GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

Yanaka - Old Tokyo Backstreet Walking Tour

Highlights
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Tokyo
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!English (Native), Japanese
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!5 hours
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Private tour (only you and Ed J.)
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Up to 6 people

Yanaka is a quaint old town where traditional buildings dating back to the Edo period still remain. Here you can find local food stands, clothing stores, supermarkets, tea shops, sweet shops and cafes or restaurants. There are also many other great spots to visit including historical shrines, and cozy cafes! It is a lot quiter than other areas, and has many temples dotted around the area. Famous for it's cats, how many can you spot on our walk through the neighbourhood!

Tokyo Tour Guide - Ed J.
Ed J.
4.75 / 5
(8 reviews)
09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Nippori Station

- By the North ticket gate.

09:30 AM

Yanaka Ginza

The old shopping street with many traditonal temples and shrines dotted around. Famous for it's cat 'theme' there are many dotted around the town. How many can you spot?

10:00 AM

Traditional narrow shopping street

The 200m narrow shopping street has over 60 unique shops. Enjoy Japanese street food and snacks, wagashi, rice crackers, etc and visit the many charming shops selling traditional japanese crafts and it's cat themed stores.

11:30 AM

Traditional Temples / Edo period remnants

Visit some of the many temples and see glimpses of the past. The remains of an old tile and mud wall still remains, and we visit the peaceful and serene Yanaka cemetary whith it's cherry tree lined boulevard.

01:00 PM

Nezu Shrine

Walk down the winding residential backstreets dotted with local shops and visit Nezu shrine. Modelled on the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko with pathways and tunnels of small shrine arches, and elegant, beautifully colored, wooden structures that reflect Japanese culture in all its age and beauty.

02:00 PM

Ueno Park

The backstreet Yanaka and Nezu Shrine walk finishes up at the back of Ueno park, so you can visit the bustling Ameyoko Shopping area. From here, catch the Yamanote green circular train to continue your Tokyo journey to another destination. I can give you ideas on where to go next.

Ending Point

The tour finishes at the bottom of Ueno Park - We will walk down to the station area, where you can either get on a train to continue your Tokyo adventure or take a walk through the bustling Ameyoko Market area.

Want to personalize this tour?

  • Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
  • Click below to tell us what you are looking for:

Inclusions & Exclusions

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
What‘s included

* guide fee

* guide's transportation

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
What‘s not included

*your transport

*your lunch if necessary and transportation costs

*tickets for museums, etc

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Important message from the supplier

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

I am flexible with dates and times and areas to explore. I can arrange an interesting itinerary for you or you can give me ideas as to what you would like to see and do.

Cancellation Policy

  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Tokyo Tour Reviews

Taking Ed off the beaten path

I really appreciated Ed's willingness to discuss subtle cultural differences between Japan and US visitors. He had many insights into language use, norms and food that I have not figured out through visiting my Japanese relatives. Ed was also willing to help me track down an aunt I had lost touch with in Kawasaki - a town he was to that familiar with. We found my aunt - which was super sweet, but also hidden delights of Kawasaki: a neighborhood onsen, the tofu delivery guy on his bike, the local food shop that my aunt orders food from. Such a great day and Ed rocked being a guide and participant! I look forward to coming back for more cultural lessons - and looking for my other relatives.

Mary R.

What a bizarre, funny, interesting littel adventure we had! Such a memorable day. I can't believe we tracked down your Aunt and had tea with her! Thank you so much for being brave enough to do something a bit different with me. I'll send you the videos of our meeting. Ed

G

Gary & rina C.

5 / 5
Jun 3, 2024

Tokyo: Off the beaten path! Guide from the UK

Tokyo
7 hours

Best guide for Tokyo

We are so happy that we found Ed who shared two amazing days with us around this huge city. A wonderful personalised tour that took in everything we needed to see with good coffee and food on the way. We totally recommend Ed and he hasn’t seen the last of us! 11 out of 10! Rina and Gary Cutler

Gary & rina C.

Gary & Rina, thank you for being amazing guests. I had such a great time with you guys. And I'll see you in Australia ; )

J

Jacqueline W.

5 / 5
May 4, 2024

Tokyo: Off the beaten path! Guide from the UK

Tokyo
7 hours

A hidden gem

If I could I would give Ed a 5 + rating he is the hidden gem In Japan we had an excellent day made happy memories with Ed he thought of everything that we would need and we learnt not only about the history but how navigate the train system he gave us a unique experience the old and new Japan and a few more tips along the way friendly and easy to get on with just give Ed your personal interest which he can factor into into your tour

Jacqueline W.

