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.
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.
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.
● 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.
- Kindly make an inquiry only for my available days on my calendar on GoWithGuide.
- I do tours up to 4 people to maximize each person's 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 : 6,000 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!
Henry H.
“Unforgettable Tokyo & Mt. Fuji Tour – Exceeded All Expectations!”
We had the pleasure of spending 1.5 days touring Tokyo and Mt. Fuji with Kaori-san and Ichiro-san—truly a highlight of our Japan trip! They were warm, flexible, and highly accommodating. Due to rainy weather in June, we rearranged our itinerary to visit Mt. Fuji on a clearer day, which gave us beautiful views and experiences we didn’t expect during the rainy season. Everything was effortless. We were picked up and dropped off quickly at each site—no need to figure out directions. While we could’ve managed on our own, it was a true luxury to simply relax and enjoy. With their spacious Toyota Alphard, we comfortably explored the Mt. Fuji region, including the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Kawaguchi-ko Boat Cruise, Oishi Park, and Hana Terrace—all offering breathtaking views and charming shops. Kaori-san, who is from the area, shared her childhood stories, which added authenticity and depth. We enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring the local Hōtō noodles, a hearty miso-based dish with thick wheat noodles and vegetables. We then visited the peaceful Saiko Lake, explored the nearby Ice Cave, and ended at the stunning Shiraito Falls, a Japan Heritage Site known for its cascading streams and serene beauty. Good views, good food, and great company—what more could we ask for? Ichiro-san is a skilled photographer who captured beautiful family moments for us—memories we’ll always cherish. They even helped us with our luggage and drove us to a more convenient station to avoid transfers. I hold high expectations when I travel, and they exceeded them all. We began with a general plan, but they helped us see more, adding meaningful surprises along the way. My kids adored them for their warmth and kindness. We would 100% hire them again for our next trip to Japan and highly recommend them to anyone seeking an unforgettable, authentic, and seamless experience.
Kaori S.
Thank you so much for taking time to give a wonderful review with our memorable photos, Henry-san! It was truly a lovely day, couldn't have expected more than what we had - Mt.Fuji showing her face all day in rainy season. You gave us a good chance to visit Shiraito Falls, where my parents took me often in my childhood - which was Shizuoka prefecture side. I've always been loving the great nature of Mt.Fuji area. The wonderful time with a beautiful family like you made another memory on us. So happy to hear you liked Ichiro's photos. Beautiful indeed!! We can't wait to see you all again for another adventure. Tokyo and surroundings have a lot more to offer! Big hugs, Kaori
Jeff A.
“Amazing tour with Kaori”
Kaori made our day and was a wonderful tour guide to our large family of 6 (grandparents and kids). Kaori was very knowledgeable and helped us understand the sites we toured (like Senso-Ji). It was extremely hot while we toured and Kaori was so thoughtful to help us handle the heat, packing some extra supplies to help us stay cool. She also recommended an excellent restaurant which we ended up having an excellent dinner at. We’re so happy we were able to take this tour with Kaori.
Kaori S.
Thank you for taking your precious time to write the warmest review just on our tour day while you are still traveling, Jeff-san. So delighted to hear you loved dinner there! We had an unusual heat for this season, which should have been tough on you and your family. Your family's kindness and patience made our day!! Please pass my appreciation to your family too, especially cute girls! I hope the rest of your stay would be full of wonderful moments! Big hugs, Kaori
Peter S.
“A great day”
We chose the option to drive from Tokyo in Kaori's very comfortable car. That made getting around Kahone very easy. The other guide (her husband) also is a photographer and loves to take family photos! They are both very pleasant and easy to talk to. We also went to the open air museum, which was amazing. Highly recommend.
Kaori S.
Thank you for taking time to give us an excellent review while you are still traveling, Peter-san. Glad to hear your family loved Open Air museum. That is also my favorite museum in Hakone. It was fun to enjoy foot bath together! Your expertness in travel impressed us a lot. We really loved time with you. Thank you again for choosing our tour among a number of tours you searched for Hakone. Big hugs, Kaori
$413/ per group