It’s the private full-day walking tour with a knowledgeable guide, which is good for learning about Japan’s history and culture!! The destinations are strictly selected and combined from the perspective of answering your simple but significant questions about Japan effectively!! Every destination has its own theme to learn about!!
At your hotel in Tokyo
◆The imperial palace is the Japanese Emperor’s official residence located in the heart of Tokyo, and is approximately 5 kms around. Since it was Edo Castle, the official residence of the Tokugawa Shogun, the leader of the Samurai government during the Edo Period(1603～1868),even now there are Edo Castle remains including the castle gates and guard towers.
◆ First Fish Market in Tokyo was founded in Nihonbashi early 17th century. Since then, Nihonbashi Fish Market flourished as the center of food culture for 300 years until it’s in the devastation of The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Then 12 years later, Tsukiji Fish Market was founded here in Tsukiji in the year 1935.
Only wholesalers area of Tsukiji market, so called "Inner Market", relocated to a new market site named Toyosu on October 11,2018,
however, non- wholesalers area for small businesses and consumers has been stayed current site filled with the nostalgic air of its long history, where you can find anything from foods such as fresh fish, fresh meats, vegetables and dried foods, to food-related products such as knives and dinnerware as usual!!
◆”Hama-rikyu Gardens” respectfully dubbed ”Hama Palace where sea breeze blows as a reminder of the Edo era.” was the family garden of the the Tokugawa Shogun. It functioned as an outer fort for Edo Castle that retains a tidal pond of sea water drawn from Edo bay(present Tokyo Bay) called Shioiri-no-ike, 2 duck hunting grounds, and hawking sites. Moreover, you’ll enjoy tour of traditional teahouses built in the time of 5th Shogun Tsunayoshi and 11th Shogun Ienari, which are reconstructed faithful to the historical resources!!
◆You can enjoy 14 unique bridges and views of the heart of the city while passing under the bridges along the Sumida River. And also,from the river, you can see Tokyo’s new hot spot-the Tokyo Skytree!!
◆Traditional Entertainment Area of Asakusa is a typical tourist spot that inherits the energetic downtown area filled with nostalgic air. Once you walk under the large lantern of Kaminarimon(meaning Thunder Gate), there’re many gift shops selling various kinds of Japanese goods on the street of Nakamise-dori. Even now,many shrines and Temples still remain here, and this area is known for its historic atmosphere and warm hospitality!!
At your hotel in Tokyo
1. Imperial Palace
◆The imperial palace is the Japanese Emperor’s official residence located in the heart of Tokyo, and is approximately 5 kms around. Since it was Edo Castle, the official residence of the Tokugawa Shogun, the leader of the Samurai government during the Edo Period(1603～1868),even now there are Edo Castle remains including the castle gates and guard towers.
2. Tsukiji area
2-1. Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple
◆The current temple rebuild in 1934 has the unique design of being a stone building as a Buddhist temple in Japan, which was based on an ancient Indian-style exterior and influenced by architectural styles drawn from Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Its columns and wide stairs are reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture.
2-2.Tsukiji Market
◆ Former Fish Market in Tokyo(at the time called Edo) was founded in Nihonbashi(Near Tokyo station) early 17th century. Since then, Nihonbashi Fish Market flourished as the center of food culture for 300 years until it’s in the devastation of The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Then 12 years later, current Fish Market was founded here in Tsukiji in the year 1935.
Only wholesaler area of Tsukiji market, so called Inner Market relocated to a new market site on October 11,2018,
however, Tsukiji Outer Market has been stayed current site filled with the nostalgic air of its long history, where you can find anything from foods such as fresh fish, fresh meats, vegetables and dried foods, to food-related products such as knives and dinnerware as usual!!
3. Hama-rikyu Gardens
◆”Hama-rikyu Gardens” respectfully dubbed ”Hama Palace where sea breeze blows as a reminder of the Edo era.” was the family garden of the the Tokugawa Shogun. It functioned as an outer fort for Edo Castle that retains a tidal pond of sea water drawn from Edo bay(present Tokyo Bay) called Shioiri-no-ike, 2 duck hunting grounds, and hawking sites.
◆And also,you’ll enjoy tour of traditional teahouses built in the time of 5th Shogun Tsunayoshi and 11th Shogun Ienari, which are reconstructed faithful to the historical resources!!
