Tokyo Private Tour
TOKYO TOUR OF ASAKUSA AND MORE
This all-inclusive Asakusa tour, shows you Tokyo’s more historic area, before Shinjuku and Shibuya were even a thing.
An East Tokyo Half Day Tour
While at first glance the west and east sides of central Tokyo might seem similar, they offer distinct experiences. The west, with renowned areas such as Shinjuku and Shibuya, is comparatively modern. In contrast, the east side boasts historical neighborhoods like Ueno, Asakusa, and the vicinity of Tokyo Station.
This tour will immerse you in the rich history of east Tokyo. The ambiance and historical significance of areas like Shinbashi, Asakusa, and Ueno, once key hubs of activity in Tokyo, set them apart.
For those seeking a genuine pre-war Tokyo experience, this tour is ideal.
Why Take our Tokyo Tour?
Our bilingual local guides are deeply passionate about Japanese culture. In this Tokyo tour, we’ll unveil both its famed landmarks and hidden treasures.
If the fusion of history and culture piques your interest, consider joining our Kyoto private car tour. It offers an intimate look at the traditions and temples that make Kyoto iconic.
Additionally, before bidding adieu to Tokyo, indulge in our evening food tour of Tokyo. Dive into the city’s gastronomic delights and familiarize yourself with Japanese food culture.
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Historic Landmarks
Tokyo’s modern side may get the most attention, but we are silly purists at heart, which is why we absolutely love taking people to the older parts of the city.
Professional Guide
Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.
Fully-Narrated Tour
Our tours never leave you to wander about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time to answer questions, offer insights, and share plenty of laughs.
Easy Access
This tour starts just outside a rail or subway station, making meeting up an anxiety-free experience.
Tokyo Tour Overview
Discover Tokyo East Side, where age-old traditions seamlessly meld with modern life. Start in Asakusa, marveling at the venerable Senso-ji Temple and the bustling Nakamise-dori street.
Next, traverse Ueno and Okachimachi, famed for their museums, cherry blossoms, and the lively Ameya-Yokocho market. Dive into the electrifying ambiance of Akihabara, a nexus of gaming and anime. Finally, find solace in Koishikawa Korakuen, an enchanting traditional garden nestled in the city’s heart.
Delving into Asakusa’s Historic Charm
Join us as we uncover the allure of Senso-ji, an iconic Buddhist Temple in Japan. With our expert guide, learn about its unique architectural features, setting it apart from temples in Kyoto and beyond. But Asakusa offers more than just the temple.
The fact that the first subway was built here demonstrates just how central, busy, and valuable the area was once. That is not to say the area has fallen on hard times. But, rather, to point out that the Asakusa/Ueno area once held the prominence that Shinjuku and Shibuya hold in the metropolis today. Hard to imagine, but true.
Visiting Ueno/Okachimachi
Journey from Asakusa to Ueno, a vibrant hub teeming with street vendors and diverse shops. A far cry from polished corporate arenas, Ueno’s energy remains undiminished since ancient times.
Personalize your tour further with an optional visit to the Tokyo National Museum. Their repository is unrivaled across virtually all the arts and, if you are up for it, we are super keen to dive deeper into art and the orbiting culture of the various periods with you.
Akihabara: Electrifying Culture and Innovation
Step into Akihabara, or “electric town,” an epicenter of cutting-edge electronics and passionate Otaku culture.
Beginning as an electronics marketplace, it evolved into a magnetic center for anime, manga, and pop culture.
Wander its streets and witness a fusion of Japan’s tech prowess and vibrant creativity.
The Serenity of Koishikawa Korakuen
Embark on a journey from the lively streets of Akihabara to the peaceful Koishikawa Korakuen, a garden rooted in Japan’s ancient history. Originating from the esteemed Edo period, this garden epitomizes Japan’s deep cultural heritage.
Koishikawa Korakuen reflects the nuances of Confucian poetry, with artfully placed stones and pruned trees. As you enter, you’re whisked away to a time when emperors and samurais sought solace amidst nature’s splendor.
