This Tokyo tour offers a diverse and engaging experience, blending culinary delights with cultural exploration in the lively neighborhoods of Shimokitazawa and Shibuya. From enjoying traditional sushi or ramen for lunch, tasting Japanese sweets and takoyaki, the day offers a taste of Japan's rich food culture. The tour concludes with a sake-tasting adventure in Shibuya.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Tokyo
Hotel Pick-up
Your day begins with a hotel pick-up.
Head to Shimokitazawa
Head to Shimokitazawa for lunch. You can choose between a sushi restaurant or a ramen restaurant, depending on your budget and preference. Some popular options include:
・Ganso Sushi: Savor fresh sushi at Ganso Sushi, known for its high-quality seafood and traditional sushi preparations.
・Uoshin Shimokitazawa: Explore the seafood offerings at Uoshin Shimokitazawa, a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) specializing in seafood dishes and sushi.
・Oreryu Shio Ramen Shimokitazawa: Enjoy a delicious bowl of their signature shio (salt-based) ramen known for its flavorful broth and tender noodles.
・Ishii Shimokitazawa: Experience their renowned ramen, which is loved for its rich and savory flavors.
Walk to Cafe
After your satisfying lunch, treat yourself to traditional Japanese sweets
・Kanmidokoro.:Try their wagashi (Japanese confectionery) and savor a cup of matcha tea.
Head to Shibuya
Make your way to Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most iconic districts. You can take the train to get there.
Takoyaki Snack
Once you arrive in Shibuya, enjoy a snack of takoyaki (octopus balls) at Gindako, a popular chain known for its delicious takoyaki.
Souvenir Shopping
Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in Shibuya. Consider visiting these stores:
・Discover, Japan Labo:unique Japanese gifts and traditional crafts.
・Kuroda Toen:high-quality Japanese teas and ceramics.
Shibuya Sake Hopping
End your day with a sake-tasting experience in Shibuya. Visit some local sake bars to sample a variety of Japanese sake.
Options:
・Sonotouri :a wide selection of sake with delicious Oden( a type of Japanese one-pot dishes consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon or konjac, and processed fishcakes stewed in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth)
・Kaku-uchi Base:a cozy atmosphere and local sake.
・Umebachi:more traditional sake experience with a body-friendly Japanese cuisine centered around vegetables.
Shibuya Station
Ending Point
Shibuya Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up, etc...
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, entrance fee, etc... ,
It's advisable to wear comfortable footwear, and be prepared for moderate walking.
If your hotel is located in 23 wards of Tokyo, pick-up fee to the hotel is free.
Tours are basically done by using public transportation like trains and subways.
A tour guide and former public school teacher based in Tokyo. Passionate about sharing the rich history and hidden gems. Let's explore Tokyo together!
Penny L.
Vintage Shopping and Music Discovery Tour in Shimokitazawa
“Enjoyable and interesting visit ”
Taro was a great guide for us and showed us many vintage and trendy clothes shops. He also took us to vinyl (record) stores which we enjoyed. It was so helpful to have him with us to help guide us. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch together. Great guide !
Taro S.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. I had such a great time talking with you about various aspects of our culture. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the ramen. I hope you have an amazing time in Japan. Take care, and I hope to see you again sometime soon in the future!
Kim and bob C.
Tokyo Cultural Exploration and Night Out
Customized
“Taro is the BEST for anyone wanting a “cool” tour”
Travelled with husband and two adult daughters (English speaking Canadians) and wanted a fun, modern tour that would interest all of us. Taro worked with us in advance to get just the kind of custom tour we’d all like. His English is outstanding and manner is gentle, patient and accommodating, and he’s truly just a lovely guy. He took us to the Tokyo Sky Tree (mostly for the old folks) then to Akihabara for arcades and an anime scene, then for some cool shopping, including vintage stores in Shimokitazawa and music stores in Shibuya. He picked awesome spots for lunch and dinner that were authentically Japanese but which satisfied even our pickiest eaters. Dinner at his awesome Oden restaurant in Shibuya was complete with a serenade from the lovely owner who doubles as a folk singer. We had such an awesome, memorable day with Taro. Highly, highly recommend!
Taro S.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review! It was such a pleasure to be part of your trip to Tokyo. Your family is incredible, and I had a blast chatting with all of you. From the sightseeing spots to the hidden bars, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. I look forward to seeing you again! Thank you!
“Excellent Time and Tour with Taro”
Taro is the ultimate tour guide. Kind, insightful, knowledgeable and flexible, Taro made our (family of 5) tour of Tokyo simply amazing. Taro knows Tokyo inside and out, and he took us to the most amazing sights in the city. He knows all of the vintage areas as well as the major destinations and provided us with historical context as well. Vintage shopping is super cool in Japan and Taro has insider knowledge and knows where to go. He is also very flexible as we had to modify our tour due to a typhoon hitting Japan which delayed our arrival. But it was no problem for Taro, and he made the necessary adjustments. He took us to the most incredible Wagyu beef restaurant for lunch—a meal we will not forget. He is interesting to talk to and knows the music industry thoroughly. Taro responded quickly to my questions when I was initially setting up the tour and made great itinerary suggestions. Anyone looking for an insightful, fun and dynamic tour, Taro is your guy! I highly recommend him.
Taro S.
I truly appreciate your wonderful review. Unfortunately, we experienced a typhoon during your visit, but I’m so happy to hear that you still enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure to see your interest in our culture, and I had such a great time discussing our history and traditions with you. As a tour guide, it’s an honor to be a part of your travel experience. You and your family are amazing—so kind and heartwarming. Thank you so much again. I look forward to seeing you again sometime soon!
$267/ per group