From Samurai City to Modern capital
This tour follows a clear historical path from the opening of Japan in the 19th century to the end of World War II. We begin in Yokohama, where foreign ships forced Japan to open trade. Then we explore how Tokyo developed into today's megalopolis at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Finally, we visit Yasukuni Shrine and museum to discuss war, surrender, and how Japan remembers its wartime history. Through simple and balanced explanations, you will gain a deeper understanding of how modern Japan was built.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Yokohama Station
- We will meet at JR Yokohama Station, Central North Exit. Please wait near the ticket gates of the Central North Exit (not the West Exit or East Exit). Yokohama Station is large, so I will send you a photo of the exact meeting spot after booking. It is easy to access from Tokyo (about 30 minutes by train) and from Haneda Airport. I will be holding a sign with your name.
Edo-Tokyo Museum
After exploring Yokohama and learning about the opening of Japan, we will travel by train to Ryogoku. We expect to arrive at the Edo-Tokyo Museum around 12:15–12:30 pm. This timing allows us to avoid the busiest morning hours and spend about 90 minutes inside the museum. During our visit, I will guide you through the key exhibitions to help you understand how Edo developed into modern Tokyo.
Ryogoku
After visiting the Edo-Tokyo Museum, we will take a short lunch break in the Ryogoku area around 2:00 pm. Ryogoku is known for its sumo culture and traditional local restaurants. We will have about 30 minutes for a quick and simple meal, such as soba, udon, or a Japanese set lunch.
Lunch cost is not included, and guests will pay individually. The exact restaurant may vary depending on availability and crowd levels.
Yasukuni Shrine
We expect to arrive at Yasukuni Shrine around 3:00–3:15 pm. We will spend about 60 to 75 minutes there. During our visit, I will explain the historical background of the shrine, and its connection to World War II. Our focus will be on understanding history in a balanced way.
Chidorigafuchi Park
After Yasukuni Shrine, we walk to Chidorigafuchi Park for a quiet moment. This peaceful area near the Imperial Palace offers a calm atmosphere away from the busy city. Even outside the cherry blossom season, the moat and surrounding greenery create a serene vibe. We reflect on the end of the war and how Japan rebuilt itself after 1945. This final stop provides a thoughtful conclusion to our tour
kudanshita station
Go to Kudanshita station
Ending Point
Yokohama Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Historical explanations at each location
• Guided visit to Yokohama, Edo-Tokyo Museum area, Yasukuni Shrine, and Chidorigafuchi
• Tour planning and coordination
• Personalized pacing and discussion based on your interests
• Public transportation fees (about 2,000–2,500 JPY per person, including transportation for the guide)
• Admission fee for the Edo-Tokyo Museum (about 600 JPY per person)
• Lunch in the Ryogoku area (about 1,000–2,000 JPY per person)
• Food and drinks other than lunch
• Any optional purchases or souvenirs
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Tour Important Information
The tour officially ends at Yokohama Station in Kanagawa. However, guests may choose to end at the Kudanshita station earlier in Tokyo.
This tour involves a moderate amount of walking along streets, so please wear comfortable shoes.
Most of the tour takes place outdoors. Please bring sun protection, a hat, or rain gear depending on the weather.
Some restaurants and small shops may prefer cash, so bringing some cash is recommended.
The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather, crowd levels, or local events
Important message from the supplier
I want you to book me at least 1 week in advance
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
About Tour Guide Yuji K.
Hello, my name is Yuji, and I am a licensed Guide Interpreter based in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Having lived in Kanagawa for more than 40 years, I am deeply familiar with the area, including many hidden gems that are often overlooked by visitors.
I have also spent decades working in advertising with international clients. So, I have no problem communicating with people from many different countries Also, I can explain Japanese culture by using metaphors or comparisons to make my tours interactive and fun
Whether you would like to explore Kamakura’s temples and shrines or enjoy Yokohama's Waterfront, I can provide the best tours as well as the personalized tours.
I am looking forward to guiding you during your visit.
$219/ per group
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Edo in Motion: From City Streets to Kabuki stage
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How warriors replaced aristocrats in Japan
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Yokohama
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Enjoy full of Yokohama!! Waterfront Walk, Cup Noodles Museum, Cosmo World & Chinatown
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Enjoy full of Yokohama!! Waterfront Walk, Cup Noodles Museum, Cosmo World & Chinatown
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Yokohama Sankeien Garden and Cupnoodles Museum
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Half Day Cultural Sankeien Park
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Half Day Cultural Sankeien Park
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Yokohama: Japan’s First Global City
This tour explores how Yokohama became more an international city. When Japan opened to the world in the 19th century, foreign merchants, and Chinese traders settled in Yokohama, not in Tokyo. As we walk through the port area, Chinatown, and Yamashita park., you will discover how cultural exchange gave Yokohama a unique identity. By the end of the tour, you will see how two neighboring cities developed very different personalities
Yokohama: Japan’s First Global City
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