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Historical Tours & Trips in Japan

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9D Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)

Japan express – osaka to tokyo, epic 13-day japan budget tour: odyssey across the land of the rising sun, japan discovery - 15 days, japan golden route with hiroshima, japan essentials - one life adventures 9 day, japan one life adventures - 10 days, japan by train: the grand tour, highlights of japan - 7 days, japan adventure 13 day.

“Excellent tour and Kenta, our tour guide very informative and he is sure that all your needs are taking care.” Juana Geldres, traveled in June 2024

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Stroll through Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Ride the Shinkansen to Hiroshima and Miyajima
• Cruise on Lake Yamanaka with views of Mt. Fuji

“Some days I got tired of asking the traveling we did.” Robert Ellis, traveled in February 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• Stay in a temple and dine on shojin-ryori
• See the floating Torii Gate on Miyajima
• Meet your group and CEO in a lively city

“This was an excellent trip on a budget! We did and saw so many amazing things!” Amie Oravec, traveled in May 2024

• Train & Rail
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial
• Sushi Making
• Traditional Onsen Experience

“It is great value for money. Excellent info document about tour provided beforehand.” SaidDemirovic, traveled in May 2019

• Take a step back in time and explore Kyoto's old temples and shrines
• Step inside one of Japan's last remaining original castles in Matsumoto
• Visit bustling Osaka with its bright streets and fantastic food culture

“The meals provided were perfect as most were buffet style and you could chose familiar things, or take a few chances and just dive in.” Sharon Foley, traveled in October 2023

• Experience bullet train ride to Mount Fuji
• Cruise on Lake Ashi near Mount Fuji
• Explore Himeji Castle and its gardens

“The tour is very well guided, in my case Beth, that gave us the intro on how to behave in the country, what to do and what to avoid.” Sergio Teixeira, traveled in August 2024

• Visit the never-ending gates of the Fushimi-Inari Shrine
• Have a taste of the best food spots in Osaka
• Delve into the buzzing city of Tokyo

“It has been so much fun experiencing the exciting, colourful and noisy parts of japan.” Valeria Di Santi, traveled in September 2024

• Soak up the unique atmosphere of Japan
• Grasp simple Japanese phrases and learn to make sushi
• Stroll the streets of Takayama and visit the Gion district

“Had a great trip - kairo and Maya were amazing guides.” CRAIG CAMERON, traveled in October 2023

• Hike through bamboo forests and the endless gates of Fushimi Inari
• Stay in a traditional ryokan with an on-site onsen
• Admire views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi

“The tour is good. I like it and would use the same guide again.” Somkuan Arunrut, traveled in November 2023

• Meet the friendly locals and feed the deer in Nara Park
• Discover the historical side of Kyoto and admire grand temples
• Travel from Kyoto to Hamamatsu on the world-famous Shinkansen

“I did not realise it was her first tour! The tour was amazing.” Libby Stagg, traveled in September 2024

• Visit ancient temples, colourful shrines and majestic castles
• Learn the ways of the Samurai and wield the iconic sword
• Save Now, Travel Later with Unlimited Date Changes

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Historical Tours in Japan

Table of contents, introduction.

Japan’s historical richness and cultural depth make it an ideal destination for immersive historical tours. Exploring Japan’s past not only offers a glimpse into ancient traditions but also sheds light on its modern development. From ancient temples to feudal castles, World War II memorials to traditional tea ceremonies, Japan’s historical tours offer a diverse range of experiences. This outline will delve into key historical tours in Japan, highlighting iconic destinations and thematic experiences that provide a deeper understanding of Japan’s fascinating history and heritage.

Brief overview of Historical Tours in Japan and cultural heritage  

Japan boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. From the early Jomon period to the imperial eras, feudal periods, and modern developments, Japan’s history is a tapestry woven with intricate traditions, art, architecture, and philosophies. The country’s historical legacy is evident in its ancient Shinto shrines, majestic Buddhist temples, well-preserved castles, traditional arts like tea ceremonies and calligraphy, and the enduring influence of samurai and ninja traditions. Japan’s cultural heritage is also reflected in its literature, cuisine, performing arts such as kabuki and noh theater, and the enduring reverence for nature seen in its gardens and seasonal festivals.

Importance of historical tours in understanding Japan’s past

Historical tours play a crucial role in unraveling the layers of Japan’s past and understanding its cultural evolution. They provide immersive experiences that go beyond textbooks, allowing visitors to walk through centuries-old temples, witness traditional rituals, explore historical districts, and engage with knowledgeable guides who offer insights into Japan’s history, customs, and beliefs. These tours offer a deeper appreciation for Japan’s heritage, fostering cross-cultural understanding and preserving intangible cultural treasures. By experiencing historical tours, visitors not only gain knowledge but also connect emotionally with Japan’s rich tapestry of traditions, contributing to the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage for future generations.

Kyoto Historical Tour

A Kyoto historical tour offers a captivating journey through Japan’s cultural heart. This ancient city, once the capital of Japan, is a treasure trove of historical and spiritual landmarks. The tour typically includes iconic sites such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that wind through a forested hillside, creating a mesmerizing path for visitors. Another highlight is the Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen Buddhist temple adorned in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond. Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, adds a touch of elegance and tradition to the tour, with its preserved wooden machiya houses and the opportunity to glimpse geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) in their traditional attire. Through a Kyoto historical tour, travelers are transported back in time, immersing themselves in the ancient rituals, architectural marvels, and cultural richness that define this enchanting city

Fushimi Inari Shrine and its iconic torii gates 

The Fushimi Inari Shrine stands as an iconic symbol of spiritual devotion and natural beauty in Kyoto. Its most distinctive feature is the winding path of thousands of vibrant orange torii gates, creating a mesmerizing tunnel that leads visitors through a forested mountainside. Each gate, donated by individuals and businesses over centuries, represents a wish or prayer, making this shrine a living testament to Japanese culture and traditions.

 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and its historical significance 

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a striking Zen Buddhist temple that exudes serenity and historical significance. Its top two floors are entirely covered in shimmering gold leaf, reflecting elegantly in the surrounding pond and garden. Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun, it was later converted into a temple, showcasing the fusion of aristocratic luxury and spiritual devotion that defines much of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Gion district and the traditions of geisha culture

The Gion district of Kyoto embodies the timeless traditions of geisha culture, offering a glimpse into a world of grace, artistry, and refinement. Here, historic wooden machiya houses line narrow cobblestone streets, creating an atmosphere of old-world charm. Geisha and maiko can often be seen elegantly dressed in traditional kimono, hurrying to appointments or entertaining guests in tea houses. Through performances, dance, and music, geisha continue to preserve the beauty and grace of Japan’s artistic heritage, making Gion a captivating destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the traditions of Japanese culture.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Tour

A tour of Hiroshima and Nagasaki offers a profound exploration of the impact of World War II and the resilience of the human spirit. Hiroshima, forever etched in history as the site of the first atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, is now a city of peace and remembrance. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum stand as poignant reminders of the devastation caused by nuclear warfare and the importance of pursuing peace. Visitors can see the Genbaku Dome, a skeletal structure that miraculously survived the blast and now serves as a symbol of hope and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nagasaki, the second city to suffer atomic devastation on August 9, 1945, also offers insights into the lasting effects of nuclear warfare. The Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum provide moving exhibits and testimonies that highlight the human cost of the bombings and the ongoing quest for nuclear disarmament. Both cities’ memorials, monuments, and stories of survival serve as powerful reminders of the importance of peace, reconciliation, and the resilience of communities in the face of tragedy.

World War II history and the atomic bombings

The World War II history and the atomic bombings are pivotal aspects of any tour of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, showcasing the profound impact of warfare and the enduring quest for peace. Hiroshima, the first city to suffer an atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, bears witness to the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. The bombings marked a turning point in history, leading to immense loss of life and prompting a global dialogue on the ethics and consequences of using atomic weapons.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum 

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing and a testament to the city’s resilience. Exhibits within the museum document the events leading up to the bombing, the aftermath of the devastation, and the long-term effects on survivors and their families. Artifacts, personal belongings, and survivor testimonies offer a deeply moving and educational experience, fostering a greater understanding of the human cost of war and the importance of promoting peace and nuclear disarmament

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki provides a comprehensive exploration of the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945, and its lasting effects on the city and its inhabitants. The museum’s exhibits delve into the historical context of the bombing, the experiences of survivors, and the ongoing efforts to advocate for peace and nuclear non-proliferation. Through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, visitors gain a poignant insight into the tragedies of war and the resilience of communities in rebuilding and promoting peace in the aftermath of devastation.

Tokyo Historical Tour

A Tokyo historical tour unveils the multifaceted layers of Japan’s capital city, blending ancient traditions with modern marvels. At the heart of Tokyo’s historical narrative is the Meiji Shrine, a serene oasis surrounded by a lush forest, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Visitors can experience the tranquility of Shinto rituals amidst towering cedar trees, offering a glimpse into Japan’s imperial past.

As the tour continues, explorers encounter the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest temple and a vibrant hub of cultural activity. The temple’s iconic Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) leads to bustling Nakamise-dori, a lively street lined with traditional shops and eateries, echoing Tokyo’s rich merchant history.

Delving deeper into Tokyo’s past, the Edo-Tokyo Museum immerses visitors in the Edo period (1603-1868), showcasing the city’s transformation from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolis. Exhibits feature scale models, artifacts, and interactive displays, offering insights into daily life, architecture, and the arts during this pivotal era.

A Tokyo historical tour not only illuminates the city’s storied past but also celebrates its vibrant present, where centuries-old traditions harmonize with cutting-edge innovation, making Tokyo a captivating blend of history and modernity.

Meiji Shrine and its role in modern Japanese history

The Meiji Shrine stands as a beacon of modern Japanese history, commemorating Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and their pivotal roles in shaping Japan’s transformation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Constructed in 1920, the shrine represents Japan’s shift towards modernization, industrialization, and opening to the world. It serves as a place of reverence and reflection, embodying the spirit of progress and unity that defined Japan’s modern era.

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and its cultural significance

The Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa holds profound cultural significance as Tokyo’s oldest and most revered temple. Dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, the temple attracts millions of visitors each year who come to pay homage, seek blessings, and experience the rich tapestry of Japanese Buddhist traditions. The vibrant Nakamise-dori leading to the temple is lined with traditional shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and religious artifacts, offering a lively glimpse into Tokyo’s historical and religious heritage.

