Western Tokyo Highlights -Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji-jingu more!
If you have more than 2 days in Tokyo, exploring one day in East, one day in West would be recommended, since Tokyo is such a huge city. This tour is basically walking tour, using public transportation, but we can take a taxi occasionally upon your request. My Western highlights is more with modern, young, Kawaii culture, and Eastern one is more with tradition and samurai history. Both are making today's Tokyo. Don't forget to check my Eastern Highlights too!
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.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory (Shinjuku)
Observatory of free of charge. Famous landmarks such as Mount Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower can be enjoyed when the weather permits. Usually more visible in the morning time.
Or I can try to book SHIBUYA SKY for the end of this tour if you like. Refer to important below for the details. Let me know enough in advance.
Meiji-Jingu Shrine
One of the most important shrines in Japan dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by 100 year-old forest designed by human, where you can escape the busy streets of Tokyo, sense the shrine’s sacred atmosphere.
Harajuku - Takeshita street
Just nearby Harajuku is paradise of teens. Discover Tokyo’s most fashionable place for young Tokyoites and explore the center of Japan’s Kawaii culture.
Omotesando area
A major luxury shopping destination, and home to some of the most unique and modern architectures. A variety of restaurant is available around this area for lunch.
Kiddy Land - Tokyo’s tax-free toy and character goods mecca in Omotesando. It is consumer heaven for adults and children alike.
Ura-Harajuku (Cat Street) - Known as the back street of Harajuku, a narrow road connecting Harajuku and Shibuya, Tokyo Cat Street is a magnet for the city's fashion-forward.
(Lunch could be flexible)
Shibuya - Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko dog statue
Feel the vibes of the metropolitan city and hit the Shibuya Crossing. And don’t forget to take a picture at Hachiko dog statue, a statue honoring the most loyal dog in Japan!
Shibuya - Tokyu Food Show
At the department store's basement (called Depa-Chika), known as the ‘Theatre of Food’, and houses stalls from all over the world selling sweets, deli goods, bakery, food and wine!
End of tour
We end the tour in Shibuya. You can enjoy dinner in Shibuya afterwards, or you can move to Shinjuku for night life easily by JR. Also, I can take you back to your hotel if you like.
(in case of SHIBUYA SKY Option)
I'll come with you to enter with my annual Pass.
Then I'll leave you there to enjoy the view afterwards and enjoy dinner in Shibuya or maybe in Shinjuku!
Ending Point
At Shibuya or your hotel or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
Want to personalize this tour?
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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,
guide's transportation fee in the city,
hotel meet-up, send-off in Tokyo
transportation fee (you), food and drink (you and guide), entrance fee (you and guide)
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【Major fees on tour day】
For you, depending on what you have. (Ex. Welcome Suica.)
It would be around 1,000~2,000 JPY per a day.
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>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 require passport to purchase.
●Welcome SUICA or Mobile Welcome Suica for travelers (transportation IC card) is recommended to get around easily in Japan. Conveniently usable in all major cities in Japan.
●Tokyo Subway Ticket(24h / 48h / 72h)
Unlimited travel ticket for Tokyo Metro & Toei Metro (Not available for JR). Best value for Tokyo visitors. But limited line availability.
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For more information for the latest 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
●Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory is occasionally closed. Sometimes the elevators are crowded so might need to wait in line.
● I can try to book Shibuya Sky (2,700JPY/adult before 3PM entry, 3,400JPY after 3PM entry) in stead of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory if you request me two weeks in advance. But please notice that Shibuya Sky ticket cannot be assured as so difficult to get tickets even when applying just on time sales open at midnight in Japan.
Important message from the supplier
NOT AVAILABLE for next spring season (March to April 2027). Sorry for inconvenience.
- Kindly make an inquiry only for open days on my Calendar.
- I offer tours UP TO 4 people.
- I'm Tokyo based. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee and accommodation fee (if need).
- For Mt.Fuji / Hakone, refer to the map of location on my gallery.
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
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. I myself love travel freely. That's how I love helping individual travelers like you. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love and sharing my seasonal favorites.
I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request.
・Half Day as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY
・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY
・Extra hour over 8hours : 6,000 JPY/hour
I often spend multiple days with the same group to accommodate itinerary for multi days by including my seasonal favorites.
I often do Mt.Fuji or Hakone tour. In many cases, the locations are mixed up between Mt.Fuji Five Lakes area and Hakone area, which are not the same place. Please refer to the map I uploaded on gallery to check the sites you are interested in. Also my blogs will help your understanding both areas - "The location difference of Mt.Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes) and Hakone".
As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. But more than that, I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. 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
Alexei M.
“10 star experience! if you only do one thing - do the.”
If we could give 10 stars, we would. The Mt Fuji trip with Kaori (and her husband Ichiro) was the highlight of my wife and mine trip to Japan. When booking, I asked Kaori for very specific trip, and she tailored the day trip for us. Despite the weather (torrential rains), it turned out to be the best experience. The most important part – this did not feel like a tour – it felt like a couple showing another couple the place where they live (Kaori is from Mt. Fuji area) and giving us a personal view of their world.
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Kaori S.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming and wonderful comments. My husband Ichiro and I are delighted to hear you felt time with us more than a tour. That is what we exactly value most on our car trip - personal tie as person to person. We were so happy to be able to help each of you fulfill your dreams. Standing on Mt.Fuji for Irina-san, and Ice cave for you. A photo of us all together on Mt.Fuji 5th station in the heavy rain is a memory we will never forget. We recently made your local dish you introduced us and loved it!! We appreciate this wonderful encounter with you. Big hugs, Kaori and Ichiro
Renee K.
