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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
Western Tokyo Highlights Tour (6 hrs)
Meiji Jingu Shrine
A peaceful forest approach to a major Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Oedo Line to Tochomae Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Free observation deck with panoramic city views.
Shinjuku Kabukicho
Godzilla Head at Toho Cinema
Kabukicho Tower with neon art inside
3D Cat Billboard
Optional: Golden Gai or Shinjuku Gyoen
Harajuku – Takeshita Street
Youth culture, quirky fashion, crepes, and rainbow treats
Optional: Omotesando
Shibuya
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Hachiko Statue and Loyal Dog Park
Optional: Anime shops (One Piece Store, Nintendo Store, Mandarake, Animate), Miyashita Park or Yoyogi Park, Nanaya Green Tea for premium matcha ice cream
Lunch Options – Western Tokyo
Tonkatsu
Crispy, breaded pork cutlet served with rice, cabbage, and miso soup.
Estimated price: ¥1,200–¥2,000 per person
Harajuku Tokyu Plaza Food Court
Variety of meals including Wagyu burgers, ramen, and other selections.
Estimated price: ¥1,500–¥2,500 per person
Kura Sushi
Conveyor belt sushi with fresh selections at affordable prices.
Estimated price: ¥500–¥2,500 per person
Choose Your Own / Anything You Like
Guests can select any restaurant or café that suits their preference in the area.
Estimated price: Varies depending on choice
Different Two-Hour Options or Substitutes
A. Shinokubo Korean Town (2 hrs)
Explore Korean shops, eateries, street food, K-pop culture, beauty stores, and fashion boutiques.
B. Nakano Broadway Retro Anime Market (2 hrs)
Famous for vintage anime, manga, rare collectibles, and retro pop culture items.
C. Ikebukuro – Pokémon and Anime Cosplay (2 hrs)
Visit Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, anime shops, and cosplay-related stores in or near Sunshine City.
D. Manekineko Gotokuji Temple – Lucky Cat Temple (2 hrs)
The birthplace of the “beckoning cat” symbol, with hundreds of lucky cat statues.
E. Ebisu Beer Brewery and Beer Sampling (2 hrs)
Tour the Yebisu Beer Museum, learn the history of Japanese brewing, and enjoy a tasting session.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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1.Do not ask me about Mt. Fuji. The mountain is usually not visible, meaning you can not see it; if you don't understand what that means you need to google "Mt. Fuji visibility". You probably want to join a group bus tour which is not what I am offering.
2. Tours are rail based, full day tours are roughly 20,000 steps.
3. I do not make bookings on behalf of customers, the tours cover areas that not require advanced reservations.*
*I can take you to places you booked in advance or as a drop-off point to end as well.
4.I am no longer accommodating vegans/vegetarians for not following Japanese etiquette. When visiting a restaurant you must order 1 item per person, don't bring in your own food, non-meat options typically contain dashi (a fish based product) and substitutions are not an option.
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.
Collen T.
“Excellent tour guide”
I worked with Grant on a Tokyo tour with the Jamaican athletic sports team. I want to say Grant did an excellent job. He is well-versed in the history and culture of Japan. I recommend anyone looking for a tour guide. I will ask him for all my future tours at dreams-escape.com. Thanks, Grant. I was super impressed.
Farah A.
“Excellent Ginza Line Tour with Grant A. ”
Grant was an excellent guide, fluent in both English and Japanese (the four of us taking the tour knew no Japanese). We took the "Ginza Line Tour" with him and really enjoyed the day. He was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and indispensable in leading us to and through the train stations and all the interesting places on the tour. He adjusted the schedule to our liking, skipping some places and adding others along the Ginza Line. We still have great memories of the day. Thanks, Grant! Very highly recommended!
Christin M.
“Great 1/2 Day Tour ”
Grant went above and beyond on our tour. There was an actual Gale happening in Tokyo and that didn’t stop him from touring us around and providing so much information and excellent recommendations. 10/10
$272/ per group