Edo-Tokyo Museum and the history of Tokyo from the Edo period

The Edo-Tokyo Museum provides a captivating journey through the history of Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to becoming the bustling capital of Japan. Exhibits at the museum showcase the Edo period’s cultural, social, and economic developments, including the rise of samurai culture, the flourishing arts scene, and the emergence of merchant districts like Nihonbashi. Through intricate models, artifacts, and multimedia displays, visitors can immerse themselves in Tokyo’s rich history and gain a deeper appreciation for its evolution into a global metropolis

Nara Historical Tour

A Nara historical tour offers a captivating journey into Japan’s ancient past, showcasing the cultural and religious significance of this historic city. At the heart of Nara’s historical charm is the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a towering bronze statue that embodies the majesty of Buddhist art and architecture. The serene atmosphere of the temple grounds, surrounded by lush gardens and sacred deer roaming freely, creates a peaceful setting for visitors to appreciate Japan’s spiritual heritage.

Another highlight of the Nara tour is the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion-colored lanterns that line the pathways, creating a magical ambiance during festivals and ceremonies. The shrine’s architecture reflects the distinctive Kasuga-zukuri style, characterized by its sloping roofs and intricate wooden carvings, offering insights into ancient Japanese craftsmanship and religious traditions.

Exploring Nara’s historical districts, such as Naramachi and Higashimuki Shopping Street, provides a glimpse into the city’s merchant past, with preserved machiya (traditional wooden townhouses), quaint shops, and local crafts. A Nara historical tour not only delves into Japan’s early imperial history but also celebrates the enduring legacy of art, architecture, and cultural traditions that continue to enchant visitors from around the world.

Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha 

The Todai-ji Temple, nestled in Nara, is a cornerstone of Japan’s historical and religious heritage. Its main hall, known as Daibutsuden, houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), an awe-inspiring bronze statue towering at over 15 meters in height. Crafted in the 8th century, this monumental Buddha embodies the skill and devotion of ancient Japanese artisans. Surrounding the temple are tranquil gardens and centuries-old trees, creating a serene atmosphere conducive to contemplation and spiritual reflection.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its thousands of lanterns 

The Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a cultural gem renowned for its mystical allure. What sets it apart are the thousands of vermilion lanterns adorning its pathways, adding a mystical glow during festivals and evening visits. These lanterns, meticulously maintained and periodically replaced, symbolize devotion and continuity in Japanese Shinto traditions. The shrine’s architecture, with its striking vermilion color and intricate wooden carvings, offers a glimpse into ancient Japanese craftsmanship and spiritual reverence.

Exploring Japan’s early imperial history in Nara

Nara’s historical significance extends to Japan’s early imperial history, serving as the country’s capital from 710 to 794 AD. During this era, known as the Nara period, Buddhism flourished, leaving a lasting impact on Nara’s cultural landscape. Visitors can explore historical sites like the Heijo Palace, once the political and administrative center of ancient Japan, and the Nara National Museum, housing a rich collection of Buddhist art and artifacts. The city’s layout, with wide boulevards and carefully planned temples and shrines, reflects the imperial aspirations and cultural sophistication of this era, making Nara a captivating destination for those interested in Japan’s early history and heritage.

Samurai and Ninja Tours

Embarking on a Samurai and Ninja tour in Japan offers a thrilling immersion into the country’s feudal past, exploring the lives and traditions of legendary warriors. These tours often include visits to historical sites, interactive experiences, and demonstrations that bring the martial prowess and code of honor of samurai and the stealthy skills of ninja to life.

One of the highlights of such a tour might be a visit to Himeji Castle, an iconic symbol of Japan’s feudal era. This stunning castle, with its intricate defensive structures and elegant design, provides insight into the strategic importance of fortifications during feudal conflicts. Guided tours within the castle grounds delve into samurai culture, showcasing armor, weapons, and stories of bravery and honor.

Another fascinating aspect of Samurai and Ninja tours is the opportunity to participate in sword-fighting demonstrations and learn about the Bushido code, the ethical system followed by samurai warriors. Skilled instructors demonstrate traditional sword techniques and offer hands-on training, allowing participants to experience the discipline and skill required in samurai combat.

For those intrigued by the secretive world of ninja, tours often include visits to ninja villages or themed experiences where participants can learn about stealth techniques, espionage tactics, and the tools of the ninja trade. Interactive activities like shuriken (throwing stars) practice, ninja obstacle courses, and demonstrations of ninjutsu techniques add an element of excitement and intrigue to the tour.

Overall, Samurai and Ninja tours provide a captivating blend of history, martial arts, and cultural insights, offering a unique perspective on Japan’s feudal heritage and the enduring legacy of its legendary warriors.

Samurai sword demonstrations and historical insights 

Samurai sword demonstrations are a captivating highlight of Samurai and Ninja tours, offering a window into the world of Japanese martial arts and the legendary skill of samurai warriors. Experienced instructors showcase the artistry and precision of wielding a katana, the traditional samurai sword, demonstrating various techniques and explaining the historical significance of these weapons in feudal Japan. Participants gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, discipline, and honor associated with the samurai code, known as Bushido, as they witness these dynamic displays.

Visits to castles like Himeji Castle

Visits to castles like Himeji Castle immerse participants in Japan’s feudal history and architectural splendor. Himeji Castle, often referred to as the White Heron Castle due to its striking white exterior and graceful design, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most iconic castles. Guided tours of the castle grounds offer insights into its strategic defenses, feudal-era lifestyle, and the role of castles in Japanese society. Participants can explore towering keeps, intricate gates, and defensive structures, gaining a deeper understanding of Japan’s feudal past and the legacy of samurai warriors.

Ninja-themed experiences in places like Kanazawa 

Ninja-themed experiences in places like Kanazawa add an element of intrigue and adventure to Samurai and Ninja tours. Kanazawa, known for its historical significance and ninja heritage, offers immersive experiences that delve into the secretive world of ninjutsu. Participants can engage in ninja-themed activities such as stealth training, shuriken throwing, and exploring ninja houses with hidden traps and secret passages. These hands-on experiences provide a fun and educational glimpse into the skills, tactics, and legends surrounding ninja warriors, adding an exciting dimension to the tour.

Hokkaido Historical Tour

Embarking on a Hokkaido historical tour is a journey into Japan’s northern frontier, where rugged landscapes, indigenous cultures, and a unique history blend harmoniously. Hokkaido, Japan’s second-largest island, offers a wealth of historical sites and cultural experiences that showcase its diverse heritage.

One of the highlights of a Hokkaido historical tour is exploring the Ainu culture, the indigenous people of the region. Visits to places like the Shiraoi Ainu Museum provide insights into Ainu traditions, art, and way of life. Participants can learn about Ainu rituals, crafts such as woodcarving and embroidery, and the deep spiritual connection with nature that defines Ainu culture.

Another fascinating aspect of Hokkaido’s history is its role in Japan’s modernization and development. The city of Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital, offers glimpses into this transformation through sites like the Sapporo Clock Tower, a symbol of Hokkaido’s pioneering spirit. The Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum, recreates rural life during the Meiji and Taisho periods, showcasing traditional farmhouses, schools, and workshops.

Nature also plays a significant role in Hokkaido’s historical narrative. Tours often include visits to scenic spots like Shikotsu-Toya National Park, where volcanic landscapes, pristine lakes, and hot springs offer a retreat into Japan’s natural beauty and geological history.

Overall, a Hokkaido historical tour combines elements of indigenous heritage, modern history, and natural wonders, providing a comprehensive and enriching experience that highlights the island’s unique contributions to Japan’s cultural tapestry.

Hokkaido Museum and the island’s unique history

The Hokkaido Museum stands as a gateway to understanding the island’s unique history and cultural evolution. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays, visitors delve into Hokkaido’s role in Japan’s development, from its Ainu roots to its modernization and economic growth. The museum showcases Hokkaido’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, industries, and the cultural heritage of its indigenous Ainu people, offering a comprehensive view of the island’s historical significance.

Exploring historical villages like Sapporo and Otaru

Exploring historical villages like Sapporo and Otaru provides a glimpse into Hokkaido’s past as a frontier region and its transformation into vibrant urban centers. Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital, boasts a blend of modernity and tradition, with landmarks like the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building reflecting its Meiji-era beginnings. Otaru, known for its canal district and preserved merchant houses, offers a nostalgic journey into Hokkaido’s maritime and trading history, showcasing the influence of foreign cultures and industries on the region.

Learning about Ainu culture, the indigenous people of Hokkaido

Learning about Ainu culture, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, is a central aspect of Hokkaido historical tours. Visits to places like the Shiraoi Ainu Museum and the Nibutani Ainu Cultural Museum provide immersive experiences where participants can explore Ainu traditions, art, language, and spirituality. Through exhibits, workshops, and performances, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the Ainu’s deep connection with nature, their distinctive crafts such as weaving and woodcarving, and their efforts to preserve and revitalize their cultural heritage in modern times.

Tea Ceremony and Zen Buddhism Tours

Embarking on a Tea Ceremony and Zen Buddhism tour in Japan is a serene and enlightening experience, delving into the spiritual and cultural practices that have shaped Japanese society for centuries. These tours offer a deep dive into the art of tea, known as chanoyu or chado, and the Zen Buddhist philosophy that underpins it.

A highlight of such a tour is participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where every gesture and movement holds profound meaning. Led by a tea master (chajin), participants learn about the meticulous preparation of matcha (powdered green tea), the significance of the tea utensils, and the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility (wa, kei, sei, and jaku) that guide the ceremony. Sipping tea in a serene tatami room, surrounded by beautiful tea utensils and a peaceful atmosphere, allows participants to experience the mindfulness and aesthetic beauty of chanoyu firsthand.

Zen Buddhism tours often include visits to Zen temples and gardens, where participants can engage in meditation sessions guided by experienced monks or practitioners. The simplicity and serenity of Zen gardens, with their carefully placed rocks, raked gravel, and sparse vegetation, create a contemplative space for self-reflection and inner peace. Participants learn about Zen meditation techniques, the concept of mindfulness (sati), and the pursuit of enlightenment (satori) through direct experience and philosophical discussions.

Additionally, these tours may explore the historical and cultural context of Zen Buddhism in Japan, visiting temples with rich artistic and architectural heritage, such as Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto with its famous rock garden or Engaku-ji Temple in Kamakura with its serene Zen garden and historic buildings. Through Tea Ceremony and Zen Buddhism tours, participants gain a profound understanding of Japanese aesthetics, spirituality, and the quest for inner harmony in a fast-paced world.

Traditional tea ceremonies and their cultural significance 

Traditional tea ceremonies are much more than just a beverage; they are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and philosophy. Known as chanoyu or chado, these ceremonies emphasize harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The meticulous preparation of matcha (powdered green tea) and the graceful movements of the tea ceremony symbolize the beauty of simplicity and mindfulness. Each element, from the tea utensils to the tearoom’s design, reflects centuries-old traditions and aesthetics, making tea ceremonies a profound cultural experience that fosters connection, introspection, and appreciation of the present moment.

