If you'd like to see Tokyo from a bit different angle, like history and culture, this tour should be one of your choice. You'll see Tokyo's miraculous transformation from a feudal city to a modern capital through it. In the tour, we visit Edo-Tokyo Museum, known for its unique displays of history in Tokyo using many elaborate models, and three interesting historical sites : former Edo castle, Nihonbashi, and Tokyo station. It also includes matcha tea ceremony in a traditional tea house.
at your hotel in Tokyo, If your accommodation is far away from the nearest station or located in a place difficult to find, the meeting place might be changed to other appropriate spots.
meet at your hotel lobby.
Tokyo has been the capital of Japan for more than 400 years since early 17th century and the period is divided into two completely different ages by Meiji Restoration in 1868. Tokyo was called Edo during the first period. The museum plainly displays its interesting history for visitors with various elaborate models, maps, and documents.
Nihon-bashi, litteraly a bridge of Japan, has long been the center of commerce in Tokyo. As its name shows, the bridge used to be the beginning of major highways which extended from Edo to local major cities, like Kyoto. You can see a model of the original bridge in Edo-Tokyo Museum. We also enjoy lunch around here.
You experience a matcha tea ceremony in a casual style at a refined tea house. You can also enjoy strolling around a beautiful traditional garden after the tea.
This is a remain of Edo castle, the seat of Tokugawa feudal government, which had ruled Japan since early 17th to mid-19th century. You can actually realize the great power of the Tokugawas to see the gigantic remains. Edo-Tokyo Museum features elaborate models of this castle. The ground of the castle now is the Imperial Palace and national gardens.
The end of the tour is Tokyo station, which was built in 1914 and has survived Great Kanto Earthquake (M 7.9) in 1923 and World War II. This elegant red-brick station is one of the symbolic buildings in the early modern age of Japan.
drop-off at your hotel.
at your hotel in Tokyo. If your accommodation is far away from a station, the drop-off place might be changed to other appropriate spots.
guide fee, hotel pickup and drop-off
transportation fare for you and guide (900 yen per adult), tea ceremony for you and guide (2,200 yen per adult), Edo- Tokyo Museum (600 yen per adult), lunch for you and guide (about 2,000 yen), Total about 5,700 yen
1. This tour isn't basically available on Monday and Friday due to closing of Edo-Tokyo Museum and Imperial Palace East Garden. In Tokyo, many museums and municipal parks are closed on Monday, I'm afraid.
2.We use public transportation and enjoy walking around the spots. You are recommended to wear shoes suitable for walking.
3.If you have any food restrictions such as vegetarians, gluten free, and no-fish, please let me know in advance to plan for your lunch.
4.The tour is not covered with any travel insurances. I'd recommend that you buy your own travel insurance in case of any unexpected accidents and losses. Of course, I'll do my best to keep you away from such accidents.
5. Your request of the tour is accepted 3 days before the tour.
Direct bookings are not accepted. Please be sure to contact me in advance of your desired tour date.
Dipa P.
True Hakone Private Tour enjoying 3 popular spots
“Magnificent Mt.Fuji”
Thank you Turo for a wonderful day in Hakone. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. Your command of the Japan public transportation systems helped save time so that we could see and do everything we wanted. The family loved the lunch place you took us and my son especially enjoyed the open air museum. You have vast knowledge of the area and we enjoyed learning the history. Thank you and we hope to see you again.
Toru K.
(20 reviews)Hi Dipa, thank you very much for your warm comment and high rating on the tour. The day was really blessed with a good chance : magnificent views of Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms and various flowers in full bloom. I'm also happy to hear Deven and Rayna enjoyed the Openair Museum. I hope you'll have another good chance during your travel and go home with many happy memories in Japan.
Kelly Z.
True Hakone Private Tour enjoying 3 popular spots
“Lovely day in Hakone! ”
Toru was a great guide. The tour to Hakone was a lovely day out. We very much enjoyed the sites. He was also very helpful with giving us travel advice and sending our luggage to our next destination. Thank you!
Toru K.
(20 reviews)Thank you very much for your review and high rating of Hakone Tour. I'm also glad to be able to tour with you. I'm sure you're enjoying the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Kyoto by now. I hope you continue to enjoy your journey and return home with happy memories of your time in Japan.
Spencer S.
True Hakone Private Tour enjoying 3 popular spots
“A truly wonderful guide”
Toru-san is an extra special guide, and the Hake Private Tour is extra special. Toru-san has the best English skills of any of the six guides we had in Japan. He is clearly also a high quality person - charming, warm, and kind. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a world-class outdoor sculpture museum that also has an entire building full of Picasso art. And the Hakone / Lake Ashi area is beautiful. We highly recommend this day trip from Tokyo with this special guide.
Toru K.
(20 reviews)Hi Jenifer and Spencer, thank you very much for your warm comment and high rating on the tour. It's a great horor and encouragement to me. I was so happy to share a pleasant time with you. Unfortunately, we couldn't take a cruise on Lake Ashi due to strong winds, but we were lucky to be able to see Red Fuji colored by the setting sun. I'm looking forward to seeing you again in the season of cherry blossoms in Japan in the near future.