Escape the crowds and step off the beaten path to explore Tokyo like a local! This immersive walking tour takes you through charming backstreets, where history, culture, and cuisine come together. Savor expertly crafted sushi at a hidden gem, experience the tranquility of a local Buddhist temple, and enjoy the warm hospitality of a traditional Japanese coffee shop. Along the way, discover unique shops and soak in the authentic atmosphere of a neighborhood untouched by the usual tourist crowds.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Train Station
- Neighborhood Hideaway. Gather in a quaint neighborhood outside the city center, tucked away from the tourist trail. Here, your culinary adventure begins.
Sushi Restaurant: Hidden Gem
Step into a cozy local sushi restaurant beloved by residents for its unassuming charm and mouthwatering sushi offerings. Here, you'll experience the artistry of sushi-making firsthand as skilled chefs craft each dish with precision and care. Sit back, relax, and savor the flavors of Japan's culinary heritage.
Visit the Local Sake Shop: Cultural Experience
No sushi tour is complete without a toast to Japan's rich sake tradition. Stroll down the shopping street. Here, the local sake shop awaits, its shelves adorned with an exquisite array of sake bottles, each bearing the hallmark of craftsmanship and quality. Discover the world of sake and bring a bottle back to enjoy later or as a gift for home.
Japanese Retro-Style Coffee Shop: Tranquil Retreat
Continue your culinary adventure and unwind at a charming Japanese retro-style coffee shop. Step into a bygone era as you savor freshly siphon-brewed coffee with dessert and admire the nostalgic decor. Relax and reflect on the day's culinary delights, accompanied by a soothing cup of coffee or tea.
Famous Buddhist Temple and Surroundings
Take a short train ride and stroll through charming streets that feel like a step back in time. As you explore a historic temple steeped in tradition, you’ll discover its deep connection to the same time period and heritage as those in Kyoto. This sacred Buddhist temple complex features ornate buildings, cultural artifacts, stunning art, and timeless ceremonies. Fortunately, the crowds here are nothing like those in Kyoto, allowing you to immerse yourself in a nostalgic and truly inspiring atmosphere that feels uniquely your own.
Ending Point
Train Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee and reservations.
*Food, drinks, and other purchases are not included in the price.
*Bringing at least 5,000 to 7,000 yen per person would cover the cost of a quality lunch experience and coffee/ tea shop stop.
*Transportation is not included. (Example: the one-way cost using the two train lines to get to the destination from JR Tokyo or Shinjuku stations would be about 400 yen per person and take about 40 minutes).
*The tour can be modified to include more or less stops and the option of adding or substituting restaurants such as a ramen restaurant is possible upon request.
*The coffee shop, sake shop, and sweet shop are also optional but recommended.
*The option to go to a local Japanese sento bathhouse is available upon request.
I came to Japan in 1998, intending to stay a few months, but enjoying Japan, I never left. I was intrigued by the history, culture, language, and food. And the fascination and excitement of exploring and learning new things about Japan still exists with me today. The variety and choices of things to do and places to go can be overwhelming. I can offer you suggestions and a unique perspective on Japan. I can share local knowledge about things often missed. Fluent in Japanese with a master's degree in Japanese Studies and living in Japan for over 20 years, I can be your guide.
Jennifer Z.
“True hidden gems”
Tim was a great guide! He took us to several places we would have never found on our own and provided a lot of Japanese history and cultural information that we found to be fascinating.
Tim D.
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I’m really glad you enjoyed the hidden spots and the stories behind them. It was a pleasure exploring Tokyo with you. Please join me again next time you’re in town!
Brad A.
“A night out with Tim”
We had a great evening with Tim in Tokyo. Having lived in the city for years, Tim was super knowledgeable and very interesting. Highly recommend! We got a taste of Japanese night life! Rick and Stacry Kansas City
Tim D.
Thanks Rick and Stacey! Had a great time showing you around Tokyo. Hope to see you again sometime!
Philippe D.
“Unexpected experience”
This night outing took us to places that we did not suspect and that we would not have visited by ourselves. Among other things, our guide was able to make us enjoy very typical mazes and bistros. The explanations provided about the life of this neighborhood in the evening allowed us to discover another Tokyo. Thank you Tim for these moments that will remain good memories
Tim D.
Thank you so much, Philippe! I’m really glad I could show you a different side of Tokyo at night. Exploring those hidden backstreets with you was a lot of fun. I’m happy it became a memorable part of your trip!
$242/ per group