Zen gardens and Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto and Kamakura

Zen gardens and Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto and Kamakura offer immersive experiences into the world of Zen Buddhism and the pursuit of enlightenment. Kyoto, with its rich cultural heritage, is home to iconic Zen temples like Ryoan-ji Temple, renowned for its Zen rock garden that inspires contemplation and stillness. Visitors can participate in meditation sessions, explore tranquil temple grounds, and learn about Zen teachings from experienced monks. Kamakura, known as the home of Zen in Japan, boasts temples such as Engaku-ji Temple with its serene Zen garden and Kencho-ji Temple, one of the oldest Zen training centers. These Zen gardens, characterized by simplicity, natural elements, and symbolic arrangements, serve as metaphors for inner peace, harmony, and the impermanence of life, inviting visitors to connect with their inner selves and the essence of Zen philosophy.

Imperial Palaces Tour 

Embarking on an Imperial Palaces tour in Japan offers a glimpse into the country’s rich imperial history, architectural grandeur, and cultural heritage. These tours typically include visits to the imperial palaces in Tokyo and Kyoto, providing insights into Japan’s ancient and modern imperial traditions.

In Tokyo, the primary attraction is the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor of Japan. Surrounded by moats, gardens, and massive stone walls, the Imperial Palace stands as a symbol of Japan’s imperial legacy and the nation’s deep reverence for tradition. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the palace’s East Gardens, which showcase meticulously landscaped gardens, historical ruins, and stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.

In Kyoto, the Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) offers a fascinating journey into Japan’s medieval and early modern history. The palace grounds, featuring traditional wooden buildings, exquisite gardens, and ancient stone paths, transport visitors back to the era of Japan’s imperial court. Guided tours provide insights into the court rituals, architecture, and cultural significance of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, highlighting its role as a cultural and political center.

Some Imperial Palaces tours also include access to areas not usually open to the public, such as the imperial residences and ceremonial halls. Visitors can learn about the imperial family’s daily life, the protocol of imperial ceremonies, and the historical events that shaped Japan’s monarchy.

Overall, an Imperial Palaces tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into Japan’s imperial history, admire architectural marvels, and appreciate the continuity of tradition in a modern society. It provides a deeper understanding of Japan’s cultural identity and the enduring legacy of its imperial institutions.

Tokyo and Kyoto imperial palaces 

Tokyo and Kyoto are home to two of Japan’s most iconic imperial palaces in Asia , each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s imperial history and architectural splendor. The Tokyo Imperial Palace, situated in the heart of the bustling capital, serves as the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Surrounded by lush gardens, ancient stone walls, and tranquil moats, the palace is a serene oasis amidst the urban landscape. In contrast, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, located in the historic city of Kyoto, showcases traditional wooden buildings, meticulously landscaped gardens, and historic artifacts that reflect Japan’s medieval and early modern periods.

Insights into Japan’s imperial history and architecture

An Imperial Palaces tour provides invaluable insights into Japan’s imperial history and architecture, tracing the evolution of the country’s monarchy from ancient times to the present day. Visitors learn about the customs, rituals, and ceremonies associated with the imperial family, gaining a deeper appreciation for Japan’s cultural heritage. The architecture of the imperial palaces, characterized by intricate wooden structures, symbolic motifs, and harmonious garden designs, reflects Japan’s aesthetic sensibilities and reverence for nature. Through guided tours and historical narratives, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s imperial legacy and its enduring impact on the nation’s identity and traditions.

Customizing Historical Tours

Customizing historical tours offers a tailored and personalized experience that caters to individual interests, preferences, and curiosities. Whether one is passionate about ancient temples, feudal castles, wartime history, traditional arts, or culinary delights, customizing a historical tour allows travelers to delve deeply into specific aspects of Japan’s rich heritage. Tour operators and guides work closely with participants to create bespoke itineraries that align with their interests, ensuring a meaningful and immersive exploration of Japan’s historical and cultural treasures. From themed tours focusing on samurai and ninja traditions to in-depth visits to World War II memorials or serene tea ceremonies, customization empowers travelers to craft unforgettable experiences that resonate with their unique passions and curiosity about Japan’s past.

Tailoring tours based on individual interests 

Tailoring tours based on individual interests is a key aspect of providing a memorable and enriching travel experience. Whether someone is fascinated by ancient history, art, cuisine, nature, or a specific period in Japanese history, customizing tours ensures that their journey aligns perfectly with their passions and preferences. Tour operators can work closely with travelers to create personalized itineraries that include visits to historical sites, cultural experiences, hands-on activities, and interactions with local experts. This tailored approach allows travelers to delve deep into the aspects of Japanese history and culture that intrigue them the most, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the destination.

Options for exploring specific aspects of Japanese history and culture

Options for exploring specific aspects of Japanese history and culture are abundant, offering a diverse range of experiences for travelers with varied interests. For history enthusiasts, tours can focus on ancient temples, imperial palaces, samurai heritage, or World War II memorials, providing in-depth insights into Japan’s historical milestones and cultural evolution. Art lovers can explore traditional arts like tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and ceramics, or visit contemporary art galleries and museums showcasing modern Japanese art. Food aficionados can embark on culinary tours, sampling regional delicacies, visiting food markets, and learning the art of sushi-making or tea brewing. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in Japan’s natural beauty with tours to scenic landscapes, national parks, hot springs, and gardens. With such diverse options, travelers have the flexibility to tailor their tours to match their specific interests, ensuring a fulfilling and memorable exploration of Japanese history and culture.

In conclusion, embarking on historical tours in Japan offers a captivating journey through the country’s rich tapestry of heritage, culture, and tradition. From the ancient temples of Kyoto to the poignant memorials in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, each destination provides profound insights into Japan’s historical milestones, resilience, and cultural depth. Exploring imperial palaces, samurai traditions, tea ceremonies, and Zen Buddhism offers a deeper understanding of Japan’s diverse and fascinating history. Customizing tours based on individual interests allows travelers to tailor their experiences, delving into specific aspects of Japanese history and culture that resonate with them personally. Whether it’s exploring ancient civilizations, experiencing traditional arts, or savoring culinary delights, Japan’s historical tours cater to a wide range of passions and curiosities. Overall, historical tours in Japan not only educate and inspire but also foster a deep appreciation for the country’s heritage, values, and contributions to the global cultural landscape. They are a testament to Japan’s enduring legacy and the timeless allure of its historical treasures. Japan offers a wealth of diverse historical tours that cater to a wide range of interests and curiosities. From exploring ancient temples and imperial palaces to delving into samurai traditions, wartime history, traditional arts, and culinary delights, there’s a tour for every history enthusiast. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Nara, Hokkaido, and other historical destinations, each offering unique insights into Japan’s fascinating past. Whether it’s a tea ceremony experience, a samurai sword demonstration, a visit to a Zen garden, or a tour of World War II sites, the options are endless, promising an unforgettable journey through Japan’s rich historical tapestry. Encouraging travelers to experience Japan’s rich history through guided tours is an invitation to embark on a transformative and immersive exploration. Guided tours offer in-depth knowledge, insider perspectives, and curated experiences that enhance understanding and appreciation. Expert guides bring history to life, weaving narratives, anecdotes, and cultural context into the journey, creating meaningful connections with the past. By choosing guided tours, travelers can navigate historical sites with ease, gain deeper insights, and forge lasting memories while unraveling the mysteries and marvels of Japan’s captivating history.

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8-Day Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka Tour

Star your trip in Tokyo, a bustling metropolis pulsating with modern energy, and explore the serene landscapes of Hakone. Dive into Kyoto's rich heritage, visit Hiroshima to pay respects and witness resilience, and experience the vibrant city life in Osaka. This thoughtfully curated itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, tradition, and urban vibrancy. Ideal for travelers seeking a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Japan, from the modernity of Tokyo to the historic significance of Hiroshima and the dynamic spirit of Osaka. Book now for an enriching and captivating adventure through Japan.

We can customize this trip by adding anything you're interested in and scheduling days to fit your pace. We would happily organize a unique theme or activities for birthdays, young children, anniversaries, etc.

• Best For: Slow Pacers and Couples
• Departure date: Up to you
• Sample Price: On request

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Tour Highlights

Here are the fantastic attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Asia Highlights (AH Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Asia Highlights (Only With AH) included in this tour:

Learn about Japanese emperors by visiting the Imperial Palace and the Meiji Shrine.

Enjoy steaming matcha on a small island in the lake at hamarikyu garden ., experience the breathtaking scenery of hakone from multiple perspectives., absorb the profound message of peace in hiroshima ., suggested itinerary for inspiration.

The itinerary serves as a mere example of a personalized tour, designed exclusively for you. Your preferences will shape the authentic journey. We are fully prepared to craft an tailor-made tour that fulfills your desires.

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Tokyo. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.

Meiji Shrine: Commence your day at the serene Meiji Shrine, an homage to Emperor Meiji, an integral figure in Japan's history. Experience the tranquility of this sacred site, often bustling with traditional wedding ceremonies, a peek into Japanese cultural heritage.

Omotesando: Stroll down Omotesando, a broad, tree-lined avenue hosting flagship stores of top global fashion brands. Experience the stylish energy of this shopping street, known for its blend of modern and traditional architecture.

Asakusa & Sensoji Temple: Journey to Asakusa, a vibrant district capturing the essence of old Tokyo. Explore Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and meander through Nakamise, a historic street offering an array of local delights and traditional souvenirs.

Hamarikyu Garden: End your day at Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden harmoniously nestled amidst Tokyo's modern skyline. Experience the juxtaposition of traditional aesthetics within a futuristic cityscape. Take a serene moment to enjoy a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets in a tranquil teahouse located on a small island within the garden's lake.

Hakone and Mount Fuji National Park Adventure: Escape the urban bustle of Tokyo and embark on a scenic 90-minute journey to Hakone, the gateway to the majestic Mt. Fuji and its surrounding national park. Your local guide will join you on the iconic "Romance Car" express train departing from Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku station.

Zigzag through the Mountains on the Hakone Tozan Train: Hop aboard the Hakone Tozan switchback train, a thrilling ride that zigzags through the mountains, offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding valleys. The meandering journey provides unforgettable panoramic views of Hakone's natural landscapes.

Exploring the National Park's Marvels: Discover the diverse forms of transport available to delve into the wonders of the national park. Aboard the world's second-longest cable car, ascend Mt. Owakudani. Traverse over sulfurous fumes, bubbling hot springs, and thermal rivers in this volcanic expanse. Don't miss the opportunity to try a sulfuric hot spring-boiled egg, rumored to extend your life by seven years – an experience unique to Hakone's history and folklore.

