Tokyo is a modern metropolitan city built on an ancient Edo, where Tokugawa samurai government was settled. Even now we can find old relics of ancient Edo among truly modern Tokyo streets. Asakusa, Ueno and the Imperial Palace itself are some of the examples. Let’s explore Tokyo with me and find the soul of Japan.
At your hotel in Tokyo
The premises where Edo Castle used to stand has changed into a beautiful garden. You can enjoy a small sized typical Japanese garden here.
Zojo-ji is an old temple founded in 14th century. The second Shogun appointed it as the Tokugawa Shogunate family temple. Its contrast with Tokyo Tower shows Tokyo Now & Then.
There used to be a largest fish market in Japan here. The market itself moved to Toyosu but you can still enjoy an authentic sushi lunch and other traditional Japanese foods here.
A big red paper lantern welcomes you at an entrance gate for Senso-ji temple, which was founded in 628. The souvenir shop street called Nakamise-Dori is so amusing to visit.
It used to be known for its electronic shops. But now, the town is famous as Anime geek paradise. Anyway it is worth visiting to know Japanese subculture.
Meiji Emperor is enshrined here. Even in the middle of Tokyo city, you can feel calm and sacred atmosphere with rich nature.
Shibuya station is one of the busiest station in Japan. In front of the station, this crossing is always crowded with people. Famous "Royal dog Hachi Statue" also here.
Tairano Masakado was an old warrior executed in 940 after his big rebellion. After execution his head were buried near Tokyo station. He was so strong a warrior that his tomb is said to have a strong and sacred power. Once the Ministry of Finance tried to build a new building moving his tomb. But many of the workers including the Minister himself died then. So they stopped moving his tomb.
Just backside of Zojo-ji temple, stands the tower. 300 meter high Tokyo Tower is one of the symbols of Tokyo. At the Main Observatory Deck you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo.
The garden used to be a Tokugawa Shogun family's garden, which they visited from Edo Castle by boat. At the small island in the pond, you can enjoy Matcha tea, ceremonial tea.
Shops on this street sell many kinds of kitchenware. The most popular one for foreign tourists is a Japanese Style kitchen knife. Fake food and Japanese traditional kitchenware are also popular.
The largest park in Tokyo, covering an area of 53 ha(131 ac).
Originaly it was a garden of Kan-eiji Temple, so, there are some historical spots there. In spring it is specially famous for its Hanami party.
Located near Meiji Shrine, it is famous for its "kawaii" cute fashion goods.
Known as Cats temple or Maneki-neko temple, Gotokuji was founded in 17th century. Cat dolls are from the story that the feudal lord of Hikone, near Kyoto, was saved his life by a cat inviting him with its paw to the temple.
Kabukicho is one of the busiest streets in Tokyo, full of shops and izakaya, drink shops. Godzilla Head welcomes you there. A building near the entrance to the street is now famous for its 3D display of a cat.
It stands high near Shibuya station, the top roof of which you can enjoy real 360 degree view of Tokyo. You can see many people crossing at Shibuya Crossing below.
At your hotel in Tokyo or any place you like
You can learn a little bit of Japanese history while walking along modern Tokyo streets. In front of Tokyo Tower, an old temple of Zojo-ji will show you a traditional Japanese taste. An authentic Japanese garden of Hama-rikyu is surrounded with cutting-edge skyscrapers. Back of Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, a famous tourists spot, you can see Tokyo Skytree,the highest TV Tower in Japan. Zojo-ji, Hama-rikyu and Senso-ji are deeply connected with Edo Shogunate. They show you the way of living of samurai warriors in Edo era.
guide fee
hotel pick-up fee & transportation fee for guide
transportation fee :
entrance fee(you and guide):
lunch(you and guide)
extra person fee: adult 4000 yen per person
kid 2000 per person
Please wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot.
We can add other optional spots according to your preference.
Other than described above, I can guide you such spots:
Ginza, Gotokuji temple, Rikugien garden ,Yanaka shopping street, Azabudai Hills and more.
Kaneo organised a great two day tour of Tokyo for our family, showing both the old and the new and customising the itinerary based on some Japanese TV programs I have been watching and particular interests for our family. He booked ahead for the Shibuya Sky view (very necessary) and I highly recommend checking out the Ninja Cafe if you have some energentic kids. A really great experience all round and a great guy to spend a couple days with.
Thank you for kind review again. I also feel happy to have shown you some spots appeared in your favorite TV program. The Gaufre you gave me is so delicious that I hope I can visit Lille to enjoy it someday.
Kaneo was gracious enough to take the long trip out to Hakone to guide us around for the day we had there. It was well worth taking his guiding skills to get the most out of our short stay in the area. He knows eaxctly where to go and what to see in one day. He is excellent at managing the kids and was kind enough to take them to the fun kid's part of the open air museum while we olds had a leisurely stroll enjoying the more serious exhibits. He does his research and enriches the trip with the hostory and tales of Hakone to make the place come alive. A well deserved recommendation.
Thank you for your quick reply. I myself enjoyed playing with your kids, too. They are active and smart. I want to show you how they ran quickly and cleverly in the star maze. I am also happy to know you highly evaluate my guide.
Our group of six had a wonderful fun packed day visiting Hakone. Kaneo was very kind and helped us navigate with all our bookings for trains and various other modes of transport. He guided us to all the must see spots in Hakone and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Kaneo. He has a very personable nature and all of us felt very comfortable with him. He made sure we were all very comfortable during the trip and it was evident he wanted us all to have a great time which we did.
Thank you for your warm review. In spite of of a traffic accident, we could meet your cousins at Odawara station. I was surprised to know they came from India. I felt happy to know you were satisfied with my guide. I hope I could have a chance to guide you again someday.
Had a wonderful day exploring Yokohama. Kaneo was very responsive prior to our trip and arranged a great itinerary for us. I had wanted to do an authentic Tea ceremony and that was arranged. Went for a great lunch in Chinatown and explored beautiful gardens. Would definitely recommend him highly.
Thank you for your quick and warm review. It was a little hot day but it was luck not to rain. I myself enjoyed authentic tea ceremony practice. I am happy to know you like Sankeien garden. I wish you will enjoy the rest of tour in Japan.