Tokyo off-the-beaten selection in one day with Kaori
Joined 2019
This tour offers my favorite local visits or off-the-beaten experiences in Tokyo. We can visit 2 areas you pick up from below. Also, these areas can be combined with regular sightseeing spots as optional. Feel free to ask me any arrangements with my other tours. Let's explore Tokyo with local eyes!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
Select 2 areas for one day from below.
Please choose 2 areas for one day. We visit one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Or you can request me one to combine with another major sightseeing spot which is not on the list.
(A) Yanaka (Yanesen) - Stroll around local charming town with local people's life.
Lovely local town with people's ordinal life. Tokyo was heavily damaged during World War Ⅱ. Yanaka, also called Yanesen, survived from fire by bombing. That's how this area retains old atmosphere. This town is also known as temple town and cat town. Having been loved by artisans, lots of small galleries and cosy shops can be enjoyed in the area. "Strolling around" is the way to explore this charming town.
(B) Kagurazaka - a fashionable shopping and dining district along a sloping street, but with Geisha culture.
Kagurazaka was located just outside the outer moat of Edo Castle in Samurai period and famous as Geisha entertainment district. Some restaurant related to Geisha still remain here. You can see what you don't see in tourist area. Akagi Jinja Shrine is very popular as the most fashionable shrine in Japan, designed by renowned architect Kuma Kengo. There are many sophisticated shops and restaurant around here. Visiting AKOMEYA, you can see or shop the finest food selection from all over Japan. If you like to shop like Japanese, you love Kagurazaka!
(C) Fukagawa - Experience impressive buddhist Goma Fire ritual with Taiko drums.
We can experience special Goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudoson temple. It takes about 30~40min. Will offer unusual experience. Not recommended for small kids, as it's part of buddhist training. We can also visit nearby Tomioka-hachimangu shrine, which is related to Sumo history.
Also, visit Kiyosumi Gardens, cosy charming Japanese strolling garden I love.
At Fukagwa Edo Museum, you can enjoy the a life-size reproduction of the townscape of Fukagawa and the people's lives of the Edo period (around 1840s).
Worship manner to follow
・This is the place of worship.
・For foreign tourists, requires donation 1,000 yen per person. Each donor will be given a talisman.
・We need to be quiet during the ritual.
・We cannot leave during the ceremonies (approx. 30min)
・No photo is allowed inside hall. (Photo outside is ok.)
・Please wear politely. (Sleeveless clothes should be avoided.)
・We need to take off shoes. Please wear socks.
(D) Gotokuji-temple - known as cat temple, popular for photo lovers
This quiet beautiful temple is known as origin of beckoning Cats, or Lucky Cats (Maneki-neko in Japanese). Interesting history with a cat and a samurai. Thousands of small cat dolls are offered in temple. Good photo spot. Located at west of Tokyo, making short excursion from busy central. Nearby Setagaya-hachimangu shrine has Sumo wrestling ring in the precinct.
(E) Shibamata - home to the movie series Tora-san, “It’s Tough Being a Man”
Located north-east of Tokyo, shitamachi (old town) spirit is still surviving in this peaceful local town. Taishakuten temple boasts elaborate sculptures and beautiful garden.( admission : 400 yen) We can enjoy traditional street food such as green kusa-dango (Japanese mugwort rice dumpling) and hand-grilled senbei (rice crackers) on approach road to the temple. Historical Yamamoto-tei house offers beautiful break time with maccha green tea and some traditional sweets in a beautiful Japanese-stlye house with inner garden. (admission : 100 yen). Be noted taking off shoes is required for Taishakuten sculpture gallery and Yamamotei house.
End of tour
I can take you back to your hotel, or we can end up on your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
Ending Point
At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
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 meet-up, send-off in Tokyo
transportation fee (you and guide), food and drink (you and guide), entrance fee (you and guide)
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【Major fees on tour day】
Depends on spots you choose. But if you choose spots within Tokyo Metro areas, below applies.
For guide, a one-day subway ticket costs 900 yen.
For you, depending on what you have. (Ex. Welcome Suica.) More info below.
Even if outside metro area, cost would be within 2,000 yen/person or such.
>Transportation Tips in Tokyo.
If you’re staying in Tokyo for a few days, getting either of below at the airport makes your travel easier. Both requires passport to purchase.
●Getting Welcome SUICA for travelers (transportation IC card) at the airport is strongly recommended to get around easily. Convenient in all major cities in Japan. *The issue of regular transportation IC card has been discontinued for unknown period due to shortage of semi-conductors as of 2024 June.
●Tokyo Subway Ticket（24h / 48h / 72h)
Unlimited travel ticket for Tokyo Metro & Toei Metro (Not available for JR). Best value for Tokyo visitor. But limited line availability.
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For more information for transportation system in Tokyo, refer to my blog.
"What's the best ticket for Tokyo transportation?"
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【Optional】Hired cars
I'm happy to work with hired car you arranged at your end.
Tour Important Information
The transportation fee depend on spots you choose.
Important message from the supplier
- Kindly make an inquiry only for my available days on my calendar.