Each season in the garden is a nature-crafted masterpiece. Spring brings resplendent cherry blossoms, drawing admirers from around the world, while autumn paints the foliage in shades of gold, crimson, and amber.
The garden resonates with tales from ages past, with ancient stones echoing stories of endurance and the spirit that shaped Japan.
Stepping away from Akihabara’s neon pulse, Koishikawa Korakuen offers a touch of history and natural beauty. As you wander its pathways, you join many before you, drawn to its timeless allure and tranquility.
A Journey by the Sumida River
Our tour of Tokyo’s east side unveils the lesser-known history of the city, encompassing rail, architecture, nature, religion, and commerce.
Most of these locations lie near the Sumida River, a testament to its historical importance—akin to today’s Yamanote (loop) Line, bustling with daily commuters.
If you have specific interests, we’re eager to tailor the tour to your preferences. Additionally, we can extend the experience beyond the standard 4-hour itinerary.
If you have any questions about this itinerary, please get in touch.
Private Tokyo Tour Itinerary
With probably the most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo attracting thousands of visitors daily, a tour of Asakusa would be incomplete without stopping at Senso-ji. The area around it was once a center of shopping and entertainment. It’s still busy and noteworthy despite being surpassed by the likes of Shinjuku and Shibuya generations ago. We’ll enjoy around 45 minutes in Asakusa.
High on soul and merchant liveliness, this is an area that has roared into the present from an illustrious past. Ueno is also the home of the Tokyo National Museum, if you are interested in working that into the schedule. We will spend around 45 minutes here.
Akihabara, often dubbed “Electric Town,” is Tokyo’s vibrant district where technology, gaming, and anime enthusiasts unite. Here, neon lights illuminate a bustling hub of electronics shops, manga stores, and themed cafes, offering a thrilling glimpse into modern Japanese pop culture. We’ll spend about 45 minutes here.
Koishikawa Korakuen is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo, showcasing meticulously landscaped gardens with serene ponds, walking paths, and charming teahouses. It’s a timeless escape where visitors can reconnect with nature and Japanese aesthetics. We’ll spend about 45 minutes here.
Quick Tips for Our Half-Day Tokyo Tour
There are a couple of things we’d like you to take note of before joining us.- Please come wearing comfortable shoes. We do a fair bit of walking. For those who wish to avoid too much walking, please let us know and we will make our best attempt to suitably modify the itinerary.
- We’ll be outdoors most of the time, so do keep the weather in mind.
- All guide costs
- All standard costs while on tour (admissions, local train rides)
- Admission to Tokyo National Museum (should you choose to go)
- Any expenses resulting from your customizing of the tour
- Food and drinks
- Pickup can be arranged by request. This means we will gather you about 30 minutes before the tour starts (we’ll confirm the timing based on your location). Fees below do not include your transportation cost, but we can tell you exactly how much that will be once we know your location. Prices below are for the entire group.
- Within central Tokyo (along or within the Yamanote (loop) Line): 5,000 yen
- Odaiba: 7,000 yen
- Other areas: Please inquire.
- Extensions are available at 4,800 yen/hr. Please discuss how you would like to use extra time with us in advance.
Historic and Cultural Landmarks
Tokyo’s modern side may get the most attention, but we are silly purists at heart, which is why we absolutely love taking people to the older parts of the city. Despite the war devastation, the east side of Tokyo still has a narrative that speaks to an earlier time. These areas all have their own superlatives, and that’s all before we even get into the neighborhoods.Easy Access
Meeting in front of Kamiya bar in Asakusa. More detailed directions will be sent prior to departure.Our Tour Guides
We've got around a dozen guides at your service. Here we showcase a few of our most active ones.
Kevin
Shoji
Mardi
Dan
Levy
Suzie
Not profiled here are guides who speak Spanish (Kyoto, in addition to Dan in Osaka), French (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo), and German (Kyoto and Tokyo).
Pickup Point
Meet us in front of Kamiya bar in Asakusa