Tokyo Afterhours: Ueno Temples, Tastings & Twilight Izakayas
Looking for a laid-back cultural stroll that blends Japanese history, food, and drinks into one perfect afternoon? This is your chance to experience Tokyo’s local flavors after hours.
From peaceful temples and matcha cafés to crispy kushikatsu and buzzing izakayas, this tour flows like a conversation — with a friendly guide to share stories, pour sake, and answer your cultural curiosities.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Ueno Station
- There are two type of Ueno stations : Keisei Ueno or JR Ueno. Don't worry, I can meet you whichever the line you come from.
Temple Walk: Ueno Park + Kiyomizu Kannon Temple & Ueno Tosho-gu
Enjoy golden hour lighting on traditional shrines
Cultural storytelling on Tokugawa history and temple rituals
Afternoon Café: Matcha + Japanese Sweet Pairing
Try seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) and matcha at a peaceful tea house
Light conversation and cultural Q&A
Kushikatsu or Teppanyaki Tasting Experience
Dine at Kushiemon (Ueno) for deep-fried skewers
Or visit a teppanyaki diner for grilled beef & vegetables with drink pairings
Cultural Alley Walk: Ameyoko Market or Ueno Sakuragi Area
Explore the bustling market for snacks, spices, and retro charm
Hear about postwar Tokyo and Showa nostalgia
Evening Izakaya Hop & Kanpai Time
Visit a bar in Ameyoko or Okachimachi
Enjoy yakitori, sashimi, Japanese beer or sake
Toast to new friendships with your guide and locals
Ending Point
Ueno Station
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
Private guided tour
Fully customized itinerary based on your interests
Hotel pick-up (within central Tokyo)
Guide’s transportation during the tour
Local recommendations for food, anime shops, and activities
Your transportation fees (train, subway, taxi if needed)
Entrance fees (if any, e.g. Tokyo Tower observation deck)
Food and drinks (for you and the guide)
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
If you would like to start the tour earlier, please feel free to let me know.
Important message from the supplier
When you meet me, I recommend you leave your large luggage, such as suitcases, at the hotel in advance. This will make it easier for you to enjoy the tour without the burden of heavy bags.
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 Etsu I.
Hello! I’m Etsu, your friendly local guide in Tokyo.
I specialize in bar-hopping tours, taking you to lively izakaya bars and hidden food stalls to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors.
If you love delicious street food, healthy Japanese dishes, or sake tasting, you’ll be in the right hands.
I also guide visitors to famous landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Skytree, and for anime fans, I’m happy to show you around anime-related museums and shops.
To make your trip smooth and stress-free, I can meet you at your hotel, escort you on the subway, and bring you back safely—so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
We can also create a custom plan: for example, sampling local food and drinks, visiting historic shrines, and experiencing Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife all in one memorable tour.
If you’re curious about Japanese food culture, healthy eating, or simply want to explore Tokyo in a fun and authentic way, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to welcoming you!
Reviews
Andrea Z.
“Wonderful guide to Tokyo! ”
We asked for a foodie and shopping tour of Tokyo and spent a lot of time near Shibuya (I think). It started to rain heavily during our tour so we went away from outdoor markets and down into some gorgeous shops instead. After the rains we went up to tour food stalls. Arrive hungry for your tour!! Etsu was well prepared, flexible, charming, easy to talk with, and energetic. We enjoyed the day she prepared and her personality and I absolutely recommend her!
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Etsu I.
Thank you very much for your kind words and for coming all the way from your country. Despite the rain, I truly appreciate that you joined me and enjoyed all the tours. You, your husband, and your son were not only very friendly but also energetic and positive. That is why I was so happy to know that you were satisfied with this plan. I am very much looking forward to seeing you again in the future.
Adam H.
“Great Dining Experience”
I thorougly enjoyed spending 2 evenings in Tokyo with Etsu as my private restaurant guide, and it was a genuinely outstanding experience. We explored different areas of the city, including Ebisu and Yurakucho, which gave a great contrast of atmosphere. From relaxed neighbourhood dining to more vibrant, lively streets. Etsu curated the experience beautifully, introducing me to excellent local food and venues I would not have discovered on my own. What stood out most was her ability to easily converse in English and balance professionalism with a very natural, easy-going style. She was knowledgeable, attentive, and highly organised, while also making the time feel relaxed and enjoyable. Etsu has a great sense of what I was looking for and I felt very well looked after throughout. I would highly recommend Etsu to anyone looking for a personalised and authentic Tokyo dining experience.
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Etsu I.