“Kaori's Kamakura Tour Was Pure Magic — Don't Miss the Lantern Festival!”
We booked an 8-hour private tour to Kamakura with Kaori and it was hands down one of the best days of our trip! She took us to see the Great Buddha, which was even more impressive in person, then on to Hasedera Temple for some gorgeous views. One of our favorite stops was Houkoku-ji Temple — sitting in the bamboo grove sipping matcha was such a peaceful, magical experience. We took our time exploring everything without ever feeling rushed, and Kaori's knowledge of the history and culture made every stop so much richer. The best part? We stayed out until after dark to catch the Enoshima Island Toro Lantern Festival, and it was absolutely stunning — definitely a highlight we wouldn't have known about without her. Such a perfect mix of history, culture, food, and a little bit of magic. Highly recommend Kaori and this tour if you're headed to Kamakura!
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Kaori S.
Thank you for writing a wonderful review on my Kamakura tour. Great to hear you enjoyed whole day in Kamakura, including Toro lantern festival in Enoshima island. Kamakura itself has a lot to appreciate in great nature near the ocean. Full of samurai history and Zen culture. Enoshima’s seasonal lit-up event is one of my favorites. I appreciate you gave me the opportunity to share this wonderful experience together. As evening falls, every site of island has become impressive with calm lantern light. Thank you for choosing me your guide for two days. Hope to see you again in the future. Big hugs, Kaori
Renee K.
“WELL PLANNED AND SAW SO MUCH”
Had such a great time exploring Tokyo with our guide, Kaori! She gave us a awesome overview of the city and clearly knew her stuff — history, culture, little details you'd never pick up on your own. We went to Asakusa and checked out some beautiful temples and shrines, wandered through Yanaka (such a cool, low-key neighborhood), strolled down Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs, and grabbed some amazing street food at Tsukiji Outer Market. Through it all she was so much fun to be around — funny, easy to talk to, and just genuinely smart about the city. Kaori made the whole day feel effortless. Highly recommend her if you're visiting Tokyo!
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Kaori S.
Dear Renee san, thank you very much for taking your time to give me such a warm review. Your recommendation means a lot to me. So happy to hear you felt effortless during the tour with me. It is my pleasure to show around Tokyo with good navigation so that visitors can explore more of Tokyo on their own without any concern. Thanks to your extension from half day to full day in advance, we really did a lot in a day in shopping, eating, and strolling around! Hope to see you again in the future! Big hugs, Kaori
$403/ per group
More tours by Kaori S.
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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 besides the list. As full day tour (up to 8h), 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 One-day As You Like with Kaori
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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 Half-day As You Like with Kaori
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Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
A private Kamakura with flexibility. Kamakura is one of the most popular day-trip destinations, located just one hour south of Tokyo. This coastal city used to be the center of Japan during the 12th to 14th century, where first Samurai government ruled. Zen (meditation) Buddhism flourished here with Zen style rock gardens, making Kamakura unique place. Seasonal OPTION【 Enoshima Island Lit-up Events 】, check the details on itinerary. Summer Aug 01 - Sep 23, 2026, Winter (TBA)
Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
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Private Mt.Fuji -one day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
Private Mt.Fuji only for your group, starts/ends at Tokyo. Basic plan takes Express Train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchi-ko (one of the Fuji 5 Lakes). Transportation options are available upon your preferences. *Make an inquiry one month prior for train booking. Car Option is recommended as public transportation at the destination is not good. If with public transportation, we might need to take a taxi occasionally to escape from too packed local buses. I'll support you to move smoothly.
Private Mt.Fuji -one day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Tokyo
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Tokio, traditionell und modern
Bei dieser Tour können Sie beide traditionelle, historische Seite und moderne, urbane Seite von der Stadt genießen! ・Sensoji Tempel und Nakamise Einkaufsstraße in Asakusa (ganz historisch) ・Tokio City View in Roppongi(urban) ・Meiji Jingu Schrein in Shinjuku (traditionell, spirituell) ・Große Kreuzung in Shibuya (modern) Wir fahren gemeinsam mit dem Zug oder Metro von einem Besichtigungsort zum nächsten Zielort.
Tokio, traditionell und modern
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How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
There are lots of sightseeing spots in Tokyo. I will arrange a customized one-day tour based upon your requirements so that you could enjoy your stay in Tokyo. We can discuss and decide places to visit effectively for a limited amount of time. One example is shown here as follows, but I'm sure I will take you to some of my best selections so that you could enjoy both of traditional and modern culture. I can arrange an appropriate lunch restaurant based upon your requirement.
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
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Tokyo,Now &Then
Tokyo is a modern metropolitan city built on an ancient Edo, where Tokugawa samurai government was settled. Even now we can find old relics of ancient Edo among truly modern Tokyo streets. Asakusa, Ueno and the Imperial Palace itself are some of the examples. Let’s explore Tokyo with me and find the soul of Japan.
Tokyo,Now &Then
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Tokyo half day tour for 1st time visitor
Let's walk around Tokyo and make once in a lifetime memory. I made this tour for first time visitor to Tokyo to cover "Must see" spots in most effective way. I listed 9 most popular tourist spots in Tokyo for your convenience. All you should do is to select some locations from the list. (The number of locations you can visit in half day will depend on where they located ) I'll make an optimized route to go around these place and propose it to you!
Tokyo half day tour for 1st time visitor
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