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!
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.
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 - always busy with a constant stream of traffic flow, regardless of when you visit. 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.
Ending Point
At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee, hotel meet-up, send-off in Tokyo
transportation fee (you and guide), food and drink (you and guide), entrance fee (you and guide)
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【Major fees on tour day】
For guide, a one-day subway ticket costs 900 yen.
For you, depending on what you have. (Ex. Welcome Suica.)
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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 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.
●Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory is occasionally closed. Sometimes the elevators are crowded so might need to wait in line.
- Sorry, I'm BOOKED OUT on MARCH & APRIL this year.
- Please kindly make an inquiry only for my available days on my calendar on GoWithGuide.
- I do tours up to 4 people to maximize your experience.
- I'm Tokyo based. My tours basically start/end in Tokyo. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee from/to there. Thank you for understanding.
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. That's why I love helping individual travelers rather than group tours, because I myself love travel freely. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love.
As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. We see what you like and talk what you are interested in. That's my style. If you don't know what to want, I can help you with that.
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 : 7,500 JPY/hour
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!
Fred F.
“A day in western Tokyo”
Amazing experience with Kaori. We started communication long before the trip began to get a feel for what our wishes were. She showed up as promised at our hotel and (even though the weather was unbelievable awful) we had a great time. She was knowledgeable and pointed out many things that we didn't know. World highly recommend her for anyone looking for an excellent guide.
Malavika N.
“Amazing experience! ”
We had the pleasure of having Kaori-san as our guide in Tokyo, and she was absolutely fantastic! She was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and went above and beyond to assist us—even helping with a small medical issue. Her ability to engage everyone in our group, regardless of age, made the experience even more enjoyable. She shared fascinating insights about the city, ensuring that we learned a lot while having a great time. We hope to return to beautiful Tokyo in the future, and when we do, we will definitely want to see Kaori-san again. If you’re looking for a guide in Tokyo, we highly recommend her services!
Kaori S.
Thank you for your lovely heartwarming feedback. Truly appreciate your recommendation. I thank that every member of your family was so kind to me and took time to chat with me during time together even though it was short introductory tour this time. Actually, your daughter's words of telling "arigato" meant a lot to me. Knowing having been able to help someone is one of the greatest joys for a tour guide. How happy person I am! Cannot wait to welcome you and your family for another bigger adventure! Tokyo and surroundings have lots to offer! Will be waiting to hear from you!! Big hugs, Kaori
David Z.
“Good time with Kaori”
We had a group of 5 adults with 1 1/2 days to spend in Tokyo to see the highlights. Kaori put together a nice plan to see the key spots in the city. Very flexible and accommodating. We ate lunch at one of her favorite places…something we never would have found…and it was good. Had a good 1 1/2 days with her.
Kaori S.
Thank you for taking your precious time to give an excellent feedback for me when you are still beginning of your trip, David-san. We covered the best seaonal highlights of Tokyo in 1 1/2 days thank to a hired car you kindly arranged on GoWithGuide. Glad you enjoyed local lunch, cherry blossoms and some extra shopping for ladies! Wishing you all the best and safe travels ahead. Big hugs, Kaori
$401/ per group