4. Waterbus Cruise on the Sumida River
◆You can enjoy 14 unique bridges and views of the heart of the city while passing under the bridges along the Sumida River. And also,from the river, you can see Tokyo’s new hot spot-the Tokyo Skytree!!
5. Asakusa area
◆Traditional Entertainment Area of Asakusa is a typical tourist spot that inherits the energetic downtown area filled with nostalgic air. Once you walk under the large lantern of Kaminarimon(meaning Thunder Gate), there’re many gift shops selling various kinds of Japanese goods on the street of Nakamise-dori. Even now,many shrines and Temples still remain here, and this area is known for its historic atmosphere and warm hospitality!!
Guide fee, hotel pick up and drop off in Tokyo, transportation fee(guide), admission fee(guide)
Transportation fee(you): around 1,500JPY/person(including water bus), Admission fee(you): 300JPY/person(Hama-rikyu Gardens), Lunch(you and guide): around 2,500JPY/person(Sushi restaurant at Tsukiji outer Market)
Please send me message for inquiry about availability for activities regardless of the Availability Calendar.
◆Hama-rikyu Gardens, Cherry blossoms(EST Best Viewing : Late Mar. ～ Early Apr.)
◆Waterbus cruise may starts from Hinode pier located 1.4km away from Hama-rikyu Gardens due to the extreme congestion during the cherry blossom viewing period(Mid. Mar. ～ Early Apr.).
◆While the inner market's wholesale functions and tuna auctions for businesses relocated to Toyosu Market in October 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market for personal customers, a lively community of merchants and suppliers of food, kitchen equipment, and some of Tokyo's best restaurants, remains in business and boasts its bustling and nostalgic atmosphere as ever!!(All of images of Tsukiji are taken after the relocation!!)
We couldn't have asked for a better first day in Tokyo! Hiroki-san was gracious, funny, and was able to help us navigate the most confusing subway system we've ever seen! As first timers to Japan, it was very overwhelming trying to find what to do and how to travel there. By doing this tour, we not only traversed the city, but learned so many different things in the process! Hiroki-san was even able to customize our day based on preferences we provided. We never had to pull out a phone to navigate, got amazing pictures, and will cherish these memories forever!
Dear Audrey san, Thank you so much for choosing me as a tour guide on your first day in Japan and writing such a great review despite being busy getting ready for many things !! During the tour I really had a great time with you and your wonderful family, and yesterday was a day that leaves behind an enjoyable memory !! Also, your sincere attitude towards learning Japan really impressed me !! Thanks to the information for your preferences you gave me beforehand, I was able to customize your day smoothly. Thank you again, and please give my best regards to Josh-san and Ryan-san !! Sincerely, Hiroki
Hiroki-san is a very kind and knowledgeable individual. I had a superb time with him exploring the treasures of Tokyo. His command over Japan's history is just amazing. I would definitely recommend Hiroki-san to anyone who has a free day to explore Tokyo city.
Dear Rajeev-san, Thank you so much for choosing me as a tour guide on your last day in Japan and writing such a wonderful review on my tour despite being busy just before your flight !! Since my happiest moments are when I hear that my guests had a memorable time, your heartfelt review really inspired me !! Thank you again, and have a nice flight to Singapore !! Sincerely, Hiroki
lovely man very helpful
Dear Simone, Thank you very much for taking the"Tokyo custom booking" and giving me the excellent tour review!! Since the itinerary consisted of not only the destinations how to learn about Japanese history and tradition but also the experience of the contemporary Geek Culture,thanks to your honest request given me beforehand, I’m sure you’re able to fully enjoy the tour !! (Particularly, the Maid Cafe was so fun !?) Thank you again, ang hope to see you again !! Sincerely, Hiroki
Hiroki was extremely helpful and considerate. We did the iaido lesson,and I really enjoyed it.
Dear Aaron, Thank you very much for taking the "Iai-do experience tour to learn Samurai spirit" and giving me the excellent tour review!! Since the Iaido lesson includes not only how to cut a simulated target of a tatami roll with a real Japanese sword but also the appreciation of the museum piece Japanese sword and the Samurai Armours once possessed by highest ranking Samurai warriors called “Daimyo feudal lord” actually having those historic weapons in your hands, I’m sure you’re able to fully enjoy the lesson !! Thank you again, and please enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan!! Sincerely, Hiroki