Tokyo,Now &Then
Tokyo is a modern metropolitan city built on an ancient Edo, where Tokugawa samurai government was settled. Even now we can find old relics of ancient Edo among truly modern Tokyo streets. Asakusa, Ueno and the Imperial Palace itself are some of the examples. Let’s explore Tokyo with me and find the soul of Japan.
Itinerary
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
East Garden of Imperial Palace:
The premises where Edo Castle used to stand has changed into a beautiful garden. You can enjoy a small sized typical Japanese garden here.
Zojoji Temple
Zojo-ji is an old temple founded in 14th century. The second Shogun appointed it as the Tokugawa Shogunate family temple. Its contrast with Tokyo Tower shows Tokyo Now & Then.
Tsukiji outer fish market
There used to be a largest fish market in Japan here. The market itself moved to Toyosu but you can still enjoy an authentic sushi lunch and other traditional Japanese foods here.
Asakusa area:
A big red paper lantern welcomes you at an entrance gate for Senso-ji temple, which was founded in 628. The souvenir shop street called Nakamise-Dori is so amusing to visit.
Akihabara shopping area
It used to be known for its electronic shops. But now, the town is famous as Anime geek paradise. Anyway it is worth visiting to know Japanese subculture.
Meiji Shrine:
Meiji Emperor is enshrined here. Even in the middle of Tokyo city, you can feel calm and sacred atmosphere with rich nature.
Takeshita-dori shopping street
Located near Meiji Shrine, it is famous for its "kawaii" cute fashion goods.
Shibuya crossing
Shibuya station is one of the busiest station in Japan. In front of the station, this crossing is always crowded with people. Famous "Royal dog Hachi Statue" also here.
Masakado Tomb: additional spot to Imperial Palace
Tairano Masakado was an old warrior executed in 940 after his big rebellion. After execution his head were buried near Tokyo station. He was so strong a warrior that his tomb is said to have a strong and sacred power. Once the Ministry of Finance tried to build a new building moving his tomb. But many of the workers including the Minister himself died then. So they stopped moving his tomb.
Tokyo Tower: additional spot to Tsukiji
Just backside of Zojo-ji temple, stands the tower. 300 meter high Tokyo Tower is one of the symbols of Tokyo. At the Main Observatory Deck you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo.
Hamarikyu Garden: additional spot to Tsukiji
The garden used to be a Tokugawa Shogun family's garden, which they visited from Edo Castle by boat. At the small island in the pond, you can enjoy Matcha tea, ceremonial tea.
Kappa-bashi kitchen tool shopping street: additional spot to Asakusa
Shops on this street sell many kinds of kitchenware. The most popular one for foreign tourists is a Japanese Style kitchen knife. Fake food and Japanese traditional kitchenware are also popular.
Ueno Park: additional spot to Asakusa
The largest park in Tokyo, covering an area of 53 ha(131 ac).
Originaly it was a garden of Kan-eiji Temple, so, there are some historical spots there. In spring it is specially famous for its Hanami party.
Gotokuji temple: additional spot to Shibuya
Known as Cats temple or Maneki-neko temple, Gotokuji was founded in 17th century. Cat dolls are from the story that the feudal lord of Hikone, near Kyoto, was saved his life by a cat inviting him with its paw to the temple.
Shinjuku Kabukicho: additional spot to Shibuya
Kabukicho is one of the busiest streets in Tokyo, full of shops and izakaya, drink shops. Godzilla Head welcomes you there. A building near the entrance to the street is now famous for its 3D display of a cat.
Shibuya Sky: additional spot to Shibuya
It stands high near Shibuya station, the top roof of which you can enjoy real 360 degree view of Tokyo. You can see many people crossing at Shibuya Crossing below.
KandaMyojin shrine: additional spot to Akihabara
Just next to busy Akihabara Anime shopping street, this very old shrine is located. Founded in 730 and moved here in 1616, it is thought as the Guardian shrine of Edo (Tokyo) citizens.
Origami Kaikan Museum: additional spot to Akihabara
Paper cranes are now popular among the world. In this museum you can see various paper crafts and how to make Japanese color paper. If you are lucky, Mr. Kobayashi, the owner of this shop, show you how to make paper crane, paper rose and more.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Tokyo or any place you like
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
guide fee
hotel pick-up fee & transportation fee for guide
transportation fee :
entrance fee(you and guide):
lunch(you and guide)
extra person fee: adult 4000 yen per person
kid 2000 per person
Tour Important Information
Please wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot.
We can add other optional spots according to your preference.
Other than described above, I can guide you such spots:
Ginza, Gotokuji temple, Rikugien garden ,Yanaka shopping street, Azabudai Hills and more.
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 Kaneo U.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you around my favorite spots in Kanagawa prefecture. I was born in Kanagawa. I spent my whole school life, including university, here in Kanagawa. I worked as a high school English teacher here for more than 40 years. I love Kanagawa so much. We have many interesting tourist spots, like Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima and Yokohama.
I got my tour guide license in English in 2009. I am still an English teacher. To give an interesting and impressive lesson to young high school students, I’ve learnt and gathered many kinds of information. I also have a license to teach social studies, so I have a wide range of knowledge about Japanese culture and history. I’m sure to provide you an interesting tour.
Reviews
Christina D.
“Amazing first day in Tokyo”
Kaneo was a great choice for our first full day in Japan. We exchanged several messages before our trip and he understood and planned exactly what we needed. His level of detail was just right for our jet lagged brains and whilst we covered a lot of ground during our day together we were happy with the pace. Kaneo had adapted the tour to suit our need, excluding certain key sites as we were returning and staying closer to these at the end of our trip and adding a requested trip to the tiny Origami museum which we had particularly wanted to see. By the end of the day we felt well happy using the public transport and understood the etiquette of this amazing city. We would definitely recommend Kaneo.
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Kaneo U.
Thank you for your warm and good review. Visiting Origami museum was splendid. Because of your request, I could find a good museum to be included to my tour.
Jerald w. K.
“Very comprehensive tour of Tokyo”
Kaneo Is a very enthusiastic, fun, kind guide who knew Tokyo well and negotiated the trains with ease. We covered over 6 1/2 miles in a single day and saw many of the popular sites based on the comprehensive itinerary which he laid out. As a certified English and history teacher he was very conversant and knowledgeable about the history of Japan. He welcomed our questions. He took numerous pictures of us at the various landmarks around Tokyo. His eye for detail was amazing. I can highly recommend Kaneo. Should we ever return to Tokyo, he would be the first person we try to connect with.
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Kaneo U.
️Thank you for your highly recommending review. I also enjoyed the tour and small talking with you. I hope we can meet again in the future.
Caroline (mizoguchi) D.
“Busy wet day”
Kaneo was extremely patient with us 4. We kept changing itinerary due to weather, walking issues. Although we dropped the "touristy" sites (Imperial Palace, Shibiyu crossing & famous market he made sure we did see others. Enjoyed authentic lunch and street treats (Tai-Yai). That's not to be missed! He was friendly, a little hard to understand, very soft spoken. Made sure we saw Mizoguchi burial location. Extremely important.
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Kaneo U.
Thank you for your warm review. If it had not been such bad weather, we could have enjoyed Tokyo. In spite of this bad situation, I hope you enjoyed the tour. And it is my honor I could help you to visit your ancestor's tomb.
$313/ per group
More tours by Kaneo U.
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Hakone, Enjoy Geopark and Traditional Culture
Hakone has been boasting its beautiful nature and historical background. Many hot bathing spots, a beautiful and tranquil lake and a wild volcanic vent will welcome you. You can enjoy a gigantic view of Mt. Fuji on a fine day. You will find Hakone shrine, a check point house and an old cobbled pathway by the lake. You can also enjoy traditional local foods and wooden mosaic works. Hakone Free Pass ticket is a must item. With this ticket you can use almost all the transportation system.
Hakone, Enjoy Geopark and Traditional Culture
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Yokohama, Now & Then
Only a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo, you can reach the unique cosmopolitan city of Yokohama. Yokohama has two faces: modern and classical. In this tour you can enjoy a modern life at Minato Mirai 21 and a classical one at Yamate Heights and China town. MM21 is a national project, starting in 1984, to create a new city at its waterfront, suitable for the 21st century. Yamate Heights, an old European settlement on a hill, preserves beautiful European style houses.
Yokohama, Now & Then
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Tokyo Hanami Tour
Cherry blossoms tell the start of Japanese spring. During cherry season, I will show you some of the best spots for "Hanami" in Tokyo. But the date of full blooming differs every year depending on the weather, which is hard to predict. Several predicting services compete in their predicting accuracy every year. Cherry blossoms usually start blooming late March and end at the beginning of April. They reach full blooming 7 days later. This year March 21.
Tokyo Hanami Tour
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Kamakura by the sea
A famous old town of Kamakura is also known for its beautiful beach. This area is called "Shonan ", which is one of the most popular tour spots in Japan, especially for the young people enjoying marine sports. By using Eno-den Line, which is so cute a train and runs mainly by the beach, you can enjoy both old beautiful Kamakra and beautiful modern beach spots.
Kamakura by the sea
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Tokyo
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How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
There are lots of sightseeing spots in Tokyo. I will arrange a customized one-day tour based upon your requirements so that you could enjoy your stay in Tokyo. We can discuss and decide places to visit effectively for a limited amount of time. One example is shown here as follows, but I'm sure I will take you to some of my best selections so that you could enjoy both of traditional and modern culture. I can arrange an appropriate lunch restaurant based upon your requirement.
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
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Tokyo One Day Customized Tour
What would you like to do in Tokyo ? Traditional culture ? Japanese food ? Special experience ? Or all of the above ? If yes, I'd like to arrange a tour specially for you. For your traveling pleasure, I've selected must-see places in Tokyo for you to explore. If you choose three places from the highlighted list below, I will arrange a package for you. Please feel free to let me know if you have any other places in mind and I'd be more than happy to assist you.
Tokyo One Day Customized Tour
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Die ganztägige Stadtführung durch Tokyo
Das ist eine ganz private Führung nach Ihren Wünschen. Erzählen Sie mir bitte im Voraus, was Sie in Tokyo machen/ ausprobieren möchten. Unten ist nur ein Beispiel!
Die ganztägige Stadtführung durch Tokyo
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From Tradition to the Sky: Asakusa & Skytree Journey
Start in Asakusa, where the timeless charm of Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street welcomes you with a peaceful atmosphere. Explore local crafts and enjoy a taste of old Tokyo before the crowds arrive. Then head to Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking panoramic views over the city. Capture unforgettable photos, savor Japanese food or a café break, and find perfect souvenirs to complete your journey.
From Tradition to the Sky: Asakusa & Skytree Journey
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