Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
Joined 2024
Start in Shinjuku's Kabukicho, known for its vibrant nightlife and New Kabukicho Tower. Head to Harajuku's Takeshita Street for trendy shopping. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine for a serene cultural experience. In Shibuya, explore Shibuya Parco's Nintendo Store and Pokemon Center, and visit the Parco Rooftop for city views. End with a stroll through Miyashita Park, enjoying its recreational facilities and green spaces.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
Shibuya
Discover Shibuya, starting with the iconic Hachiko dog statue, a beloved meeting spot. Witness the bustling Shibuya Scramble, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. Relax at Miyashita Park, a multi-level urban oasis with green spaces and trendy shops. Visit Shibuya 109, a fashion hub with the latest trends and vibrant boutiques. Immerse yourself in the energetic vibe and dynamic blend of culture, shopping, and urban beauty that defines Shibuya.
Optional: Shibuya Anime Course
One Piece Store: Embark on a voyage to the One Piece Store in Shibuya, where fans can indulge in exclusive merchandise and immersive experiences inspired by the beloved pirate adventure.
Nintendo Store: Enter the world of Nintendo at the Nintendo Store in Shibuya, where gamers and anime enthusiasts alike can explore a treasure trove of games, consoles, and character merchandise.
Mandarake: Discover hidden treasures at Mandarake in Shibuya, a paradise for anime and manga enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection of rare collectibles and vintage memorabilia.
Animate: Immerse yourself in the world of anime at Animate in Shibuya, the go-to destination for the latest manga, DVDs, figures, and exclusive merchandise that cater to every otaku's passion.
Takeshita Street Harajuku
Takeshita Street in Harajuku is a bustling hub of youth culture and fashion, lined with quirky shops selling trendy clothes, accessories, and unique snacks like rainbow cotton candy and crepes.
Optional: Omotesando Street
Welcome to Omotesando, Tokyo's chic and vibrant avenue lined with upscale boutiques, modern architecture, and stylish cafes, offering a perfect blend of high fashion and urban culture. As you stroll through this fashionable district, immerse yourself in the unique blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese aesthetics.
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park, located in Shibuya, is a spacious urban oasis known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse activities. Once the site of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the park is now a popular spot for jogging, picnicking, and various outdoor events. The park often hosts cultural festivals, performances, and flea markets, reflecting Tokyo's dynamic community life. A visit to Yoyogi Park provides a refreshing blend of relaxation and local culture.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, honors their pivotal roles in modernizing Japan. Established in 1920, it commemorates their contributions to Japan's transition into a modern era. Set in a serene forested area in Shibuya, the shrine offers a tranquil retreat from Tokyo’s hustle. Its grand Torii gates and peaceful surroundings make it a significant cultural and spiritual landmark. Visiting Meiji Jingu provides a deep connection to Japan’s rich history and heritage.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Oedo Subway Line Yoyogi station to Tochomae station
We will go just one stop by train to save time walking.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a prominent landmark in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Comprising twin towers with observation decks offering panoramic city views, it's a hub of government administration. Designed by Kenzo Tange, its modernist architecture features soaring structures and a central plaza. Free to enter, it's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering an unparalleled vista of Tokyo's sprawling metropolis.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Tokyo's vibrant entertainment district, nestled in Shinjuku. Known for its neon lights, theaters, and nightlife, it pulsates with energy day and night. Home to diverse establishments like host clubs, karaoke bars, and restaurants, it caters to various tastes. While famed for its lively atmosphere, Kabukicho also harbors quieter corners with traditional izakayas and quaint alleyways. Despite its bustling nature, it maintains an intriguing blend of modernity and old-world charm.
Kabukicho Tower, a sleek skyscraper in Tokyo's Kabukicho district, stands as a modern icon amidst the bustling nightlife. Housing an array of entertainment venues, hotels, and restaurants, it epitomizes the area's vibrant spirit. With its illuminated facade dominating the skyline, the tower offers a panoramic view of Kabukicho's neon-lit streets. It serves as a focal point for visitors exploring the dynamic blend of entertainment and culture in this iconic Tokyo neighborhood.
Optional: Shinokubo Korea Town
Explore Shinokubo Korea Town, Tokyo's vibrant Korean cultural hub. Stroll through bustling streets lined with Korean shops, eateries, and markets. Savor delicious Cheese Dak Galbi, a spicy stir-fried chicken dish with melted cheese, perfect for sharing. Treat yourself to refreshing Bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert topped with sweet toppings. Immerse yourself in K-pop culture, trendy fashion boutiques, and unique beauty stores, capturing the lively essence of Korea right in Tokyo.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Tour Guiding
Japanese/English Interpreting
Hotel Pick up/Drop within Tokyo 23wards
Guide's Rail fare
Your rail fare
Your food
Your purchases
Your admissions
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.
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
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Grant A.
*Bookings for cherry blossom season are full; if the date on the calendar is greyed out I am not available*
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy.
I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties.
I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan. I studied at Japanese language school in Kyoto. I visited all the world heritage sites in Kyoto and have a lot of knowledge on the history of Japan. I can provide tours of Kyoto or places outside of Tokyo for an additional transportation fee.
Tour options:
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen plus transportation expense
Reviews
Jay R.
“What an incredible time with Grant!”
We couldn't reccomend Grant A. higher as a knowledgeable, entertaining and engaging guide. He and our son Grant hit it off on subjects like Pokemon and Anime but I enjoyed learning about the language and culture. He had increidble reccomendations for eating during and outside of our day with him, even for other cities we were visiting. Don't limit him to just Tokyo but consider him for other cities on your trip as he has lived in country so long, is beyond fluent in language and culture and has led many tours around the beautiful country. He books up quick and is often booked every day so reach out to him and don't delay as you won't be dissapointed. Look forward to booking again on our next trip.
Daniel G.
“First Full Day in Tokyo”
A truly magical day for my wife Elizabeth & I for our first full day in Tokyo and what a day it was. We began the day heading out to Suka City, for a wonderful course in origami with a lovely woman. After that, we had a (words cannot describe) tea ceremony w/ a Sensai Tea Master. It was so wonderful. After a nice stop making rice crackers covered in sweet soy sauce, we made our way to an incredible lunch w/ conveyor belt sushi! I may have left my jacket there so we *had* to return, hoping we could have more! lol Then we made our way Ueno Park. All this time while peppering Grant w/ a barrage of all things historic Japan and he was a wealth of information in his replies. When it comes to Japanese history & culture, navigating the language & subway, Grant is the man! We hit the lottery having had Grant as our guide! Our first day in Tokyo would not have been made possible without his kindness, disposition, knowledge and guidance… for my Elizabeth & I, it’s GowithGrant!
Helen T.
“Half Day Tour ”
Grant adjusted his tour a bit to include Akhibara for us and also took us through Ueno Park. He is extremely knowledgeable and was able to provide very interesting details during our tour. Highly recommend!
$270/ per group
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