Tokyo,Now &Then
Joined 2017
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.
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.
Takeshita-dori shopping street: additional spot to Meiji Shrine
Located near Meiji Shrine, it is famous for its "kawaii" cute fashion goods.
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.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Tokyo or any place you like
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
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
Joined 2017
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 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
Cynthia R.
“Full day tour of Tokyo”
Kaneo U. provided us with a comprehensive tour which included all the highlight tourist destinations in Tokyo. We were on the move all day but we also made time to try fresh sushi at the fish market, to relish a serene tea ceremony in a authentic teahouse and we also enjoyed a multi course lunch at a century old Japanese restaurant. So delicious! Our guide was flexible and very willing to accommodate our interests and needs. Kaneo was highly knowledgeable of Japanese history and the significance of the local cultural sites we visited together. He shared this information clearly and answered our questions thoroughly. He also helped us navigate the complex public transportation system. I must add that was very courteous, kind and respectful. We were so fortunate to visit Tokyo during the time when the many parks and avenues were beautifully enhanced by delicate cherry blossoms. We would highly recommend Kaneo as a private guide to assist you in experiencing what this dynamic and amazing city has for first time visitors to discover.
Kaneo U.
Thank you for your warm and long review so quickly offered. I told you I am a “fine-day guy”, but I think you bring incredibly fine and warm spring day to Tokyo. You are amazing. I really enjoy the tour with you and your kind husband.
Priyanka K.
“Great tour of Tokyo”
We had a wonderful tour of Tokyo the day after we landed. It was a good overview of a huge and diverse city. Definitely don’t skip Shibuya sky! It was a very long day, lots of walking and subway transfers but Kaneo was very knowledgeable, kind and accommodating through it all. I would not hesitate to recommend him. We were traveling as 2 adults and one 10 year old. Thank you, Kaneo!
Kaneo U.
Thank you for quick and warm review. I think we were lucky to enjoy 360 degree view at Shibuya’s Sky. I am afraid we walked too much, especially for your kid with jet lag. But I felt happy to see him enjoying at a dog cafe at the end of our tour. I hope you will enjoy the rest days in Japan.
Rachel C.
“Amazing highlights in 1 day”
A very enthusiastic knowledgeable and engaging guide that went above and beyond expectations. Kaneo was an outstanding tour guide, and tailored our tour to suit us.
Kaneo U.
Thank you for your quick reply. I also enjoyed tour with you. And I envy you, because having a long time friend is a kind of treasure. Only a few people can afford such relationship. Hope I can see you someday.
$294/ per group
More tours by Kaneo U.
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.
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.
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 after starting and end 7 days later after full blooming.
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.
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