Sailing Aboard the Majestic Pirate Ship: Embark on a voyage across Lake Ashinoko aboard a grand replica pirate ship, an ancient lake born from a volcanic eruption 3000 years ago. Traverse these historic waters and embrace the natural splendor of this breathtaking region.

Odawara (Hakone) to Kyoto by JR Train: Embark on an exhilarating train ride from Odawara (Hakone) to the historic city of Kyoto. Glide through picturesque landscapes aboard a JR Train in the comfort of the Standard Class. Revel in the convenience of a smooth, swift journey that spans approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes.

Get ready for a captivating day as you embark on a guided tour of Kyoto's cultural treasures and historical landmarks. Your knowledgeable local guide will navigate the city's comprehensive bus system, offering seamless travel to renowned World Heritage Sites.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion): Begin your day at this awe-inspiring temple, initially crafted as a shogun's retreat and later transformed into a revered Buddhist temple. Admire its splendor and picturesque setting, making it one of Kyoto's most iconic attractions.

Nijo Castle: Immerse yourself in the ornate architecture of this historic castle, surrounded by breathtaking gardens. Experience the intrigue of the famous "nightingale floors" and the captivating design that echoes the rich history of the Edo Shogunate.

Nishiki Market: Traverse a vibrant food hub! Stroll through this five-block-long market street, where over a hundred shops and restaurants offer a delightful array of fresh seafood, local produce, knives, cookware, and various Kyoto specialties. Discover the flavors of Japanese cuisine in a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Kiyomizu Temple: At the Kiyomizu Temple, relish panoramic vistas of Kyoto from the elevated veranda. Delve into the intriguing fact that the Main Hall and Veranda were meticulously constructed without nails or joiners. Although under repair, the temple remains a significant and picturesque Kyoto landmark.

Sanjusangendo: Visit this extraordinary temple, featuring Japan's longest wooden structure. Marvel at the 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The center holds a magnificent wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon, flanked by an assembly of 500 statues on each side, creating a captivating sight.

Set off on an enlightening journey from Osaka to Hiroshima using the Shinkansen, where your accompanied journey takes you back in time to the tragic events of August 6, 1945.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Upon arrival, you'll step into the poignant landscape of the Peace Memorial Park, marking the ground zero of the Atomic Bombing. This solemn site pays homage to the lives lost in the tragic event. Stroll through the park adorned with memorials, monuments, and statues, and visit the museum that vividly portrays the impact of that fateful day.

Miyajima Island: A short ferry ride away awaits the serene Miyajima Island, a place steeped in Shinto traditions and natural beauty. Here, you'll encounter the iconic 'Floating Torii Gate,' one of Japan's most photographed sites. This sacred gate belongs to a shrine rooted in ancient history and masterful architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the harmonious shrines, temples, and picturesque surroundings, tasting local delights such as the famous maple-leaf shaped cakes.

Osaka Castle: Dive into the grandeur of Osaka Castle, an iconic symbol deeply rooted in Japan's history. Renowned for its crucial role in Japan's unification, this reconstructed masterpiece stands true to its original form, housing a modern museum that narrates Osaka's rich past.

Dotonbori: Wander through the energetic district of Dotonbori, once a theater hub now transformed into a bustling food haven. Indulge in Osaka's famed takoyaki, savory octopus dumplings that are a quintessential street food, amidst the lively streets teeming with vibrant neon signs and culinary delights.

Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum: Discover the beauty of 18th-century Japanese prints at the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum. If available, engage in a hands-on woodblock printing experience to create your own art piece, a unique and immersive way to connect with Japan's artistic heritage.

Umeda Sky Building: Ascend the impressive Umeda Sky Building, a soaring 173-meter-high structure that offers a breathtaking panorama of Osaka's skyline. At the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor, enjoy sweeping views of the cityscape and beyond, providing a captivating visual treat.

Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Osaka Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.

Tour Price:

• The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
• The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
• We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
• We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

• Transportation: a good combination of local public transport and private transfers.
• English-speaking local guide is available for the sightseeing day, excluding airport/train station pick-up/drop-off.
• Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
• Accommodation for all nights
• Trains between itinerary cities
• Hotel breakfasts are included. Lunch and dinner are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
• 24/7 helpline while touring
• Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

• International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Visa fee, if applicable
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-cx-8

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Escorted tours.

Our small group Japan tour escorted groups (maximum of 8 to 12 tour members depending on the itinerary) allow us to stay in smaller ryokans and hotels, use public transportation and eat in smaller, intimate restaurants.

For those of you who wish to travel independently, these packages offer the perfect way to explore Japan. A little structure with a lot of flexibility may be the perfect combination for you!

Cherry Blossom Tours

Late March/early April in Japan means beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are on their way. We have many itineraries that take full advantage of this beautiful season.

Our specialty tours are small escorted group tours that include the same travel style as our popular escorted tour packages. But they have a unique focus and a one of a kind itinerary with one of a kind experiences.

Private Group Tours

Our Group Travel Services can provide you and your group with whatever you will need while visiting Japan.

Our small group tours are  well-balanced, educational, culturally-broadening, and most importantly, fun tours that inspire and inform.  By breaking down as many barriers as possible to the lifestyle, customs and traditions of Japan and the Japanese, our tour members travel as “ Temporary Japanese” allowing the maximum possible cultural exposure and experience.

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Our Small Group Japan Tours

On one of our tours, you will see things you have never seen before, eat foods you have never eaten before and do things you have never done before, which will add up to an experience like none you’ve had before. And best of all, you will have fun at the same time. Let us show you our side of Japan! You can start by searching our numerous tour options above.

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"Japan is one of the most captivating places on earth, where you can go from Tokyo's flashy streets to the snowy peak of Mount Fuji or a traditional ryokan in a day."

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Admire the snow-capped Mount Fuji

See the towering peak of Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan and a UNESCO-listed site. We’ll take you up to the 5th station of Mount Fuji, a spectacular vantage point at 7,545 feet, before taking a ride on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway with views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

Take a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto

Board the high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and the ancient epicentre of Japanese culture. After whizzing through the country, you’ll meet the locals at a traditional ryokan and learn about traditional Japanese customs, then explore the Gion District and glittering Kinkakuji Temple, the symbol of Kyoto.

Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

We’ll introduce you to a professional Tea Master who has spent many years learning the craft of the tea ceremony. You’ll learn about the history of Japanese tea making, and watch how the matcha is prepared with a bamboo whisk. You’ll even have a go at making (and tasting) your own tea.

Admire Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory

The Floating Garden Observatory is an open-air viewing platform, stretching between the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. We’ll take you to the top of the 567-foot buildings for panoramic views over Osaka, including the city’s dazzling rivers, bridges and soaring skyscrapers.

Wander through Ameyoko Street Market

With nearly 200 shops selling everything from fresh fish and spices to clothing and bags, you can spend hours roaming through Ameyoko Street Market. Located in Tokyo along the Yamanote Line tracks, it was once a black market selling American goods and sweets after WWII, when sugar was hard to find.

Our top 5 things to do in Japan

Our Japan tours take you from the dizzying heights of Mount Fuji and the bustle of the Ameyoko Market, to the tranquility of a Japanese tea ceremony.

Tokyo National Museum

The largest and oldest museum in Japan, Tokyo National Museum holds one of the world’s best collections of art and archaeological artefacts from Asia. There are over 110,000 items, including 87 National Treasures of Japan, and you can find everything from art along the Silk Road to medieval Japanese art.

Kotokuin Temple

Located in the city of Kamakuru, the Kotokuin Temple is a Japanese Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect. It’s home to the ‘Great Buddha’ or ‘Daibutsu’, a 37-foot bronze statue of Amida Buddha, constructed in 1252. The towering statue is a National Treasure and one of the most iconic sights in Japan.

Sensoji Buddhist Temple

One of the most famous temples in Japan, the Sensoji Buddhist Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It was originally built in 628 but was rebuilt after being destroyed in WWII. Today, you’ll find a beautiful five-storey pagoda, woven with incense and crimson eaves.

Best museums in Japan

A Japan tour package with Trafalgar takes you through the country’s top museums, from one of the world’s best collections of Asian art, to the ornate temples of Tokyo.

Although sushi is now a popular dish around the world, you’ve never really tried it until you’ve eaten the best in Japan. Our Local Specialists will help you navigate the endless varieties of this iconic dish, from raw vegetables to fresh fish wrapped in rice and seaweed.

Hida beef comes from a Japanese breed of black-haired cattle raised in the fresh air and pure water of Gifu Prefecture. Hailed as the best beef in Japan, we’ll take you to the top restaurants to try one of the beautifully tender and marbled Hida beef steaks.

A beloved dish found all over the country, ramen is a delicious Japanese noodle soup. Each region has a different variation and it usually involves a tasty pork or chicken broth, seasoned with plenty of rich flavors like miso, soy sauce and spring onions.

Best food in Japan

A Japan group tour with Trafalgar will have you indulging in the country’s fantastic cuisine, from fresh sushi to piping hot ramen.

What to pack for Japan

Adaptor plug

In Japan, the standard voltage is 100 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard frequency is 50 / 60 Hz.

Comfortable sandals

Japanese culture requires you to take off your shoes when entering traditional restaurants, temples and ryokans. Bring a comfortable pair of sandals so you can easily slip them off all day.

Japanese phrasebook

Learning a few Japanese phrases will help you connect with the friendly Japanese locals, and offers the chance for some rewarding interactions.

Most shops and restaurants in Japan primarily accept cash, so it’s best to come prepared with some Japanese yen for your trip.

Versatile clothing

Japan’s weather ranges hot and humid to freezing cold, with mild springs in between. Pack versatile layers to be prepared for all conditions on your Japan holiday.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Japan Awaits

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Modern Japanese History Tour

Explore recent Japanese military history on this 3-hour guided excursion in Tokyo. Experience the lives of everyday people and soldiers during World War II at Yushukan Shrine , learn about military practices like Kamikaze attacks from an expert guide, and stop by a shrine that commemorates Japan’s 2.5 million victims of war since 1869.

It has been over 70 years since the surrender of Japan, which ended the Second World War. The global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945, was the most widespread war in history, as it involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries. Many lives were lost during the war, including the 129,000 to 226,000 fatalities that occurred due to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Tokyo suffered greatly from the war, especially with the B-29 air raids conducted in March 1945. They were regarded as the single most destructive bombing raid in human history, as most of central Tokyo was annihilated (with 1 million people made homeless and an estimated of 100,000 civilian deaths).

In this three-hour small group Modern History Tour, you’ll be guided by an English-speaking guide as you visit the historic landmarks with relics of WWII. At 9 AM, meet with your tour guide at Kudanshita Station (designated meet-up spot will be provided after booking).

