Downtown Tokyo has many attractive spots, but it is too large to visit them all in one day. On this tour, we will visit the must-see places located on the western side of downtown Tokyo.
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
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Established in 1920, the shrine's expansive grounds are mostly dense woods, intentionally cultivated to protect the main shrine structure. Meiji Jingu Shrine stands as an oasis in the heart of a bustling metropolis. As you stroll through the grounds, you can immerse yourself in a spiritual atmosphere.
Takeshita Street and Omote-sando Street in Harajuku
Takeshita Street is a famous shopping street where you can experience the forefront of youth culture trends. This is the place where the cute fashion style known as Kawaii fashion was born. Takeshita Street in Harajuku is considered the epicenter of all things trendy and "eccentric" in Tokyo. Here, you'll find numerous fashion brands, apparel shops, cafes, and restaurants offering a unique and unconventional atmosphere.
Omotesando Street was originally created as the path to Meiji Jingu Shrine, but now it is famous as the high-end brand shop street. We will enjoy widow-shopping while walking to Omotesando Station to go to Shibuya.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the most famous crossing in Japan and one of the most photogenic spots for tourists. People love to film the motion of pedestrians crossing the square. At this intersection, people come and go from all directions without bumping into each other. We will also enjoy viewing this intersection from a higher vantage point in the surrounding buildings.
①Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower ②Shinjuku
Choose from the following options:
① Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower
Zojoji Temple is known as the family temple of the Tokugawa clan. It houses the Tokugawa family mausoleum, where six shoguns and other family members are buried.
Tokyo Tower is located within walking distance from Zojoji Temple. We'll have the chance to take dynamic photos of the tower from ground level.
② Shinjuku
Shinjuku originally developed during the Edo period as the first post town for travelers heading west. Today, it is the second-largest business district in central Tokyo and is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Choose from the following courses:
<Course 1>
3D Cat, Godzilla Head, Don Quijote, and Omoide Yokocho
In this course, we will visit three major spots around the east exit of Shinjuku Station. You'll have time to shop at Don Quijote and enjoy drinks at Omoide Yokocho.
<Course 2>
3D Cat, Godzilla Head, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Observation Room on the 45th Floor)
This course covers three major spots in both the east and west areas of Shinjuku. After briefly visiting the 3D Cat and Godzilla Head in Kabukicho, we will walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
<Course 3>
Shinjuku Gyoen
This course allows you to enjoy Shinjuku Gyoen at a relaxed pace. It is closed every Monday.
*For Courses 1 and 2: If you'd like to stay longer, I can drop you off there at the end of the tour. In that case, we will visit Odaiba first and go to Shinjuku later.
Odaiba
Odaiba is a popular waterfront area in Tokyo, known for its futuristic architecture, shopping malls, and entertainment attractions. It features landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge, and a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Odaiba is also home to beaches and offers great views of Tokyo Bay.
*If you wish to see the beautiful night view of Rainbow Bridge and spend some time in the area, I can drop you off there.
Ending Point
At your hotel or any place of your choice
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee and hotel pick-up within 23 wards in Tokyo
Transportation fee (for you and your guide)
Food and drink (for you and your guide)
Entrance/ Admission Fee (for you and your guide)
*The public transportation cost using JR and subways is typically between 1,000 and 2,000 yen per person, depending on the location of your hotel. For an exact fare, please refer to the "Japan Transit Planner" website.
*This walking tour involves approximately 25,000 steps. Please wear comfortable and casual walking shoes.
*This tour involves a lot of walking, even when using public transportation, so please wear comfortable shoes. Guests over the age of 70, especially those who have difficulty walking long distances, are encouraged to use a taxi to travel between destinations.
*Lunch options includes BBQ/Shabu-Shabu/Sukiyaki restaurant in Omotesando where you can enjoy high-end wagu, or a ramen shop in Shibuya. The cost wold be between 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen in Omotesando, and around 2,000 yen in Shibuya.
*Pick-up service will not be provided for those staying outside Tokyo, including Yokohama.