It was an absolute pleasure showing you guys around Tokyo. My highlight was chatting to the wise, senior lady in Asakusa. We were so lucky having her pose for a photo with us in front of the Gold Mikoshi shrines at Asakusa Shrine. And, also the ice-cream in Yanaka was super delicious : ) Have a safe trip. Ed

$209/ per group

More tours by Ed J.

Tokyo: Off the beaten path! Guide from the UKcover image

Tokyo: Off the beaten path! Guide from the UK

Tokyo
7 hours

Visit the historic area of Asakusa, the bustling Ueno, or discover the traditional backstreets of Tokyo away from the main tourist hotspots. Get 'off the beaten path' and away from the crowds. Visit the lesser known places and take your time to enjoy the city at your own pace! Relaxed and laid back I have lived in Japan for over 15 years and can help you make the most of your time in Japan with advice for the City and your travel plans in Japan.

FROM$314/ per group
Tokyo Highlights in one day!cover image

Tokyo Highlights in one day!

Tokyo
9 hours

Visit all the main highlights in one day to tick them off your list, so you can relax and enjoy Japan at your own pace. Ginza, Imperial Palace Gardens, Akihabara, Ueno Ameyokocho, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing - Phew!

FROM$314/ per group
Shoguns & Emperors: Imperial Palace Gardens - Private Tourcover image

Shoguns & Emperors: Imperial Palace Gardens - Private Tour

Tokyo
3 hours

Journey back in time to the former site of Edo castle, now the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Learn about the overthrowing of the Shogun and the Emperor's new beginnings. Navigate the historic area with fun and intriguing stories about Japan’s fascinating history. Surrounded by moats, the beautiful gardens were once the site of the impressive Tokyo castle. Go at your own pace on a leisurely tour of the Imperial Palace area.

FROM$209/ per group
Backstreet Shrines, Secret Garden! & Traditional Shopping Street Walkcover image

Backstreet Shrines, Secret Garden! & Traditional Shopping Street Walk

Tokyo
7 hours

Away from the tourist routes along the meandering backstreets to Tokyo's best kept secret Japanese garden. No tourists will know about this spot so we can have it all to ourselves! We will go through side-streets and old shops and past some significant hidden temples and shrines. Finish the tour in Sugamo - a traditional shopping street on the old Nakasendo pilgrim road. Come and join me : )

FROM$244/ per group

Popular Tours in Tokyo

Personalized Tokyo Journeycover image

Personalized Tokyo Journey

Tokyo
7 hours

This is a customized tour that is designed based on your interests. Before you book me, let me know about you, your age, things you like, your interests etc.. If there is somewhere you want to visit in the city, or something you want to do, please let me know. Let's make your journey memorable one together.

FROM$350/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Akira N.
Akira N.
4.94 / 5
(311 reviews)
Tokyo tour à la cartecover image

Tokyo tour à la carte

Tokyo
6 hours

This tour covers my favorite places in Tokyo.You can choose three places from the list of more than 30 places in Tokyo, classified as Temple&Shrine, Garden, Shopping, Observatory, Museum, Experience, and Others.

FROM$209/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yuki K.
Yuki K.
4.78 / 5
(362 reviews)
Efficient One Day Tokyo Tourcover image

Efficient One Day Tokyo Tour

Tokyo
8 hours

Efficiently visiting various popular sightseeing spots in central Tokyo like Buddhism temple, Shinto shrine, palace, park, market and entertainment district by using public transportation. Schedule of this tour is flexible. Below itinerary is a standard sample. It is possible to change the place to visit by requests of tourists.

FROM$195/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Toshihiro Y.
Toshihiro Y.
4.88 / 5
(283 reviews)
Tokyo Must-See Places One-Day Tourcover image

Tokyo Must-See Places One-Day Tour

Tokyo
8 hours

You can make your own itinerary as you like. Tokyo has many interesting and beautiful places. You can select 5 to 6 places out of these. I can show you around Tokyo as much as possible. By using Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, you can visit anywhere you want. Also, you can learn about Japanese history, culture and lifestyle. And of course, you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisines, such as Sushi, Soba, Tempura, Ramen and more.

FROM$279/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Dai A.
Dai A.
4.92 / 5
(242 reviews)