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.
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
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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
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.
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.
Heidi Q.
“Wonderful Tour”
My husband and I booked Kaneo for a tour of Tokyo, we were very pleased we did. Kaneo’s communication was amazing (he even messaged us a week before our tour to let us know what the weather was going to be like the day of our tour), he met us at our hotel, so we didn’t have to worry about trying to find him at a specific location in Tokyo. I’m a vegetarian, so for lunch he made reservations to have lunch at a very good vegetarian restaurant. After our tour with Kaneo we had reservations for another tour at Tokyo Tower, and not only did Kaneo make sure we made our other tour on time, he also went in the building with us to make sure we made it to the right spot. Kaneo speaks very good English and will make sure you get to see and do everything you want to on the tour with him. We had an amazing time. Thank you so much!
Kaneo U.
Thank you for your warm and good review. I am glad to know you are satisfied with my guide. And thank you again for your souvenir of Oregon. I hope I will have a chance to see you again.
Dan Q.
“The perfect introduction to Tokyo ”
Our first visit to Japan gave us a brief stay in Tokyo. We wanted a guide who could show us a little of the city. Kaneo was perfect. He is knowledgeable, friendly and happy to customize the tour to your needs. His English is excellent, and he was so welcoming to us. We had a superb day seeing both ancient and modern sights. Kaneo expertly navigated through the city on foot and by train. At every turn he told us about the rich history of the city, and engaged us in conversation, without ever feeling overbearing. He did an excellent job understanding what we wanted to see, both ahead of time and on they day. You could not ask for a better guide to Tokyo. When we come back we will be delighted to travel with him again and see more of this wonderful city. Thank you, Kaneo-San.
Kaneo U.
Thank you for your really quick and warm review. I enjoyed myself guiding your good and family. I felt happy while I was attending your lovely twin daughters shopping at Harajuku and Akihabara. I am waiting for the day I can guide you again.
Keith W.
“Excellent tour!”
Kaneo led my son and I on an excellent tour of Enoshima and Kamikura. Importantly, Kaneo has deep personal ties to this area, and this really shows in his expert knowledge of all things about it. He not only took us to the "popular" destinations, but some out-of-the-way places that were great to experience. Kaneo was prompt, professional, and flexible to our suggestions and interests. Would definitely recommend!
Kaneo U.
Thank you for your so quick and warm review. I am happy to know you liked my guide. Rainy season will start very soon. I think you are very lucky to have spent the time under blue sky. We sometimes say in Japanese, "Kokorogake-ga yoi kara", which means ," You are a good and honest person. So Heaven allows you to enjoy good weather." I hope to see you again sometime if we have a chance.
$262/ per group