This is a tour for 1st time travlers to Japan who loves cats. We will visit Gotokuji Temple, HonmyoIn, Imado Shrine and Yanaka & Sendagi, so-called "Yanasen" district, which all related to cats.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or any places in central Tokyo
Your hotel
I will meet you at the lobby of your hotel or any place in central Tokyo
Gotokuji Temple
Gotokuji Temple is located at a bit suburb of central Tokyo and is said to be the birthplace of Maneki-neko, lucky beckon cat. There are hundreds of lucky cats that are considered to invite fortune and money into you. It is also well-knwon as a family temple of Ii clan, famous fudal load in Edo period.
Yanasen District
This cat town has many stores, restaurants, food stands, gallaries and coffee shops that related to cats. We will spend most of the time here to visit as many as you want.
There is HonmyoIn Temple here that has a stamp of a cat.
Imado Shrine
This is a shrine that is known as "Cat Shrine" in Asakusa. It was built in 1063 and enshrines one of Seven Lucky Gods (Fukurokujyu). If you were lucky, you may meet the real cat "Nami-chan" living here.
Your hotel
At your hotel or I can see you off at any place in central Tokyo
Ending Point
At your hotel or any places in central Tokyo. If you like, it may be a good idea to see off at Asakusa which is located near the last stop, Imado Shrine.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee and hotel pick-up
Transportation fee for you and the guide
From Shinjyuku to Gotokuji: 200 Yen
From Gotokuji to Nippori: 420 Yen
From Yanaka to Asakusa: 210 Yen
Entrance fee for you and the guide
No entrance fee for Gotokuji, HonmyoIn and Imado Shrine
Some stores and gallarys may require some entrace fee
Lunch (you and the guide)
1. We will use only a public transportation: a train.
From Shinjyuku to Gotokuji: 200 Yen
From Gotokuji to Nippori: 420 Yen
From Yanaka to Asakusa: 210 Yen
The cost from your hotel and to your hotel are not included here.
2. We will walk a lot. So, please wear a comfortable shoes.
3. Some of the shops and stores do not accept credit cards. A cash is more preferable.
4. Travelers should have their own travel insurance.
5. If it were a rain or other mother of nature, the schedule may change.
6. Some shops and/or restaurants may close, so please make sure they are open if you have any particular choice.
I am currently available only on Saturday, Sunday and any national holidays.
Currently, my main coverage is Tokyo and its suburb, but I can mostly go anywhere if you can bear my transportation fee. I am easy and flexible.
Hello!
I am Joji. Please call me Bonjoji, because Bon Jovi is one of my favorite Rock music groups. I was born and raised in Kyoto until 19 years old. I studied English and graduated from University of South Carolina with Statistic major. During my work at a precision equipment company, I have lived in California and New Jersey in the states for 12 years. While I was in the States, I have been treated as a family by many local American people. So, it is a time that I treat you back well while you are traveling in Japan.
The period I like in Japanese history is the war period when many local lords were challenging and fighting each other to expand their lands. I recommend that you should see their castles, since you can see their ambition and their survival strategy. The sports I like are American football and Sumo. Sumo is not just a wrestling game but deeply rooted in Shinto ritual, which is closely related to our daily life. These are the things I can talk about more when we meet. My hobby is visiting old ruins in the world so that I have been to Vesa Merde in the States, Macchu Picchu in Peru, Easter Island in Chile, Volbilis in Morocco, Tikal in Guatemala, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and etc. I have worked at the Japanese company as a salary man for 35 years, so that I can also talk about business, only if you wish.
Anyway, I am National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter authorized by Japan Tourism Agency and my goal is simply to make your journey more enjoyable while you are in Japan. Please feel free to contact me and let's enjoy the tour together.
Bonjoji
Kathryn D.
“A wonderful day in Tokyo”
Our tour with Joji was our first full day in Tokyo and what a day it was! We couldn't believe how much we were able to pack into 6.5 hours and yet nothing felt rushed. Joji is a great guide and teacher. We were very nervous about using public transportation on our own but Joji taught us so well we had no issues the following days. We also asked Joji for a change in our itinerary and he happily obliged and took us to Gōtokuji Temple (instead of Shibuya Crossing) which was one of our favorite spots of the day. We highly recommend this tour! Thank you Joji!!!
Joji T.
Kathryn Very glad to hear you have enjoyed the tour. The beckon cat you bought will bring you more happiness to you and your family. Please come back again !!! Joji
Jo A.
“Tokyo with Joji T.”
We had a great experience with Joji. Joji had planned out our day but was also flexible to allow us to stop at other places of interest and for much needed breaks. Joji shared his knowledge of the sites we visited, and provided us with a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Joji T.
Jo, very glad to hear you enjoyed the tour. I appreciate you wrote the nice review. Thanks to the good weather, we could see nice view from Shibuya Sky. Please come back, again!
Isabel C.
“Great time in Tokyo”
It was a great pleasure to spend an 8 hour tour with Joji in Tokyo. We received in advance a detailed itinerary covered all our interests by him. Joji is a very polite and sensitive guide endowed with a sound knowledge of historical and temporary developments in Japan and its capital. We enjoyed this tour very much and we recommend this guide to our highest satisfaction.
Joji T.
Isabel Thank you for writing the nice review while you are still busy traveling. It was my pleasure to guide both Isabel and Michael. I am glad to hear you have enjoyed my tour. Since both of you were not just interested in Japanese history & culture but wanted to learn them, so that it was worth explaining them. Please enjoy the rest of your trip. Regards, Joji
$261/ per group