This tour is for the tourists who have just arrived in Japan and would like to explore Tokyo on the first day of your trip. See the typical major sites like Meijijingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Wholesale Market, Imperial Palace and Asakusa, while travelling across the city from the west to the east. Also learn about some tips for strolling Tokyo by yourselves, such as transportation, reservation, dinning and shopping, unique tourist sites and so on, according to your requests and interests.
At your hotel
Any hotel you are staying at. Additional transportation costs are needed.
Visit one of the most famous shrines in Japan, where the spirit of Meiji Emperor (enthroned 1867~1912) is enshrined.
Highlights:
1. Learn about Meiji Emperor and Meiji era
2. Experience Shinto's rituals like washing hands, prayer, writing wishes on Ema tablet, etc.
3. Learn about Shinto's events such as wedding, festivals, new year day, etc.
4. Stroll around the sacred and tranquil precinct of the shrine.
Visit the landmark tower in Tokyo, which used to serve as a broadcast antenna and is now an attractive tourist site.
Highlights:
1. Command the bird's-eye view of Tokyo and learn about the geography and history of the city
2. Look at the places directly below like temples, graveyards, schools and so on
3. Enjoy the unique designs of the skyscrapers like Toranomon Hills, Roppongi Hills, etc.
4. See the distant views such as Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Tokyo Bay and Yokohama
Go to Tsukiji Wholesale Market
Enjoy lunch at the outer retail market, where professional cooks and restaurant owners come to purchase fresh ingredients. There are many kinds of restaurants and street food shops lined along narrow and busy shopping streets.
Visit East Garden of Imperial Palace (Tue, Wed, Thurs) / Kokyo Gaien National Garden (Mon, Fri)
Highlights
1. Learn about the history of Emperors and the present situation of the Imperial Family
2. See some remains of Edo castle, like the watch tower, the foundation of the donjon, etc.
3. Learn about Tokugawa Shogunate (1600~1868), such as unique Shoguns among them
4. Stroll around Japanese gardens to enjoy the change of the seasons by flowers and trees
End the day with Asakusa district in downtown Tokyo
Highlights:
1. Visit Sensouji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo and see the beautiful architecture and sculptures like the big red paper lantern, the statues of the God of Wind and Fire, the Five-Storied Pagoda etc.
2. Experience some rituals of Buddhism, prayer, drawing fortune telling, incense burning etc.
3. Stroll Nakamise shopping street and other side streets to enjoy shopping and eating at a variety of small shops along the streets
Choose the ending point up to your convenience. In case of dropping off at your hotel, additional costs are needed. If you want to explore Asakusa more and have dinner there, end the tour at Asakusa.
At your hotel or Asakusa Subway Station
guide fee
guide's transportation fee
guide's admission fee
transportation fee
entrance fee
1. This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
2. The order of the visiting places can be changed depending on the weather and the season. On Monday and Friday, East Garden of Imperial Palace is closed, so
3. If you have any food you cannot eat, like raw fish, meat, please let me know in advance.
4. If you have any requests or questions, I am happy to hear from before your arrival.
I have changed the day when I am available.
Kayling N.
Kamakura & Yokosuka: History of War and Peace Tour
“English translation of Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise”
Haruo T is an excellent tour guide. We booked him to take us to Sarushima Island, Mikasa Battleship and Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise. Haruo's English is very good. He explained the history of the area and pointed out interesting features which we would have otherwise missed. He even provided real-time translation of the narration onboard the Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise (the onboard narration is in Japanese only and the live narration varies every cruise depending on which vessels are currently docked in port). Haruo was flexible in accommodating our wishes e.g. when we asked to climb up the hill to look for a lunch spot. I highly recommend booking Haruo T as your tour guide. Your time in Japan will be greatly enriched by his tour guiding.
Haruo T.
(7 reviews)Dear Kayling Thank you so much for your kind review. It encouraged me to improve my future tour. I hope you continue a wonderful journey in Japan. Haruo
“Felt at ease in Japan”
We were a group of four with Haruo for 3 days of tours. He was an excellent guide who planned tours according to our interests. Haruro was indispensable in teaching us how to navigate the train, subway, and bus system. He was very flexible as we were attracted to sites and shops along the way. Haruro was consistently patient answering our questions. We would highly recommend him to first time visitors to Japan.
Haruo T.
(7 reviews)Thank you, Robert, Rose, Dan, and Lorry. It is me that have to thank you. I have enjoyed the tour with you. This message encourages me to improve my guide business. I pray Great Buddha for your safe and wonderful trip in Japan.
“First day in Tokyo”
Sadly it was rainy and very windy so our trip itinerary changed significantly. However the highlight of our day was the ability to use the public transit system which allowed the remainder of our time in Tokyo the freedom to move around the city with confidence. Hauro was excellent at helping us book things before we arrived and offered good suggestions. However if it is a rainy day perhaps research some alternate ideas. Lunch at 1030 wasn’t ideal! However, we are easy going. Thanks for the intro to the transit Hauro! .
Haruo T.
(7 reviews)Dear Cheryl Thank you for your heartwarming comment. This will help you to improve my tour and guiding. Haruo