaint alleyways. Despite its bustling nature, it maintains an intriguing blend of modernity and old-world charm.
New Kabukicho Tower
Kabukicho Tower, a sleek skyscraper in Tokyo's Kabukicho district, stands as a modern icon amidst the bustling nightlife. Housing an array of entertainment venues, hotels, and restaurants, it epitomizes the area's vibrant spirit. With its illuminated facade dominating the skyline, the tower offers a panoramic view of Kabukicho's neon-lit streets. It serves as a focal point for visitors exploring the dynamic blend of entertainment and culture in this iconic Tokyo neighborhood.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
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
Tour Guiding
Japanese/English Interpreting
Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards
Guide's Rail fare
Your Rail fare
Your Lunch and/or dinner
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Please read before reaching out. Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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Are the tours rail-based?
Yes—tours are primarily rail-based, especially within Tokyo. On the first day, I’ll help you learn the Tokyo rail system, assist with IC card setup, and explain how to navigate confidently.
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Can you book tickets for us?
I don’t handle advance reservations. Most people want to visit places like teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Studio Ghibli, or the Sumo Lunch in Tokyo. These must be booked separately on your own. I can include these as part of the tour day or drop you off there, but I can’t make bookings on your behalf due to liability issues and platform commission.
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What about Mt. Fuji?
Due to visibility issues and common misunderstandings about access and logistics, inquiries about Mt. Fuji often don’t lead to bookings. A group bus tour is usually the better option.
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 Grant A.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history.
I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider:
One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights.
Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience.
Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests.
For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations.
While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request.
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation
Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
Reviews
Bethany W.
“Knowledgeable and flexible tour”
Native English speaker with years of experience in Japan. Easy to understand and very well informed on History of Japan, Buddism and Shintoism. We navigated the subway easily and went to an inexpensive but great seafood lunch. Grant also helped me shop for things we needed to bring home. Fun day. Arigato!
Brian K.
“Our day with Grant touring Tokyo was perfect!”
Our family had an amazing experience with Grant as our private tour guide in Tokyo. He was incredibly personable and extremely knowledgeable, sharing detailed historical facts and guiding us through Tokyo’s amazing food scene. One of the most helpful parts of the tour was how he taught us to navigate the subway system confidently on our own — a skill that made the rest of our trip so much easier. He made the entire experience memorable and truly enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Matthew G.
“Introductory to Japan, temple and traditional Tokyo ”
We had an amazing experience with Grant! He was incredibly accommodating for our family of five on our first trip to Tokyo. His knowledge of every stop and his ability to answer all of our questions truly impressed us. There’s no way we could have created such a thoughtful and efficient itinerary on our own. The tour was well-organized, made great use of our time, and was flexible enough to match our interests. We highly recommend Grant and would definitely book another tour with him if we return to Japan.
$138/ per group
More tours by Grant A.
Ginza Line Tour
Ginza Line Tour
Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
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