Thank you for your wonderful comment. I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed my tour. In spite of your business outfit, I was surprised that you walked, walked, and walked a lot. Also, one of the most interesting things for me was that we talked about tax returns. Since you are an accountant, I learned a lot of things. On the first day, it was raining and a sudden change of the plan was needed, but you understood well, and I was glad to see that you had fun. On the second day, unexpected things happened, such as the restaurant being closed, but you smiled. Thanks to your behavior, I could research and find another place without rushing. I will remember that we drank beer for tasting. There was a calm atmosphere, right? It was so wonderful to drink and talk there. If you have a chance to visit Japan again, let me take you on a more exciting tour!
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Nisrin D.
“Pleasant trip for first timer”
Etsu was an amazing guide in Tokyo. She picked me up directly at my hotel, which made everything very easy, especially since it was my first time in Japan. We visited Tsukiji Market and Tokyo Skytree, and she made getting around Tokyo simple and pleasant. We also stopped for matcha ice cream and had a few meals along the way, unagi, dango etc. I had a fantastic time and would absolutely recommend her to anyone visiting Tokyo for the first time. Thank you!!
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Etsu I.
Thank you for your comment. I was so happy to guide you and enjoy girls' talk. Also it was precious time for drinking beer together. You were so cute and had a great sense of humor. Also, you looked like you were having fun, especially when you were browsing the Soramachi area. If you have a chance to come again, let's go bar hopping at night. I am looking forward to seeing you again. Once again, thank you for coming all the way to Japan.
$282/ per group
More tours by Etsu I.
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From Tradition to the Sky: Asakusa & Skytree Journey
Start in Asakusa, where the timeless charm of Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street welcomes you with a peaceful atmosphere. Explore local crafts and enjoy a taste of old Tokyo before the crowds arrive. Then head to Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking panoramic views over the city. Capture unforgettable photos, savor Japanese food or a café break, and find perfect souvenirs to complete your journey.
From Tradition to the Sky: Asakusa & Skytree Journey
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Narita Layover Escape: Temple, Street Food & Traditional Japan
Have a layover at Narita Airport? Instead of waiting in the terminal, enjoy a short trip into town. We’ll visit the beautiful Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and stroll along the traditional street leading to it, where you can find local food, charming shops, and souvenirs. If you have luggage, you can store it at the airport or station before we go. We can take the train together for a local experience, or arrange a taxi if you prefer. I’ll guide you so everything is smooth and relaxing.
Narita Layover Escape: Temple, Street Food & Traditional Japan
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Tokyo Flavor Walk: Tsukiji, Imperial Palace & Kabuki-za Highlights
Discover Tokyo’s essence through food, culture, and tradition. Begin with a peaceful stroll around the Imperial Palace, then explore the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market, tasting sushi, tamagoyaki, and sweets while browsing local shops. End your walk at Kabuki-za Theatre in Ginza — Japan’s home of traditional performing arts, now in the spotlight with the film Kokuhō (National Treasure) set for North American release. A perfect short tour to see, taste, and feel real Tokyo in one memorable morning.
Tokyo Flavor Walk: Tsukiji, Imperial Palace & Kabuki-za Highlights
Other Popular Food & Drink Tours in Tokyo
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Enjoy Japanese Dinner at Kagurazaka
Let's walk around Kagurazaka where you find nice restaurants and traditional shops, and enjoy nice dinner at a cozy Japanese restaurant :) I'll book a restaurant of your favorite Japanese food such as Yakitori, Soba, Yakiniku/Shabushabu, or some local cuisine from different regions (Okinawa, Kumamoto, Niigata, etc). You can explore Kagurazaka including small alleys, and enjoy both traditional and modern atmosphere of the area as well.
Enjoy Japanese Dinner at Kagurazaka
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Tsukiji Market morning tour for food lovers
This is an invitation to a tasty and lively food experience at the No. 1 market, Tsukiji. The place is a treasure trove of delicious seafood, so let's sample some of the ’catch of the day’, sold fresh or skewered and grilled at the store front!
Tsukiji Market morning tour for food lovers
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Tokyo Customizable Tour with Best Cuisines
This tour is especially for those who have not enough time to see around Tokyo. I will create the optimized plan with the best foods for you and take you to the preferable areas. The only thing you need is just tell me your ideal places and foods in advance!
Tokyo Customizable Tour with Best Cuisines
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Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjyuku(Location can be changed)
I will take you to 3 izakayas (Japanes Bars) that Japanese usually go in Shinjyuku. Some places like Memory Lane(Omoide Yokocho), Kabukicho, Golden Gai etc. You can save time researching and planning your trip because I will show you places that are usually difficult for tourists to find. I can recommend you delicious foods & drinks and order it for you, so you can take the stress out of language barriers. Also during the bar hopping, I can show you nice places in Shinjyuku.
Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjyuku(Location can be changed)
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