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Tokyo Art & Nostalgic Downtown Walking Tour
Joined 2024
Yanaka is a place where old streets remain, which is rare even in Tokyo, and where you can get a glimpse of people's lives.
A nostalgic space that retains the scenery of the early Showa era.
A renovated old house houses shops selling local craft beer and freshly baked bread.
let's enjoy the downtown atmosphere through modern art and food in Tokyo.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Nippori station
Yanaka-Ginza Shopping street
Yanaka is a charming historic district in the northeast of Tokyo, known for its old buildings, quaint winding alleyways and the retro Yanaka Ginza shopping street, which dates back to the 1940s. To the north of the shopping street, the Yuyake Dandan (literally, ‘sunset staircase’ in Japanese) is a famous feature of the area. A position at the top of the staircase will grant you a magnificent sunset view. You’ll get a glimpse of an older, slower-paced Tokyo through the illuminated arch announcing the entrance to Yanaka Ginza, with the scattering of shops full of locals, aglow in the light from the setting sun.
SCAI THE BATHHOUSE/ contemporary art gallery
SCAI The Bathhouse is a contemporary art gallery located in Yanaka, with a town ambience reminiscent of Old Tokyo. In walking proximity to Ueno, an area dense with museums and art schools, the gallery was converted from a venerable 200-year-old public bathhouse. Take a step inside, and you will find a white cube with soft natural light descending from the high ceiling. ＊Closed on Sunday and Monday
Uenosakuragiatari/ Photogenic retro-modern conplex
Tucked away between Nippori and Ueno stations is Ueno Sakuragi Atari, a small cluster of Showa-period (1926–1989) houses that have been turned into a bakery, brewery, and gourmet food store.
There are many great spots for taking photos that capture the unique retro-modern feel of the area.Relax your body and throat after a long walk.
Nezu Shrine/ Tunnels of small Trii gate
Nezu Shrine near Ueno Park is one of Japan's oldest shrines, and certainly one of its most attractive. Nezu Shrine is set in lush greenery, with ponds of carp, pathways that are tunnels of small shrine arches, and elegant, beautifully colored, wooden structures that reflect Japanese culture in all its age and beauty.
Coffee break at unique cafe or sweet shop
There are many unique coffee shops and sweets shops in the Yanaka and Sendagi areas.
for example, MATCHA&ESPRESSO MIYANO-YU is a cafe under renovation of a more than 70-year-old public bathhouse.
The matcha they offer is a rare organic matcha [Okumidori] from Shizuoka Prefecture. It is characterized by its bright color and robust flavor.
Let's talk a lot while taking a break at a unique cafe.
Ending Point
Nezu station
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
Guide fee
public transportation fees
entrance fees for each facilities
Meal
Tour Important Information
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
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 Mimi T.
Hello! I am Mimi.
I used to work for a travel agency, planning various tours and taking customers to many countries(over 20 countries) as a tour leader.
I really enjoyed exploring all over the world, experiencing different culture and sharing memorable time with customers.
Now I live in Tokyo with my family (2 kids), and I am happy to support you to spend wonderful time in Japan!
I'm born and raised in Tokyo, so I can show you more local and unique part of Tokyo.
Also I love eating various cuisine, so I can introduce you about 'hidden' gem restaurants and high class restaurants as well.
I can also make private tours to suit families with children and elderly people with disabilities from my experience at a travel agency.
Please feel free to contact me and I'm looking forward to seeing you in Tokyo,Japan!
Reviews
“Tokyo site seeing ”
my family just spent the last four days with Mimi and I couldn’t recommend a better guide than her as we have special needs children and she was so good with them. It was like having a second mother with us at all times. She was also very knowledgeable about all the places we had been to, which was probably hard on her because we sprung things on her at the last minute and she still managed to take us to the places we wanted to see if you are heading to Tokyo and you require a guide. I suggest you hire Mimi as she is a fantastic guide and I couldn’t recommend her enough thank you Mimi for the best few days of our lives
Mimi T.
(3 reviews)Thank you so much for your wonderful message. I was so happy to be able to spend time with such a wonderful family as you. Your children are so charming and friendly, and they have really helped me feel better every day. And seeing you, Mell, always so kind and caring, and Glenn, always so positive and enjoying our trips, made me want to build a wonderful family like yours. I felt like I had become a part of your family, so I was very sad when we said goodbye. Thank you so much for having me and I look forward to meeting you all again someday! Best regards, Ｍimi
“Excellent guide for family!”
Mimi is a wonderful guide that cares for everyone in the group. She picked a great restaurant that had typical Japanese dishes but also tasty vegetarian offers for our daughter. She made a great itinerary for our visit in Shibuya with lots of memorable photo spots, excellent shopping and even helped out with the store managers to find the right sizes. With her history in the travel industry and her flawless English it is no wonder she is the best guide you can hope for to navigate this huge city with its vast metro system. We hope we will see her again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for an easy start to their Tokyo adventure!
Mimi T.
(3 reviews)Thank you so much for your kind message. I had a lot of fun spending time with such a wonderful family as you. I was also honored that you chose me to be your guide for your long-awaited trip to Japan. I believe that one day I will definitely meet your family at the real Oktoberfest:) Your trip to Japan has only just begun, so please be safe and enjoy it until the end! Kind regards, Mimi
“Mimi is amazing!! Unique tokyo tour ”
Mimi was amazing! After spending 3 days in very crowded and tourist heavy places this tour was a welcome break from the crowds! Mimi showed us around a wonderful and typical neighborhood where Tokyo residents live and work. We walked down a lively shopping street and ate our way through the neighborhood! Mimi introduced us to various foods that were typical in the area. Mimi took us to a beautiful park in the area that was a former Samari residence. It was an amazing Japanese garden! We also had the privilege of going to the local shrine and to see it up close and personal- no crowds! What really made the tour for us was mimi! She was kind, knowledgable, and made us feel like we were her friends! Highly recommend Mimi if anyone looking for a unique tour in Tokyo!
Mimi T.
(3 reviews)Thank you very much for writing such a warm review. I am so happy that I was able to spend time with such a wonderful family like you. Even though I should be the one hosting you, you and your family always cared for me, which was very reassuring. If you ever come to Japan again, please let me know! Also, I would love to visit when your daughter has her own art exhibition! I'm really looking forward to seeing you all again someday. thank you so much! Kind regards, Mimi