Guests will pay a visit to Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates 2.5 million of Japan’s war dead since 1869. Learn about the history and controversy that surrounds the shrine before heading to Yushukan, the military and war museum dedicated to the souls of soldiers who died fighting for their country.

In this tour, guests will learn how the Japanese commemorate and pay their respects to those who have perished from war, the issues that civilians faced during WWII such as starvation, how Japanese soldiers felt and behaved during the war, learn why kamikaze (also known as tokotai) was so prevalent and how the soldiers told their family members before their inevitable fates.

Highlights:

• Spend a few hours exploring Japan’s modern history of war on a guided tour
• Learn about Japan’s 2.5 million war dead and Kamikaze attacks from an expert
• Visit landmark sites such as the Showa-kan Museum and Yushukan Shrine
• Get a different perspective on Japan with this specialized experience

  Availability: Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 AM to 12 PM

  Location: Kudanshita Station (designated meet-up spot will be provided after booking)

• 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour (Add-on):

The 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour will include an English-speaking guide. This tour will be conducted after the Modern History Tour, from 12 PM to 4 PM. Public transportation costs are included. Admission fee or other optional activity fees for guests and tour guides are not included.

  Included:

• English speaking guide
• Photo opportunities
• Food and drinks
• Souvenirs (available for purchase)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Information

As the shrines in Japan are sacred places, we ask that all guests dress appropriately (no short skirts or shorts, or articles of clothing with an excessive amount of skin exposure). We also recommend smart casual attire with comfortable shoes, as there will be a moderate amount of walking.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests, and the cost is the same for all ages.

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

Standard Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event
• Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 14 days or less before the event
• Cancellation fee of 25% is charged if cancelled 20 days or less before the event

What if I’m late?

We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time. Since this is a group tour, we may not be able to wait for you if you are late. The tour will begin without the late guests and you can meet the rest of the group at the next location. Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need to meet the group in the next location.

What is the purpose of this tour?

In this tour, guests will learn how the Japanese people commemorate and pay their respects to those who have perished from war, the issues that civilians faced during WWII such as starvation, how Japanese soldiers felt and behaved during the war, learn why kamikaze (also known as tokotai) was so prevalent and how the soldiers told their family members before their inevitable fates.

Will this be a sensitive topic for some people?

While the purpose of this tour is to educate and inform about Modern Japanese history (from over 70 years ago until recent times), it may still be a sensitive topic to some people. We really hope that everyone who comes will keep an open mind and will not put our tour guides in a difficult situation; if the tour guide may feel threatened at any point, please note that the tour may have to end and the tour guide may contact local law enforcement if necessary.

How far in advance should I book?

Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip? 

Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be very challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and your answers from the Custom Tour form, we will begin putting together your Itinerary Sheet and will start arranging your tour guide, buying tickets, making reservations at venues for your tour, etc. If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary Sheet, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable

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Number of People 1 people 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 or more people

Package Standard tour Private tour Private tour with add-on 4 Hour Tokyo Tour (Public Trans) Private tour with add-on 4 Hour Tokyo Tour (Private Vehicle)

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8 Days The Last Shogun & Samurai | Highlights of Japan

• From Tokyo To Kyoto(Osaka)
• Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Updated

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Tour Descriptions

• Dates & Quote
• Accommodations

Tour Departure and Prices 1) Price per person.    2) Airfare is not included.  

Tour Includes

• - Travel Insurance
• - Optional Excursions

Travel Highlights

Important information, maximum group size.

The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.

Single Supplement

Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.

We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room. Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).

Accommodation

All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.

Transportation

All motor coaches come equipped with air-conditioning, plenty of space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi.

International Flights

All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport. We recommend you do not book your flights until the tour status changes from Book Now to Guaranteed Departure . You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.

Fitness & Shoes

Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.

Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. We apologize if you are unable to enjoy this experience during your stay.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.

• B :Breakfast

Dining Experience

Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiten Sushi

Teppan-Yaki Lunch

Cultural experience.

Green Tea Ceremony

Maiko Dining Experience

Japanese Style Hotel

Sake Tasting

Riding experience.

Bullet Train

Hakone Ropeway

Keep connected to the internet during your tour with a data SIM Card. This only provides wifi connection, not a phone number. ※Please check if your device is compatible with the SIM Card. ※If you live outside the U.S., you cannot select the SIM card.

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• licensed tour guide throughout

Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo

• Tokyo , Tour Reviews

Explore the rich and complex history of modern Japan on a captivating tour in Tokyo. Led by knowledgeable guides, this excursion offers a fascinating glimpse into recent Japanese military history , with highlights including a visit to the Showa-kan Museum, where visitors can explore the country’s wartime experiences.

One example of the tour’s immersive experience is the opportunity to learn about military practices like Kamikaze attacks . Pay tribute to the victims of Japan’s conflicts at a solemn shrine, and gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s past.

Sensitivity and open-mindedness are encouraged throughout the tour, ensuring a respectful exploration of this sensitive topic. With rave reviews and an enlightening itinerary, this modern Japanese history tour promises an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• The tour offers a guided excursion to explore modern Japanese military history in Tokyo.
• The Showa-kan Museum provides a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s military practices, including Kamikaze attacks .
• A visit to a shrine commemorating war victims offers an opportunity for reflection and remembrance.
• Sensitivity and open-mindedness are encouraged when approaching the topic, considering its potential sensitivity to some individuals.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

• Private & Custom TOKYO Day Tour Toyota COMMUTER (Max 13 Pax)
• Private Transfer From Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(Hnd)
• Shinjuku Golden-Gai and Kabuki-Cho Bar Hopping With Master Guide
• Small Group Iaido Class in Tokyo

Tour Overview and Itinerary

The tour offers a rundown and itinerary for exploring modern Japanese military history in Tokyo. Participants will embark on a guided excursion, delving into the depths of recent historical events.

The tour includes a visit to the renowned Showa-kan Museum, where visitors can learn about various military practices employed, including the infamous Kamikaze attacks. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to stop by a shrine that commemorates the war victims of Japan.

The tour begins promptly at 09:00 AM and concludes at the meeting point. It’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and open-mindedness, as it may be sensitive to some individuals. The purpose of this tour is to educate and inform about modern Japanese history, and tour guides are prepared to contact law enforcement if necessary.

Sensitivity and Open-mindedness

Visitors on the modern Japanese history tour in Tokyo are encouraged to approach the topic with an open mind and sensitivity, as it may be sensitive to some individuals.

The purpose of the tour is to educate and inform participants about modern Japanese history, particularly the military practices like Kamikaze attacks.

To enhance cultural understanding and provide historical context, the tour includes a visit to the Showa-kan Museum, where visitors can learn about the military history of Japan.

Plus, there’s a stop at a shrine that commemorates Japan’s war victims, offering an opportunity for reflection and remembrance.

Cancellation Policy

Participants on the modern Japanese history tour in Tokyo should be aware of the cancellation policy.

The refund policy states that if a booking is cancelled 5 days or less before the event, a 100% cancellation fee will be applied. If the booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event, a 50% cancellation fee will be charged. For cancellations made 10 days or less before the event, a 25% cancellation fee will be incurred.

It’s important to note that custom tour bookings should be made at least 3 months in advance. Plus, once the event details are sent, a service fee of 15% becomes nonrefundable.

To avoid any inconveniences or fees, participants are advised to make their cancellations within the specified booking deadlines .

Based on the overall rating of 4.5 stars and a review count from Viator and Tripadvisor, two reviews are currently available for the modern Japanese history tour in Tokyo.

Here are some visitor experiences and the historical significance of the tour:

• Rating: 5 stars
• The tour provided a deep understanding of Japan’s military history, particularly the Kamikaze attacks. The visit to the Showa-kan Museum was informative and eye-opening. The guide was knowledgeable and answered all questions with enthusiasm. The highlight was the visit to the shrine that commemorates Japan’s war victims, which brought a sense of reflection and respect for the past.
• Rating: 4 stars
• The tour provided a rundown of modern Japanese history. The guide was engaging and made the tour interesting. The visit to the Showa-kan Museum was enlightening, showcasing the impact of Japan’s military practices. The stop at the shrine was a poignant moment that emphasized the historical significance of the tour.

These reviews highlight the positive visitor experiences and the historical significance of the modern Japanese history tour in Tokyo.

Additional Information

The tour’s additional information includes the inclusion of the Showa-kan Museum and a visit to a shrine commemorating war victims. The Showa-kan Museum holds great significance in Japanese history, as it showcases the major events and cultural changes that occurred during the Showa era (1926-1989). It provides a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s military practices, including the infamous Kamikaze attacks. The museum exhibits artifacts, documents , and photographs that shed light on this period, allowing visitors to gain a deeper insight into Japan’s past. On the other hand, the shrine commemorating war victims has been subject to controversies. Some argue that it glorifies Japan’s militaristic past, while others view it as a necessary place for remembrance. This visit offers an opportunity to reflect on the complexities and contradictions of war commemoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. It is important to note that the duration of the tour is from 09:00 AM until the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. It is a convenient option for those who prefer to have their own refreshments during the tour’s various itinerary options.

Is Transportation Included in the Tour or Do We Have to Arrange Our Own?

Transportation arrangements are included in the tour, so participants don’t have to worry about arranging their own. The tour logistics ensure a smooth and convenient experience, allowing guests to focus on learning about modern Japanese military history.

Are There Any Specific Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific dress code requirements for the tour, but it is recommended to dress comfortably and respectfully. Visitors can choose to wear cultural attire if they wish to enjoy the experience.

Will There Be Breaks or Opportunities to Rest During the Tour?

Yes, there will be breaks and opportunities to rest during the tour. The guides understand the importance of taking breaks to ensure everyone’s comfort and enjoyment throughout the excursion.

To sum it up, the Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo offers a unique and enlightening experience for those interested in exploring the country’s military history.

Led by knowledgeable guides, participants have the opportunity to learn about Kamikaze attacks and gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s wartime experiences.

Sensitivity and open-mindedness are encouraged throughout the tour, ensuring a respectful exploration of this sensitive topic.

With positive reviews and a thought-provoking itinerary, this tour is a must-try for history enthusiasts visiting Tokyo.

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Activity Level

Start / Finish

Tokyo / Tokyo

Technical Level

A two-day guided walk through Tokyo’s fascinating history; from founding shogun to today's glittering metropolis; find remnants of and insights into samurai Edo amongst gleaming architecture in one of the safest, most liveable and most intriguing cities in the world.

Timed to follow immediately after Walk Japan's iconic Nakasendo Way tours.

Year-round.