Hello. I am Keiko, a nationally licensed tour guide for English-speaking tourists. I love traveling to new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people. When I was young, I embarked on a long journey to explore more about my life. I settled in a small town in Illinois, USA, enjoying a new life while studying at the state university, and then moved to Florida to work for a while.
After coming back to Japan, I have been working in downtown Tokyo since 2008, mainly as a translator and sometimes as an interpreter in various fields, including central government offices, TV stations, and a university. Seeing the increased opportunities around the Tokyo Olympics 2020, I transitioned into the tourism industry and am currently working as a tour guide, basically giving day tours of downtown Tokyo, Fuji & Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko.
I love meeting people from different backgrounds, talking with them, and learning new things. That's why I enjoy hosting guests from abroad who want to explore Japan. Many local people helped me during my journey, and now it's time for me to give back. Come and meet me here; I will show you around amazing places in Japan.
Mechelle I.
“Fantastic Guide”
Keiko T. was a wonderful guide. She met us at our hotel and was prepared and ice packs for an our tour in the hot, but beautiful Tokyo. Keiko spoke perfect English and was knowledgeable, funny, and provided insights and information beyond the requisite touristy info. She taught us how to use the subway for example. She provided guidance on navigating Tokyo Station to purchase tickets and travel to Kyoto on the bullet train. She is an excellent guide - would hire her again and again. ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu).
Keiko T.
Michelle, thank you for your kind review. I also truly enjoyed spending time with you. It was a really hot day during our tour, but I'm glad you enjoyed visiting some of Tokyo’s must-see spots and experiencing the city. If you ever have a chance to come back, please let me know — I’d be happy to show you around even more!
Samuel B.
“Heartfelt Thank You”
I wanted to express my deepest gratitude to my wonderful guide Ms. Keiko for making my trip unforgettable. You were amazing, your kindness and passion for sharing your culture made this experience very special. We visited Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, and she pointed out the history of shrine and the iconic scenery surrounding it. You then took me to eat some Kobe Beef Katsu; it was so delicious. Thank you for recommending this place and sharing a meal with me. Afterwards we ended up on a boat on Lake Kawaguchi, the view was spectacular. Even more spectacular was earlier that day, the clouds were covering up Mt. Fuji and we couldn't see it but out of luck or divine intervention the clouds cleared up for about 30mins and we were able to get a clear view of Mt. Fuji. Your stories and explanations added so much depth to our trip. Thank you so much for being a great listener, what really touched me was your kindness and openness. I loved how I was able to share my thoughts and stories with you so easily. You made me feel very welcomed. I'll never forget the few phrases you taught me in Japanese! It helped me feel more connected with the culture. Thank you once again for being a wonderful person and for the wonderful experience. I hope our paths cross again someday and until then please know how grateful I am for all you shared with me. "Otsukaresama"
Keiko T.
Samuel, thank you for your kind review. The tour with you was very special for me as well. You are such a kind and friendly person, and so easy to talk to. That’s why we were able to enjoy chatting and sharing various views and opinions so openly — which is my ideal style as a guide. I still have what you left behind. I’ll keep it until we meet again someday in the future. Wishing you all the best and a happy life. Hope to see you again! (Mata aimasho-ne)
Sarah K.
“Memorable day in Hakone”
Even though the weather was rainy on our second day with Keiko, we still managed to see so much. Keiko had booked tickets for us on the Romance Car a month in advance. When the weather didn’t cooperate, she rearranged our itinerary and made sure that we got to see as much as we could. The views from the ropeway were stunning, even though Mt. Fuji wasn’t visible. We really enjoyed our visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum. My family loved exploring the unique sculptures and beautiful outdoor exhibits. We also took the bullet train back to Tokyo, which was a great experience. Keiko truly went above and beyond to make sure our day was memorable, even when the weather didn’t cooperate. I highly recommend her!
Keiko T.
Sarah, thank you for your kind review. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the day trip to Hakone despite the bad weather. Your positive attitude and ability to focus on the good parts really helped create a fun atmosphere that we all enjoyed together. I believe that’s the key to a successful tour. I still remember the moment when I said goodbye to you at Tokyo Station. Thank you so much for choosing me as your guide!
$190/ per group