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- Off the Beaten Path
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.
(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. We need to be quiet during the ritual. 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).
(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 pick-up, hotel drop-off
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
- I do tours with a small private group up to 4 people.
- Please kindly make an inquiry for available days on my GWG calendar.
- My tours basically start/end in Tokyo. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, my transportation fee from/to there should be covered. 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 (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY
・Full Day (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY
・Extra hour : 8,000 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
Christasteven R.
2 days Custom Tokyo tour for Christasteven san family
Customized
“Kaori was exceptional!”
We booked Kaori for our first two days in Tokyo. I gave her a general idea of the types of things we’d like to do and she put together an amazing itinerary. Kaori taught us about the customs, how to navigate the train system and picked some great restaurants for lunch. We would have been lost without Kaori, she gave us the confidence needed to navigate the rest of our trip. Kaori felt like family by the end of the two days and we were sad to say goodbye. Thank you, Kaori!
Kaori S.
Thank you so much for taking time to give the warmest review for me. Being said “felt like family” means more than anything to me. I always want to help my guests like my family, but of course with professional knowledge and skills! We had a truly lovely two days together. I was so happy to see each of you and your daughter found something nice for yourselves on shopping! Hope to see you again, also the rest of your family too on your next trip! Big Hugs, Kaori
Jorge R.
Nikko World Heritages - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
“Nikko world heritage site”
Kaori made our vacation so simple and fun. Her prepararon of our day and her knowledge of the area was priceless. We felt so well taken care of. I highly recommend her as a guide. AMAZING!!!!!
Kaori S.
Thank you VERY MUCH for giving an exceptional review on my tour, Jorge san. Blessed with the weather and autumn foliage, it was such a lovely day to appreciate amazing architectures of Nikko in great nature of Nikko mountains. Your photos AMAZED me! Honored and delighted to be a part of your family's travel. Hope to see you next time! Big hugs, Kaori
Jorge R.
Private Mt.Fuji -one day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
“Mt Fuji and surrounding areas”
I can't thank Kaori and her husband enough for everything they did for us. The tour was amazing!! They went above and beyond!!! We felt as though they were an extended part of our family. Everything about their service was exceptional.
Kaori S.
I can’t thank you enough for taking time to give us the warmest feedback to my husband and me just after we parted after a whole day tour. We felt the same way, as if we were a part of your family thanks to friendship each of your family member gave us. It was amazing day with Mt.Fuji + autumn leaves shining to sunlights. Wishing you happy and safe travels. Love to welcome anyone from your family or friends. Of course when you come back! Big hugs and thanks, Kaori and Ichiro
$384/ per group
More tours by Kaori S.
Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori
This tour fits all, from first timers to repeaters who love local experiences. You can choose what you like from spots listed, or I can pick up for you if you don't have clue. Just let me know your preferences. I can make a good combination of old and modern, major and local. Tokyo has a lot more to experience besides the list. As full day tour, please pick up 3 or 4 spots. Or you can request specific spot not on the list. "Enjoy together with fun learning" is what you can expect with me.
Tokyo Half-day As You Like with Kaori
This tour fits all, from first timers to repeaters who love local experiences. You can choose what you like from spots listed, or I can pick up for you if you don't have clue. Just let me know your preferences. I can make a good combination of old and modern, major and local. Tokyo has a lot more to experience besides the list. As half day tour, please pick up 1 or 2 spots. Or you can request specific spot not on the list. "Enjoy together with fun learning" is what you can expect with me.
Tokyo Highlights for first timers with Kaori
If you have only one day for Tokyo, this is for you! Covering most major spots in your limited time. ・Asakusa - Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise ・Tsukiji Market (lunch) ・Meiji jingu Shrine ・Harajuku ・Shibuya (Or Ginza is possible) Basically walking tour, using public transportation, but we can take a taxi occasionally upon your request.
Private Hakone - one day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
Private day trip to Hakone only for your group, starting from Tokyo. Surrounded by great nature with Mt.Fuji view, lots of museums and hot springs, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations as a break from Tokyo. By using ”Odakyu Hakone Freepass”, we can enjoy various types of transportations such as Ropeway, Lake Ashi Boat Cruise, cable cars and Tozan Train(mountain tram) to get around. Car Option is recommended for smooth travel. Ending could be your accommodation in Hakone.
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in Tokyo
The unbeaten tracks of Sumida and Koto Wards (5 hour excursion)
Sumida and Koto area was part of the eastern peripheral of old Edo with many second houses of feudal lords which typically had splendid Japanese gardens. Visit and stroll two gardens that have been retained to this day. Also included are visits to a memorial park related to the Kanto Earthquake of 1923, a historic Buddhist temple related to Sumo and the Fukagawa Edo Museum.
Hidden Gems of Tokyo: Unveiling Central Tokyo and Shitamachi
Embark on our "Tokyo Time Traveler Tour," exploring Shimbashi, Tokyo Station, Ochanomizu, Ueno, and Yanaka. Discover Tokyo's evolution, from its humble beginnings to the bustling metropolis it is today. Dive into history, culture, and tradition, uncovering the secrets behind Tokyo's captivating transformation.
Japanese Gardens and Tokyo Life: Bunkyo City Customized Tour
Bunkyo City is in the heart of central Tokyo, just north of Chiyoda City where the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station are. The city is Tokyo’s typical residential and academic area where I was born, grew up, and live now. We'll move around the city with a Bunkyo City Community Bus, B-guru ( “beagle”, the mascot character of the bus), and visit Edo-Tokyo Japanese gardens and other calm and pleasant sites. You'll also catch a glimpse of Tokyo citizens’ life during the tour.
Excursion off the Beaten Track in the Suburbs of Tokyo
We will explore the western suburbs of Tokyo in this tour. If you are looking for something different from the crowded tourist attractions in the central part of Tokyo, you will enjoy exploring the western suburbs of Tokyo. I recommend this tour not to first timers but to repeaters who have been to famous places in Tokyo. You will discover traditional spots in the beautiful environment of the suburbs. Weather permitting, lunch in a local restaurant can be replaced by a picnic lunch in a park.