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7 days | Year-round Activity Level : 3

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1 day | Year-round Activity Level : 3

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Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko pagoda

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Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior

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• Travel insurance
• Japan Experience

Path of the Samurai

• Duration : 16 days
• Locations : Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto
• Add to favorites

This Japan tour will have you follow in the footsteps of the famous Japanese warriors .

Dive into the heart of historical Japan at Matsumoto Castle with our guide Sylvain or into the treasures of Kyoto , the former imperial capital. After Tokyo , a mixture of modernity and tradition , discover Japan's mountains: Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps .

An original organised trip, for young and old!

16-day itinerary 

• Departure city/Airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND )
• Tokyo  (4 nights)
• Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji  (1 night)
• Matsumoto  (2 nights)
• Takayama (1 night)
• Kanazawa (2 nights)
• Osaka (2 nights)
• Kyoto (3 nights)
• Return city/Airport : Osaka (Kansai International Airport : KIX )

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 15 nights / 16 days ( + 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe )

PLEASE NOTE : The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe are identical due to the time difference.

Example : 

• Departure from Europe : January 1st
• Arrival in Tokyo ( = the date to be selected in the calendar when booking ) : January 2nd
• Return flight from NRT or HND airport / Return to Europe : January 17th

Please note that flights are not included in the price of your tour.

This tour information was  last updated on May 6 , 2024.

Interested in this tour but would like to spend a night in a Buddhist temple in Mount Koya? The Zen and Well-being tour might be right for you.

Why this trip to Japan ?

• Welcomed at the airport  by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
• Head for Kawaguchiko, in the Five Lakes region below Mount Fuji
• In Matsumoto, Sylvain is waiting to take you on a samurai experience at the foot of the castle
• An unforgettable dinner and night in a ryokan in the heart of the Japanese Alps
• Continue on towards Kanazawa, passing through a typical Japanese mountain village
• Finish in Kyoto, where a guided tour of the Gion district awaits you at nightfall
• Take advantage of your  transport passes  : Fuji Hakone Pass, Shirakawago bus...
• On the final day, a  shuttle bus  will take you from your accommodation to the airport
• Enjoy unlimited  internet access  thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
• If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
• A number of guided days or other optional  activities  are available
• Benefit from the expertise of  Japan Experience , European leading travel agency in Japan.

Your trip in detail

Day 1 : wake up in tokyo 東京.

Arrival in Japan

©Vasin Leenanuruksa / 123RF

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND ). Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi. Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the " Private Taxi from the Airport " option.

Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

Day 2 : First steps in the capital

Tokyo's famous Shibuya intersection - probably the world's largest crosswalk

©Wasin Pummarin/123RF

What to do in Tokyo on your first day

We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts: - Harajuku , the avant-garde district ;  - Meiji Jingû , the imperial sanctuary ; - Takeshita-Dôri , a must-see street in the capital ;  - Omotesandô , Tokyo's Champs-Élysées ;  - Shibuya and its impressive crossroads.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

Day 3 : The big loop

Asakusa: the Senso-ji temple and the Tokyo Sky Tree: a fascinating Tokyo district that's a must-see

chan Richie/123RF

For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".

Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit : - Ginza , Tokyo's chic district ; - Tsukiji , the small outdoor food market ; - Hama-rikyû , the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings ; - Asakusa , a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ; - Sensô-ji , the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ; - Tokyo Sky Tree , 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.

Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?

Day 4 : Follow the guide

Yakitori restaurant alley in Shinjuku, Tokyo

©Alexandre Chambon/Unsplash

There are still many places to discover according to your taste ! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...

Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten path!

Make the most of our many optional activities: - Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park are waiting for you! - Do you prefer a themed activity? Book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre. - Chasing thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!

Day 5 : A breathtaking view of Fuji

Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko pagoda in Fall season

©Prasit Rodphan/123RF

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Matsumoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Kawaguchiko .

Go to Shinjuku station and take a bus for Kawaguchiko (approx. 3h, included in your package). The train leaves the Japanese megalopolis and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Kawaguchiko  in the late morning. 

Upon arrival, stash your bags at your conveniently located hotel near the station. Then, it's finally time to delve into the wonders of the Five Lakes region! - Capture Mount Fuji framed by the iconic Chureito Pagoda and be prepared for a rewarding climb - the view is worth every step ; - Next, embark on a scenic lake hopping adventure. Each glistening lake reflects Mount Fuji's majestic peak , offering countless opportunities for stunning photos ; - Take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway for a breathtaking panorama of both the lake and Mount Fuji.  

Consider renting a bike for a half-day adventure around scenic Lake Kawaguchiko, capturing stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way!

Day 6 : Nature and mountain lakes

Mount Fuji at sunset

©manjik/123RF

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, soak up the beauty of Kawaguchiko and its surroundings. Then, in the afternoon, embark on a scenic train journey (approximately 3h30 with two transfers) that will whisk you away to Matsumoto , nestled in the heart of the majestic Japanese Alps .

Once arrived, check into your hotel located in the city centre, between the station and the castle.

Day 7 : The Samurai Castle

Steeped in history, Matsumoto has preserved many traces of its prosperity from the feudal period. Yet, the crown jewel of the city is its imposing castle, nicknamed the "Crow" for its dramatic black exterior. This magnificent structure, the oldest of its kind in Japan , offers breathtaking panoramic views year-round.

Beyond its historical charm, Matsumoto thrived as an industrial and commercial center. Even today, the Nakamichi district preserves a unique collection of workshops from the Meiji era , offering a glimpse into the city's bustling past.

Unveil the secrets of Matsumoto with a captivating half-day private tour and explore the city's rich history, including its iconic feudal castle and charming historical districts. This experience allows you to delve deeper into the past, perhaps even step into the shoes of a samurai for a morning with our expert guide Sylvain. Please not that during peak season, this tour may be substituted with a half-day guided tour in Tokyo. 

Day 8 : The charm of the Japanese mountains

Taste Japanese sake in a brewerie

©SUSANA MARTIN/123RF

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Kanazawa (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Takayama .

Head to Takayama by bus, a memorable journey through the mountains (approx. 2h30, included in your package). Once arrived, check into your 3* Asunaro ryôkan or equivalent , located in the heart of the capital of the Japanese Alps .

Enjoy the charms of Takayama  at your own pace, its century-old homes, temples and museums.

We recommend you to visit: - The traditional Kusakabe and Yoshijima houses ; - The Yatai Kaikan Exhibition Hall, where old religious festival " matsuri " floats are on display ; - The picturesque Shôwa-kan , museum on the 1940s to 1970s ; - The old Sannomachi shopping district ; - The Fuji Folk Art Museum .

Traditional Japanese dinner included in the ryôkan .

Day 9 : Rural & Mountain

Shirakawago, a world heritage village typical of the Japanese Alps

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan .

Next stop: Shirakawago ! Board a convenient bus ride (approximately 50 minutes, included in your package) and immerse yourself in this charming village nestled in the Japanese Alps . Stroll through the village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and marvel at the traditional gassho-style farmhouses with their iconic thatched roofs. 

Consider stepping inside a minka , a traditional Japanese house, to get a glimpse into the local way of life. For those seeking spiritual serenity, a visit to the Myôzen-ji temple , the village's Zen temple, is a must.

In the middle of the afternoon, head to Kanazawa by bus (1h15 journey, included in your package). Once arrived, check into your hotel located in the heart of this dynamic city.

Day 10 : The pearl of Japan

Enjoy nature and history in Kanazawa castle park, in the heart of the city

©kevboynet/123RF

Discover Kanazawa, between the northern sea and the Japanese Alps : - Kenroku-en , Kanazawa's magnificent Japanese garden ; - The Museum of Contemporary Art and its outdoor gallery ; - Omicho , the Sea of Japan fish market ; - Nomura House, home of the samurai , and its picturesque old quarter .

Overnight stay at your hotel in Kanazawa .

Day 11 : First steps in the capital of Kansai

Osaka Castle, one of famous castles in Japan.

©︎Natthapon Ngamnithiporn

For your next leg, whisk yourself away to Osaka on a high-speed shinkansen (approx. 3h, included in your package). Once arrived, check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

What is there to do in Osaka in 2 days ?

We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts :

- Osaka's medieval castle , with its park full of plum and cherry trees ; - The city centre and Nakanoshima Island , with its rose park surrounded by buildings ; - Utsubo Park , a cool oasis in the business district ; - Visit Umeda , the temple of Japanese shopping ; - Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm). 

Day 12 : Gastronomic introduction

Osaka - Dotonbori - Canal

©Juliana Barquero - unsplash

For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary :

- Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium , the world's largest aquarium in terms of volume ; - The Tennôji district and its Shitennô-ji Buddhist temple , one of the oldest in Japan ; - Spa World , Japan's largest thermal baths ( onsen ) ; - Shinseikai , with its retro charm ; - DenDen machi , the technologeek village ; - Finish off with Dôtonbori , the liveliest district in Japan.

Day 13 : The former capital

Old streets in Gion, traditional Kyoto district : a must-see when visiting Kyoto

Take the local train to Kyoto (about 1h using your prepaid transport card) and check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or equivalent (rooms available from 3pm).

You have 3 days to visit Kyoto. Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation : - Kiyomizu-Dera , the impressive water temple ; - The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka ; - Kôdai-ji , Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo. Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset. Meet your guide at 7 p.m. to start your evening walk around Gion , Kyoto's historic district. More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.

At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion..

Day 14 : Gold and Silver Treasures

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary: - The Zen garden of Ryôan-ji ; - Kinkaku-ji ( Golden Pavilion ) ; - Ginkaku-ji ( Silver Pavilion ) - The enchanting Philosopher's Path ; - Nanzen-ji temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).

Day 15 : Now for some activity...

Visit Fushimi Inari, one of the most famous shrine in Kyoto

Continue your visit to Kyoto by heading west: - Nishiki , Kyoto's culinary market; - Nijô Castle , former residence of the shogun; - Arashiyama , with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain.

This is your last full day to visit Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities : - Want to enjoy nature? Discover our cycling activities along the Kamo-gawa river or hiking in the Takao gorges! - If you're more into the Japanese arts , you'll love our tea ceremony, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens! - If you're in the mood for the Japanese countryside , let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara or try our popular activity: on the Tea Road!

Or, you could also take the 50 minute journey to Nara (not included in your package)! For your last evening, don't forget to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha , Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii .

Day 16 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

Sayonara - bye bye Japan !

©Maksims Grigorjevs/123RF

Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option.

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in the Kansai area or elsewhere... Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!

