Japan Awaits

Discover Tokyo like a local on this 8-hour private walking tour, designed to combine the city’s most iconic sights with hidden gems rarely visited by tourists. With your professional English-speaking guide, explore the blend of modern and traditional culture while enjoying a fully personalized experience.

Why Join This Tour

• A fully personalized experience, adapted to your pace and interests.
• Explore a mix of must-see landmarks and hidden gems off the typical tourist trail.
• Gain a deep dive into Tokyo’s history, religion, pop culture, and everyday life.

Availability

Daily (except certain holidays)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (approx. 8 hours)

Meeting Point: In front of Tsukijisushiko Sohonten (map and photo of meeting spot provided after booking).

Itinerary Highlights

• Tsukiji Market & Tsukiji Honganji Temple — Explore the bustling outer market and (optionally) taste fresh seafood. Admire the unique South Asian–inspired temple architecture.
• Imperial Palace — Walk the historic grounds, once Edo Castle, surrounded by moats and stone walls. Learn about its role in the Edo period, WWII, and today.
• Akihabara (Otaku District) — Dive into anime, manga, and electronics culture; visit arcades, shops, and Purikura photo booths.
• Ueno & Ameyoko Market — Experience one of Tokyo’s liveliest street markets and Ueno Park, once part of Kaneiji Temple.
• Uguisudani & Yanaka — Discover Tokyo’s “love hotel district” and continue to Yanaka, home to historic temples and the tomb of Japan’s last shogun.
• Tennoji Temple & Street Food Alley — Learn about Buddhism and Shinto in the Meiji era, then (optionally) sample street food in cozy alleys.
• Return to Shinjuku — Conclude your day at Shinjuku Station or another central location.

Pricing

Please see exact pricing by selecting the number of participants in the booking calendar.

Included

• Private tour experience — exclusively for your group only
• Public transportation (local train and bus as needed)
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Photo opportunities along the route

Excluded

• Meals, snacks, and drinks
• Admission fees (if applicable)
• Gratuities (optional)

Meeting Point

Guests will meet their guide at Tsukijisushiko Sohonten at 8:50 AM. Exact directions, Google Maps link, and a photo of the meeting spot will be provided in your confirmation email.

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. The cost is the same for guests from age 6 and up (Adult). There is no cost for infant (0 – 1 years old) and young child (1 – 5 years old). Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour (as it may be required for children to ride the train at no cost).

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

What if I’m late?

Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. The guide will wait up to 30 minutes at the meeting point. After this time, the tour may begin without you and no refunds will be available.

Looking for tour in a different city?

Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Contact us and inquire about a custom experience today.

What if I’ve visited this city before on a previous trip?

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences.