Harajuku is Kawaii Town! (Kawaii = cute) It's a mecca for those into kawaii culture, particularly young ladies. This includes popular sites: the Meiji Jingu Shrine (largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo), Takeshita Street for kawaii fashion, Omotesando for its unique shops and cafes, and Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection). These and many more await you on this tour!
(Please note that we can modify the time and add destinations to the packaged itinerary below.)
JR Harajuku Station
The station is very close to the Meiji-jingu Shrine.
* Hotel meet-up (optional) = additional 5,000 JPY (only central Tokyo or Yokohama)
The biggest Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the shrine grounds. It is believed to be the most powerful spiritual spot in Tokyo.
The height of KAWAII! Explore the ultimate in cuteness along this street.
Known for varied hole-in-the wall stores, vintage clothing, and cafes.
Features unique architecture and a high-end shopping district filled with domestic and international brands.
The world’s busiest intersection. Around 3,000 people cross the intersection at the same time at peak periods (usually at night). I'll take you to a good vantage point where we can take pictures.
Faithful dog statue - Tokyo's most famous dog who was the subject of a Hollywood movie.
* Hotel drop-off (optional) = additional 5,000JPY
Tour extension = 5,000JPY/hour
Highly recommended! Entrance = 2,000JPY/ person (the guide has a pass for it)
Features either cats, owls, dogs (usually shibas), miniature pigs, or hedgehogs (30 mins or more).
Entrance = 1,000++JPY/person
Perfect souvenirs to a memorable trip!
= 400JPY
8 unique buildings designed by Japanese and international renowned architects.
Japanese and East Asian artworks and Japanese Garden.
Entrance = 1,300JPY/person
Feel the explosion of his modern art. 20 walk from Omotesando street Entrance fee = 600JPY/person
Features 17th to 19th century woodblock prints of tea houses, geisha, and Mt. Fuji .
Entrance = 700JPY/person
100 years old traditional residence in Daikanyama. We will enter the beautiful wooden house as well as stroll the small garden.
Entrance = 100JPY/person (60 years or older free of charge)
JR Harajuku Station or Shibuya Station
This is one of our most popular tours. It has something for everyone. Trendy areas are particularly appealing for younger guests. It’s a perfect tour for Kawaii-philes (it's a favorite among young girls). The tour includes #s 1 to 6 in the above itinerary and can be customized as a daytime or evening tour. #7 to 14 are optional spots are local favorites. It's difficult to enjoy it without a local resident's help.
SPECIAL NOTE: Previous guests have found that 4 hours is not enough for shopping. If you would like to focus on shopping, we could either skip the Meiji-jingu Shrine OR get a 1-hour tour extension. Please let me know which you prefer on the day of the tour.
Guide fee
The following are PAID IN CASH on the day/s of the tour.
= Transportation (you & guide)
= Entrance fee (you & guide)
= Lunch / food / drink (you & guide)
Tour extension = 5,000JPY/hour
Hotel Meet-up = 5,000JPY
Hotel Drop-off = 5,000JPY
Multiple-day bookings are encouraged. I might have greater flexibility in opening closed slots in this case. Let's talk about it. Send me a message! :‑)
MORE INFO:
= We use public transportation (train, subway, bus and/or taxi) in my tours as it's the best way to see the city.
= A custom tour = Please book at least SIX HOURS = 50,000JPY
= The meet-up time marks the official start of the tour.
= Hotel pick-ups = only in Central Tokyo, Yokohama, and a few hotels in Kawasaki.
= Four-hour tours available = Tokyo, Harajuku & Shibuya, Odaiba, Shinjuku, Ueno, Yokohama, and antique flea market. Please check out the corresponding tour pages.
(1) The area is crowded on weekends and holidays. (2) This is a walking tour. We could also take the subway to Shibuya if we're short on time. Please shoulder transportation fare of 170 JPY/person (you and guide). (3) Meet-up or/and drop- off service ONLY in Central Tokyo and Yokohama.
It is a walking tour and we plan to walk more than 14,000 steps in 4 hours. If you want to see more Shibuya town, we will skip Meiji-jingu Shrine (#1)
This is one of our most popular tours. It has something for everyone. Trendy areas are particularly appealing for younger guests. It’s a perfect tour for Kawaii-philes (it's a favorite among young girls). The tour includes #s 1 to 6 in the above itinerary and can be customized as a daytime or evening tour. #7 to 14 are optional spots are local favorites. It's difficult to enjoy it without a local resident's help.
SPECIAL NOTE: Previous guests have found that 4 hours is not enough for shopping. If you would like to focus on shopping, we could either skip the Meiji-jingu Shrine OR get a 1-hour tour extension. Please let me know which you prefer on the day of the tour.
Toshi spent 12 hours with us and did a wonderful job orienting us to Tokyo. We changed our itinerary and she was very flexible. We really enjoyed our time with her
Thank you very much for your wonderful review, Neha. I am truly delighted to hear that you had a positive experience exploring Tokyo together. I appreciate your kind words about my flexibility in accommodating your itinerary changes. Hope to see you again.
If you're looking for a customized tour, reach out to Toshi. She was flexible, organized, and very pleasant company. I had a day to myself in Tokyo while my husband was at a conference. I booked a custom tour with Toshi, and am so glad that I did! Our trip was at the tail end of cherry blossom season, so weren't seeing very many blossoms near our hotel. Toshi took me to the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden where there were other varieties in full bloom. It was beautiful! I'm an artist and had scouted out a couple of art supply stores before our trip. Toshi advised which ones would be feasible to visit during our timeframe, and then offered suggestions of other things we could do/see in the area near the shops. We saw some 'hidden gems', including a local Shinto shrine, Godzilla, and Omoide Yokocho. Toshi was constantly sharing information about the area and its history as we explored. She made sure I was comfortable, filled the role of interpreter, and ensured I had a great day. Thank you, Toshi!
Arigato, Annie! I also had a wonderful time with you. So glad that we managed to hit the places you wanted to visit - shopping, cherry blossoms and sightseeing. Please come back here in late November to see the fall foliage. I'm sure it will give you a lot of inspiration for your paintings. Hope to see you again.
We arranged to meet Toshi at the station and were immediately put at ease after meeting Toshi. Her knowledge and English were excellent and we experienced many aspects of Yokohama. We enjoyed a Chinese lunch (inexpensive) in China Town followed by a taxi ride to Sankeien Gardens. Again Toshi had very good knowledge of the most interesting aspects of the garden . In summary, we can highly recommend Toshi to provide an excellent private tour of Yokohama.
Thank you, Peter! It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife. Yokohama is one of my favorite places as the bay area is postcard pretty. Yokohama being historically significant yet considered a trend setter makes it very interesting to many visitors. Take care and I hope to tour you to other places in the future!
We highly recommend Toshi. We asked for a customized tour for me and wife. A tour that would match our preferences and abilities. Toshi planned and executed just the right tour for us. She even adjusted it on the fly when needed. Toshi proved to be a knowledgeable guide well versed in the history of Japan in general and Tokyo in particular. She is also great fun to spend time with.
Thank you very much, Ami! I'm truly delighted to have you here in Tokyo. We were able to see a variety of places in one day. Our day began with a sense of reverence at Meiji-jingu Shrine. At Harajuku, we witnessed the vibrant fashion trends among the youth. Asakusa provided us with a unique blend of traditional charm and bustling energy. The Imperial Palace stood majestically beside the business district. Tokyo is full of surprises, isn't it? I sincerely hope you continue your Japanese adventure filled with joy and excitement. Enjoy the rest of your Japan adventure! Please take care of yourself.