Experience the perfect blend of Tokyo's modern energy and traditional charm on this one-day tour. From serene shrines and beautiful gardens to bustling shopping streets and entertainment districts, this itinerary is designed to showcase the diverse facets of Japan's vibrant capital city.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Harajuku Station
- Meet at JR Harajuku Station in front of the Omote-Sando exit.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Start your day with a visit to the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Highlights: Walk through the lush forested area, pass through the massive Torii gate, and cleanse yourself at the purification fountain.
Takeshita Street, Harajuku
Head to Takeshita Street, the heart of Harajuku's vibrant youth culture and fashion scene.
Highlights: Explore trendy shops, enjoy quirky street food like crepes and cotton candy, and experience the unique fashion boutiques.
Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue
Move to Shibuya to witness the world-famous Shibuya Crossing and visit the Hachiko Statue.
Highlights: Cross the bustling intersection, take photos, and visit the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog. Enjoy the many shops selling everything imaginable.
Suggestions: Try local favorites like yakitori skewers, ramen, sushi, or tempura.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Continue to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks.
Highlights: Stroll through the French Formal, English Landscape, and traditional Japanese gardens. Enjoy the serene ponds and seasonal flowers.
Shinjuku
Explore some of what Shinjuku has to offer like the 3D cat billboard, the retro izakaya-style dining area, Omoide Yokocho, and Kabukicho's Godzilla!
Ending Point
JR Shinjuku Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
Food, drinks, and other purchases
Transportation costs (about 1,000 yen/ person)
Admission to Shinjuku Gyoen (500 yen/ person)
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and travel light.
Bring cash (not only credit) for food, drink, and other purchases.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are possible depending on location.
Please inquire about dates and times that are not presently available.
I came to Japan in 1998, intending to stay a few months, but enjoying Japan, I never left. I was intrigued by the history, culture, language, and food. And the fascination and excitement of exploring and learning new things about Japan still exists with me today. The variety and choices of things to do and places to go can be overwhelming. I can offer you suggestions and a unique perspective on Japan. I can share local knowledge about things often missed. Fluent in Japanese with a master's degree in Japanese Studies and living in Japan for over 20 years, I can be your guide.
Giles N.
“Tokyo: Food, History, and Culture Tour”
We had a really nice time with Tim as our guide .He was very knowledgeable, and ga e us a great insight into Tokyo on our tour .Following our tour we were able to navigate Tokyo quiet easily thanks to his guidance .I would highly recommend.
Tim D.
Thank you so much for the great review! I’m really glad you enjoyed the tour and found the insights helpful for exploring Tokyo afterward. It was a pleasure showing you around. I hope to see you again next time you’re in Japan! Best regards, Tim
Rebecca M.
“Great welcome to Japan!”
Tim was fabulous. I highly recommend if you are visiting the city for the first time or you are unsure of how to get around on your first day. He is flexible based on your needs and communicated clearly throughout the booking process all the way through till we said farewell at Tokyo Tower. Thanks Tim!
Tim D.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad you found the tour helpful and enjoyed the day. It was great spending time with you. Hope to see you back in Tokyo sometime! Best, Tim
Sean K.
“Fun, Unique Experience in Tokyo!”
If you’re looking for an unforgettable nighttime adventure, Tim’s Tokyo Backstreets Walk & Eat Night Tour is a must. We chose Tim for his unique perspective as a foreigner who’s made Japan home, and it was the perfect mix of insider knowledge and a foreigner viewpoint. I think it’s best to not give away too many details and just experience it yourself. Know that you’ll be in great hands eating and drinking your way through some of the coolest parts of the city. It was the perfect way to take it all in so we could go back to our favorite areas. Tim went way above and beyond - we can’t thank him enough. Stop reading this and book now.
Tim D.
Sean, thank you for the amazing review! I truly appreciate it. I’m glad I could share some of the city’s nighttime highlights with you. Hope to see you again next time you visit Japan. All the best!
$338/ per group