- I do tours only for a private group (up to 4 people) to maximize each person's experience.
- I'm Tokyo based. My tours basically start/end in Tokyo. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee from/to there. Thank you for understanding.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Kaori S.
Kon-ni-chi-wa. Hello! I'm Kaori, having lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years since I got married to a photographer who lives here. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture which has Mt.Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I took 2 working-holiday-visa stays in my younger days. One is in Toronto, Canada, and another is Australia touring by motorcycle. One year respectively.
I love travel both international and domestic. That's why I love helping individual travelers rather than group tours, because I myself love travel freely. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love.
As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. We see what you like and talk what you are interested in. That's my style. If you don't know what to want, I can help you with that.
I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request.
・Half Day as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY
・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY
・Extra hour over 8hours : 6,000 JPY/hour
I'm quite an outgoing person, ( but organized well! ), easy to get along with anybody, including small kids to teenagers. Can't wait to see you soon!
Reviews
Teresa W.
“Fantastic wedding anniversary trip in Tokyo”
We had an amazing 6 day tour with Kaori. She is very knowledgeable and kind person. Every day was full of nice surprises and views and we learned a lot about Japanese people, enjoyed its foods, visited beautiful places, and immersed in the culture. We can't thank you Kaori enough for such a memorable experience. We will be back to visit other areas in the future. Kaori is the best!
Kaori S.
Thank you so much for taking time to give me an excellent review just after you back home, Teresa-san. Moreover, I appreciate your trust that you booked me for your whole trip this time. I’m so honored to be your guide on your anniversary trip. Congratulations again for your wedding anniversary. It was such a joy to guide a lovely couple like you and Mike-san. Also thank you for attaching beautiful photos here. Unforgettable memories! Can’t wait for your coming back to Japan for next adventure! Big hugs, Kaori
Henry H.
“Unforgettable Tokyo & Mt. Fuji Tour – Exceeded All Expectations!”
We had the pleasure of spending 1.5 days touring Tokyo and Mt. Fuji with Kaori-san and Ichiro-san—truly a highlight of our Japan trip! They were warm, flexible, and highly accommodating. Due to rainy weather in June, we rearranged our itinerary to visit Mt. Fuji on a clearer day, which gave us beautiful views and experiences we didn’t expect during the rainy season. Everything was effortless. We were picked up and dropped off quickly at each site—no need to figure out directions. While we could’ve managed on our own, it was a true luxury to simply relax and enjoy. With their spacious Toyota Alphard, we comfortably explored the Mt. Fuji region, including the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Kawaguchi-ko Boat Cruise, Oishi Park, and Hana Terrace—all offering breathtaking views and charming shops. Kaori-san, who is from the area, shared her childhood stories, which added authenticity and depth. We enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring the local Hōtō noodles, a hearty miso-based dish with thick wheat noodles and vegetables. We then visited the peaceful Saiko Lake, explored the nearby Ice Cave, and ended at the stunning Shiraito Falls, a Japan Heritage Site known for its cascading streams and serene beauty. Good views, good food, and great company—what more could we ask for? Ichiro-san is a skilled photographer who captured beautiful family moments for us—memories we’ll always cherish. They even helped us with our luggage and drove us to a more convenient station to avoid transfers. I hold high expectations when I travel, and they exceeded them all. We began with a general plan, but they helped us see more, adding meaningful surprises along the way. My kids adored them for their warmth and kindness. We would 100% hire them again for our next trip to Japan and highly recommend them to anyone seeking an unforgettable, authentic, and seamless experience.
Kaori S.
Thank you so much for taking time to give a wonderful review with our memorable photos, Henry-san! It was truly a lovely day, couldn't have expected more than what we had - Mt.Fuji showing her face all day in rainy season. You gave us a good chance to visit Shiraito Falls, where my parents took me often in my childhood - which was Shizuoka prefecture side. I've always been loving the great nature of Mt.Fuji area. The wonderful time with a beautiful family like you made another memory on us. So happy to hear you liked Ichiro's photos. Beautiful indeed!! We can't wait to see you all again for another adventure. Tokyo and surroundings have a lot more to offer! Big hugs, Kaori
Jeff A.
“Amazing tour with Kaori”
Kaori made our day and was a wonderful tour guide to our large family of 6 (grandparents and kids). Kaori was very knowledgeable and helped us understand the sites we toured (like Senso-Ji). It was extremely hot while we toured and Kaori was so thoughtful to help us handle the heat, packing some extra supplies to help us stay cool. She also recommended an excellent restaurant which we ended up having an excellent dinner at. We’re so happy we were able to take this tour with Kaori.
Kaori S.
Thank you for taking your precious time to write the warmest review just on our tour day while you are still traveling, Jeff-san. So delighted to hear you loved dinner there! We had an unusual heat for this season, which should have been tough on you and your family. Your family's kindness and patience made our day!! Please pass my appreciation to your family too, especially cute girls! I hope the rest of your stay would be full of wonderful moments! Big hugs, Kaori
$403/ per group
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