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
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Please read before reaching out. Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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Are the tours rail-based?
Yes—tours are primarily rail-based, especially within Tokyo. On the first day, I’ll help you learn the Tokyo rail system, assist with IC card setup, and explain how to navigate confidently.
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Can you book tickets for us?
I don’t handle advance reservations. Most people want to visit places like teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Studio Ghibli, or the Sumo Lunch in Tokyo. These must be booked separately on your own. I can include these as part of the tour day or drop you off there, but I can’t make bookings on your behalf due to liability issues and platform commission.
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What about Mt. Fuji?
Due to visibility issues and common misunderstandings about access and logistics, inquiries about Mt. Fuji often don’t lead to bookings. A group bus tour is usually the better option.
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.
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. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history.
I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider:
One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights.
Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience.
Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests.
For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations.
While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request.
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation
Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
Reviews
Jill S.
“A great Tokyo overview!”
My family just finished a 2 day tour with Grant and we couldn’t recommend him enough! Grant is a wealth of knowledge and expertly guided us through both the Eastern and Western sides of Tokyo while also adjusting our itinerary to build in some of our personal requests for shopping, Pokémon Center stops, and a latte art coffee shop that we asked to visit. As a native English speaker, he was very easy to understand. Grant also helped us get familiar with the trains and left us with detailed instructions on how to navigate the train system for our remaining days in Tokyo and beyond. We are so happy that we hired Grant to help us get an introduction to Tokyo, 100% recommend!
Alfonso S.
“An American guide in Tokyo ”
We have selected Grant for our stay in Tokyo, and we could be more happy to have done so. He is a very knowledgeable guide with vast experience in the Japanese culture, religion, customs, as well gastronomy and tastes. Were recommend him for English speaking travelers who need to understand this destination and want a kind and intelligent guide. Thanks Grant
Bethany W.
“Knowledgeable and flexible tour”
Native English speaker with years of experience in Japan. Easy to understand and very well informed on History of Japan, Buddism and Shintoism. We navigated the subway easily and went to an inexpensive but great seafood lunch. Grant also helped me shop for things we needed to bring home. Fun day. Arigato!
$275/ per group
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