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
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Falguni P.
“Kamakura tour ”
My daughters and I spent a day with Etsu traveling to Kamakura from Shinjuku , Tokyo .We had an absolutely beautiful day with her from the first minute to the end of the day . She is friendly , easy to chat with and so very kind .She fulfilled all of our requests . She navigated us by train to Kamakura , took us to the restaurant we wanted , to all the temples we wanted to see and so much more .it would have been impossible for us to mange to see all that we did without her help .She did not rush us at all and made the day so memorable with things that I can talk about with my daughters for many years to come . It felt like we were saying good bye to a friend at the end of the tour. Thank you Etsu !
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Etsu I.
Thank you for your lovely review. I was delighted to spend time with you and your lovely daughters. It was wonderful to see them master using chopsticks when we tried flowing noodles. I also enjoyed taking a shortcut through the famous shrine on our way to the bamboo grove at Hokokuji. In Hase, we enjoyed walking around and visiting many statues, including Kannon, the three small charming statues, and the Nagomi statue. Seeing the Great Buddha was truly impressive, and I still remember buying a chicken bag and enjoying potato ice cream afterward. There are so many wonderful memories from our trip that I will never forget. Thank you for sharing those special moments with me. I hope to see you again someday. Thank you, Fal!
Lynn W.
“Two great days”
I want to thank Etsu for 2 wonderful days touring Tokyo. She is very considerate snd listens to any concerns. We saw many wonderful sights and I got a very good insight into Japanese culture. She shared her travel experiences and we had many laughs together. Thanks to GoWithGuide
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Etsu I.
Thank you so much for your comment. Japan was hot and humid, wasn’t it? I really appreciate that you enjoyed this tour despite the weather. You came for the first time but you really enjoyed so I was so happy to see you!Please get plenty of rest after you return home, and we hope to see you again. Next time, let’s enjoy a cruise, a water bus ride, a train tour, and the cherry blossoms together.
Lynn W.
“Water tour ”
Etsu picked me up in my hotel lobby and escorted me in a very friendly and pleasant manner. We had a lovely water tour followed by a walk through a beautiful garden park. We had lunch and travelled by monorail back to my hotel. A very pleasant day
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Etsu I.
Thank you for your message. I was so happy to guide you and chat with you. Since you were so energetic and youthful, I couldn't help but take you to so many great places! I'm really looking forward to seeing you again for today's afternoon's tour.
$220/ per group
More tours by Etsu I.
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From Tradition to the Sky: Asakusa & Skytree Journey
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From Tradition to the Sky: Asakusa & Skytree Journey
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Narita Layover Escape: Temple, Street Food & Traditional Japan
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Tokyo Flavor Walk: Tsukiji, Imperial Palace & Kabuki-za Highlights
Other Popular Food & Drink Tours in Tokyo
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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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Enjoy Japanese Dinner at Kagurazaka
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Enjoy Japanese Dinner at Kagurazaka
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