Included in your self-guided tour

Accomodation

- 4  nights in a 3* hotel  in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport

- 1  night in a 3* hotel  in Kawaguchiko

- 2  nights in a 3* hotel  in Matsumoto, between the train station and the castle 

- 1 night in a ryokan in the historic centre of Takayama, traditional half-board

- 2  nights in a 3* hotel in Kanazawa

- 2  nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Osaka, close to public transport

- 3  nights in a 3* hotel  in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport

The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

- Airport transfer to Tokyo HND or NRT

- Return airport transfer Kyoto > Kansai International Airport KIX

- Prepaid public transport card

- Bus tickets for Tokyo > Kawaguchiko

- Fuji Hakone Pass 3 days

- Train tickets for Kawaguchiko > Matsumoto

- Bus tickets for Matsumoto > Takayama

- Bus tickets for the journey from Takayama > Shirakawago > to Kanazawa

- Shinkansen Kanazawa > Osaka, seats reserved in standard class

Experiences and meals

- Airport meet and greet  

- Traditional dinner and breakfast included at the ryôkan in Takayama

- Discounts at many of Kawaguchiko tourist sites

- The breakfasts in Kawaguchiko , Matsumoto and Kanazawa

- Half-day tour of Matsumoto with samurai experience 

- Night guided tour of Gion, Kyoto

Additional services

- Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi

- Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure

- Luggage transfer between your hotels in Tokyo > Matsumoto and  Matsumoto > Kanazawa

- Telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese bilingual. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. This phone number is valid for telephone calls and also for WhatsApp.

Not included in the price of your trip

- Flights Europe <> Japan

- Optional insurance

- Personal expenses, including meals (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack.

- Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details)

- Everything not mentioned in the section "Included in your tour".

More about your trip

Your tour :

• The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
• Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
• Children and babies accepted. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen circuit. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in each accommodation.
• Pets are not allowed.
• This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
• Travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure, and other electronic documents 
• Paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, Japan Rail Pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
• N.B.: no ticket for airport transfers from Kansai airport. The reservation is registered in the name of the tour reservation.
• N.B.: In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide. Thanks for your kind understanding.

Your accommodation :

• Double room: Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together. As an option, you can select a double room instead of a twin if you prefer a double bed.
• Single room: People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants. Please note that if you request more than two people in a single room, the single room supplement will be applied to all accommodation except for the ryokans (3 and 4*). In fact, as this is traditional accommodation, people with the same reservation are grouped together in spacious rooms for up to 5 people.
• 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, a triple room will be allocated to you.
• In the case of a group order (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be accommodated in the same hotel. Nevertheless, we aim to keep you close. 
• Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.
• In the ryôkan , guests sleep on comfortable futons placed on the tatami mat. The room has a private sink and toilet. As is customary in Japanese ryôkan , the onsen bathroom is shared (not mixed) unless you take the "private bathroom in the room" option. OPTIONAL: Enjoy a private Japanese bathroom (traditional or modern onsen) in your room. This option is recommended for mixed couples, families, people who are modest or have visible tattoos. The 4* ryôkan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryôkan are private.

Your transport :

• Flights are not included in this tour . Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
• The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and depart from Kansai airport (KIX, not Itami ITM). On departure, you will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 6:30 p.m. at the most to make the most of the airport services of your circuit (reception and transfer to Tokyo). The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
• If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us 'Organize your welcome and airport transfer.
• Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop within 1-15 minutes walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to pick up the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you wish to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception, please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer". This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other clients leaving for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers leave between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival and stops can be made before your hotel. If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Please note: due to the many changes in flight schedules by the airlines, if the airline notifies you of a change in arrival time less than 72 hours before your departure, and if it exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. You will then have to take a taxi at your own expense, requesting a refund from your airline for abusive schedule changes. The same applies to your return journey: 72 hours before your return flight, we cannot change the shuttle schedule. Similarly, you will have to take a taxi booked with the hotel, at your own expense, with reimbursement procedures with the airline company being the only solution. Japan Experience is not responsible for last minute schedule changes. On the way back, the shared shuttle bus leaves from your hotel or very close by to take you directly to the Kansai KIX airport in 1 hour 30.
• Included in your tour is a pre-charged transport prepayment card of ¥ 1,500 (around £10.30 / 14.54$) (suica or Pasmo brand); bus tickets for Tokyo > Kawaguchiko, 1 Fuji Hakone Pass 3 days, train tickets for Kawaguchiko > Matsumoto, bus tickets for Matsumoto > Takayama, bus tickets for the journey from Takayama > Shirakawago > to Kanazawa, shinkansen tickets for Kanazawa > Osaka, (seats reserved in standard class). These cards should cover a large part of your trips during the stay. Upon expiry of the 1,500¥ transport prepaid card, any travel will be at your own expense by recharging your prepaid transport card (at vending machines in all stations and metro stations). 
• The Matsumoto > Takayama and Takayama > Shirakawago > Kanazawa bus trips are included in your offer. Takayama > Shirakawago bus tickets are not reserved tickets. You must arrive at least 15 minutes before the bus leaves in order to reserve your seat. Tickets for other buses are reserved seats.

Your activities :

• Airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Tokyo (this is possible, but optional).
• The Matsumoto tour lasts around 4 hours and includes a samurai experience. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English if your group is made up of travellers of different nationalities. More details on the meeting point in your travel pack. Dinner is not included, but your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat.
• The guided tour of Gion lasts around 2 hours and departs at 7pm. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English if your group is made up of travellers of different nationalities. More details on the meeting point in your travel pack. Dinner is not included, but your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat.

Your meals :

• Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option.
• Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (mostly savoury) are included in your Hakone tour. Do not hesitate to indicate any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the ryôkan so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the ryôkan does not take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.

Your additional services:

• A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
• It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic: simple operation) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work naturally until the last day of your trip to Japan.
• A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to a pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer).
• A single pocket wifi is provided for a circuit order of 1 to 5 people. For an order of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex :  Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect : Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa? Do I need vaccinations?

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html . If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html ) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf 

What are the procedures for entry?

Due to the current crisis, we advise you to visit the website of the Japanese embassy in your country to find out about the procedures for entry. Normally, for citizens of the European Union, Switzerland and Canada, you just need a valid passport (for the duration of your stay). A visa is not necessary for a tourist stay of less than 90 days.

When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms? And the autumn leaves?

Recommended dates for seeing the spring flowers: - plum blossoms: mid-February to mid-March - cherry blossoms (sakura): between 20 March and 15 April (dates vary from year to year) - wisteria, iris, azaleas: mid-April to end of May - hydrangeas: June - lotus flowers: August Recommended dates outside of spring : - Autumn leaves: mid-November - Observation of Zen gardens under the snow: mid-December to mid-February

Where should you start your tour in Japan? Where should you finish?

Most Japan Experience tours begin in Tokyo. This is because it is the gateway to both modern and traditional Japan. Tokyo allows a traveller to enter Japan step by step, whilst getting used to the time difference. Tokyo also has Japan's top two airports in terms of traffic. A few of our tours end in the Kansai region (Kyoto or Osaka). The return flight then goes from from Kansai International Airport (KIX), the 3rd largest airport in Japan, offering many possibilities for return flights to Europe without any real extra cost compared to a return flight from Tokyo. On these tours, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover the whole tour, allowing you to reduce the total price of the tour. And this without losing any transport possibilities as the Japan Rail Pass is of little use in Kansai. However, tours are available from Tokyo and sometimes other cities in Japan.

What are the essentials for a first trip to Japan?

The must-see places for a first trip to Japan are:

• Tokyo, the megalopolis with a thousand sides to it
• Kyoto, the capital of sophistication and Nara, with its temples and deer
• Hiroshima, between memory and modern times, and its sacred island Miyajima
• Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous mountain
• The Japanese Alps: Takayama, Matsumoto, Shirakawa-go
• Kanazawa, both modern and traditional, on the Sea of Japan

And many other unforgettable places to discover in our tours.

How long should a trip to Japan last?

For a first trip to Japan, a period of 2 weeks is optimal, with at least 3 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto and its region. Don't forget to take some time at the beginning of the trip to get used to the time difference.

When to go to Japan?

There are 4 seasons in Japan.

Spring , from the end of February to the end of May, is a mild season suitable for all kinds of activities. It is of course the period when sakura (cherry trees) bloom, the perfect occasion to admire them (hanami). Their blooming period is between March 20 and April 10 for Tokyo and Kyoto areas, while it is possible to admire them earlier in the south of the country and later in the north. The cherry blossom period is very popular and generates a lot of crowds. However, there are other beautiful flowers that bloom during this season: plum blossoms, with their sparkling pink at the end of February; fabulous azaleas in April-May; hydrangeas of all colors or irises during June.

Summer , from June to August, is generally synonymous with heat with a rainy season in the last two weeks of June during which you can expect rain several days a week. During this very hot and humid season, it is possible to enjoy fireworks (hanabi) in July and August, as well as matsuri , traditional Japanese festivals. Among the most famous are the Gion matsuri, which is held in Kyoto in mid-July or the Obon Matsuri in mid-August.

Then comes the high wind season (taifu) , which reaches its peak between August and September, but it is not necessary to avoid going during this period. Indeed, there is little chance that they will involve changing your travel plans, few of them even reaching the main island. 

Autumn , from September to November, is the season when temperatures are generally the most pleasant, quite similar to the continental European climate. It is also the season when the country is decorated with red tones and when one can admire the momiji (literally red leaves) which are usually visible in Tokyo, Kyoto and their region during the last two weeks of November.

Finally, winter, from December to February, is the coldest season but also the opportunity to admire the striking beauty of winter landscapes . December is a period of calm before the holiday season, while January is marked by a drop in temperature and the presence of a number of festivals. In central Japan, temperatures usually range from -4 to 10°C. In the mountains and the north of the country, temperatures drop significantly, while in Kyushu and Okinawa, winter tends to be milder.

The most touristic periods are :  - in February, the 10 days around the Chinese New Year, which marks a strong influx of tourists from all over Asia; - between the end of March and the beginning of April, the cherry blossom period; - between the end of April and the beginning of May, during the "Golden Week", a period with many public holidays and during which many Japanese go on vacation; - mid-August, during the Obon Matsuri; - at the end of November, the best period to observe the momiji; - early January, for the New Year, when many businesses and activities are closed.   So, if you want to go during a less crowded period, Japan Experience recommends you to go : - in February, outside the Chinese New Year period, for the cool but nevertheless pleasant weather and the splendid blooming of plum trees, before the cherry trees; - between mid-May and early June, to take advantage of the mild weather, lower traffic and the blooming of hydrangeas, azaleas and irises; - from September to early December, to take advantage of good temperatures, a reasonable level of tourism and the momiji period in late November.

Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe No. 1 travel in Japan

• The guarantee of the  first tour operator  specialised exclusively in Japan for 40 years
• A wide range of products to let you  Experience Japan from the inside
• Competitive prices  thanks to a single team in UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
• Assistance  available in Japan throughout your trip
• A  specialised team  is available 7 days a week by phone or email
• The best advice thanks to the  3,500 articles  available on our website

Optional services

Our other self-guided tours.

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Our activities in Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Matsumoto, Takayama , Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Osaka, Kyoto

Takayama Discovery, half day Activities in Takayama

• Duration : 4 hour
• Location : Takayama

Tokyo Game Show Activities in Tokyo

• Duration : 5 hour
• Location : Tokyo

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• Duration : 2 hour
• Location : Osaka

Soba making and Matsumoto Castle Visit Matsumoto

• Duration : 3 hour
• Location : Matsumoto

Noh, Ancient Japanese Theatre Activities in Tokyo

On the trail of the Samurai Matsumoto

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However, the Soga clan soon took over the political power resulting in a system where most emperors remained only as a symbol of the state. The Asuka Period (538 - 710) marked the initiation of Buddhism in Japan. Up until that era, Japan's religion was based on the Shinto religion, which is still practiced today. However, fundamental changes during this period were not only religious beliefs, but other important foreign concepts and practices that had a profound impact on Japanese society. Prince Shotoku wrote the Constitution of Seventeen Principles which consisted of moral and political principles. It is also said that he played an important role in promoting Chinese beliefs. The Taika Reform was also established, which involved a government and administration system based after the Chinese model. The Nara Period (710 - 794) highlights the establishment of the first permanent capital at Nara. The Japanese capital was moved from Fujiwara-kyo to Heijokyo (modern Nara) in 710. It was during this era that the Great Buddha Daibutsu was built at the Todaiji temple in Nara. Buddhist art and architecture flourished, and Buddhism became a prevalent religion. Literary works such as Kojiki and Nihon Shoki (histories of Japan) were compiled. An imperial anthology of poetry called Man’yoshu was also celebrated.

In the Heian Period (794 - 1185), there was a great flowering of classical Japanese culture. The period is named after the capital that moved to Heian-kyo (now Kyoto), heian meaning "peace and tranquility". The Fujiwara family gained control of the political scene for several centuries, ruling on behalf of the emperors. After the clan's power reached its peak in 1016, the fall embarked when the ability of the Fujiwara leaders began to decline and public order could not be maintained. This lead to land owners hiring samurai for protection, further resulting in a much more influential military class. In the 12th century, two military families called the Minamoto (or Genji) and Taira (or Heike) gained much power. The rival clans fought a deciding war for supremacy, the Gempei War, lasting from 1180 to 1185. The Minamoto defeated the Taira control, and Minamoto Yoritomo succeeded as the leader of Japan. He was appointed shogun and established a new government in Kamakura. The Kamakura Period (1192 - 1333) began with shogun Minamoto Yoritomo establishing a new feudal government called Kamakura Bakufu. It was simpler and more efficient than the one in Kyoto under Japanese conditions.

After Yoritomo's death in 1199, a feud for power began between the Bakufu of Kamakura and the Imperial court in Kyoto. When the Kamakura defeated the Imperial army during the Jokyu disturbance (1221), the Hojo regents achieved complete control over Japan. The Hojo clan maintained tight control and brought several decades of peace and economic expansion until an outside power threatened Japan. There were Mongolian invasion attempts in 1274 and 1281 which the Honjo family successfully defeated. However, when warriors were not properly rewarded for their efforts, they turned their loyalty away from the Kamakura government. In turn, imperial power was restored and the Kamakura Bakufu was overthrown by 1333. The beginning of the Muromachi Period (1333 - 1573) was dominated by a political standoff between Emperor Go-Daigo, who briefly restored imperial power and overthrew the Kamakura Bakufu, and former supporter Ashikaga Takauji. Ashikaga Takauji who had once fought for the emperor, challenged and succeeded in capturing Kyoto. Takauji appointed himself as shogun in 1338. The government buildings in Kyoto (from 1378) were located in the Muromachi district, giving the period its name. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1368 - 1408) established good trade relations with Ming China which lead to an improved economic change. As a result, there was a development of markets, several towns, and new social classes.

The Ashikaga shoguns and the government in Kyoto declined during the 15th and 16th centuries. New feudal lords, referred as daimyo, continuously fought each other to exert control over different parts of Japan. This occurred for several decades known as the Sengoku period, a complicated age of civil wars. By the 16th century, powerful warlords rivaled against one another to gain control over the entire country. One of them was Oda Nobunaga, who commenced the unification of Japan by capturing Kyoto in 1568 and overthrew the Muromachi bakufu in 1573. During the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573 - 1603), Oda Nobunaga continued eliminating his enemies after establishing himself in Kyoto. In 1575, Nobunaga defeated the Takeda clan in the battle of Nagashino. In 1582, General Akechi assassinated Nobunaga and seized his Azuchi castle. A general fighting for Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, quickly reacted and defeated Akechi while gaining control. Hideyoshi conquered the Northern provinces, Shikoku in 1583, and Kyushu in 1587. In 1590, Japan was finally reunited after defeating the Hojo family in Odawara. Hideyoshi's massive castle, the Osaka castle, was built the same year.

A command was issued by Hideyoshi to expel Christian missionaries. Franciscans entered the country anyways (1593) and Jesuits remained active. Hideyoshi intensified the persecution of Christian monasteries and executed 26 Franciscans as a warning. After uniting Japan, Hideyoshi made an unsuccessful attempt at conquering China. Hideyoshi stubbornly did not give up and failed yet again until 1598, the same year he died. A man named Tokugawa Ieyasu, a former partner of Hideyoshi and Nobunaga, succeeded Hideyoshi as the most powerful ruler of Japan. The Edo Period (1603 - 1867) began when Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed shogun by the emperor and founded his government in Edo (now Tokyo). The Tokugawa shoguns ruled and maintained a secluded peace for over 250 years. In 1615, Ieyasu eliminated the Toyotomi clan and captured the Osaka castle. Peace prevailed throughout the Edo period as he and his successors no longer had any rivals. Poetry, music, Kabuki and bunraku (puppet theater), geisha, popular stories, a rich literature, and art were all among the culture that flourished during this era. By the end of the 18th century, external pressure became a profoundly important issue in Japan. Unsuccessfully, Russians first tried to develop trade contacts with Japan, followed by Europeans and Americans in the 19th century. Eventually, Commodore Perry forced the Tokugawa government to open international trade ports in 1854.

The Tokugawa government fell in 1867-68 due to heavy political pressure, and Emperor Meiji’s power was restored. The Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) was introduced when political authority shifted from the shogunate to the imperial court. When Emperor Meiji moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, it became the new capital. Japan among other subjugated Asian nations, were forced to sign treaties with the Western powers. Since these treaties admitted the West into one-sided economical advantages, Meiji Japan was determined to regain its independence from Europeans and Americans. The new government made drastic reforms aiming to state equality among the people of Japan. Specifically, boundaries between social classes of Tokugawa Japan were gradually broken and religious freedom was established. In 1889, Japan received its first European-style constitution. A parliament known as the Diet was established while the emperor held sovereignty over the army, navy, and executive and legislative power.

In 1894, the Sino-Japanese War was a reaction due to a conflict of interest in Korea between China and Japan. Japan defeated China and received Taiwan. Although Russia, France, and Germany forced Japan to return other territories. The Russo-Japanese War in 1904-05 transpired because of a new conflict of interest in Korea and Manchuria, this time between Russia and Japan. The Japanese army was victorious, and furthermore, gained territory and international respect. Japan's influence on Korea increased leading to its annexation in 1910. The war successes caused nationalism in Japan to grow, as well as confidence in other Asian countries. The era of the ruling clique of genro came to an end when Emperor Meiji died in 1912. During the Taisho period (1912 - 1926), political power was shifted from the genro to parliament and democratic parties. Japan joined the Allied powers during the First World War, playing a minor role in fighting German colonial forces in East Asia. At the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, Japan's proposal of the "racial equality clause" was rejected by the United States, Britain, and Australia.

The Exclusion Act passed by the US Congress in 1924 was yet another factor that lead to the deteriorating relations preceding World War 2. Japan's economic situation worsened after WW1 when the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the depression of 1929 hit. In the Early Showa Period (1926 - 1945) the military held almost complete authority over the government. Japan's influence over Manchuria had been gradually increasing since the Russo-Japanese war in 1904-05. When Chinese nationalists challenged Japan's position in Manchuria (in 1931), the Kwantung Army (Japan’s armed forces) occupied Manchuria. The second Sino-Japanese War broke out in 1937. The Japanese forces almost succeeded in occupying the whole coast of China. Although, the Chinese government never surrendered fully, and the war continued until 1945. Upon agreement with the French Vichy, Japan occupied French Indochina (Vietnam) and joined the Axis powers with Germany and Italy in 1940. The US and Great Britain reacted with an oil boycott, which further resulted in more conflict and Japan's decision to go to war. In December of 1941, Japan attacked the Allied Powers at Pearl Harbor and other Pacific points, and was able to expand control over a large territory. The Allied forces slowly won back the territories occupied by Japan after the battle of Midway in 1942. Intensive air raids started over Japan in 1944. In 1945, Okinawa was invaded by US forces.

The Allied Powers requested Japan in the Potsdam Declaration (July 27, 1945) to surrender, or destruction would continue. Even after the US forces dropped two atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 6 and 9), the military would not consider the terms. However, on August 14th, Emperor Showa decided to surrender unconditionally. The Postwar Showa period (1945 - 1989) marked the decades of Japan's tremendous recovery and its rise to a global economic powerhouse second only to the United States, its former enemy and subsequent ally. "The Japanese Miracle" is the remarkable period of Japan following the decades after 1950, where the country rebuilt itself politically and economically. The Heisei period (1989 - present) is Japan's current era. This era went immediately into effect after the death of Hirohito, the Showa Emperor, and his son Akihito succeeded the throne. The Heisei period was marked by a turbulent of politics (over 15 prime ministers within first two dozen years), a prolonged economic slowdown, and financial crises. In 1995, there was a deadly earthquake in Kobe. Another catastrophic earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Honshu in 2011, which further lead to the Fukushima nuclear accident.

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Home > Tours > Traditional Culture > Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour

Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour

Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo.

Step back in time to ancient Tokyo during this 3.5-hour exploration of the city’s historic Yanaka district. Discover a different side of the sprawling Japanese capital that dates back to its Edo period of the 17th through 19th centuries, admiring the area’s charming mix of temples, springtime cherry blossoms and timeless ‘reien’ (cemetery). Your guide will accompany you on your visit, providing additional details about Japanese history and local culture. Why not get away the bustle of a big city and feel the atmosphere of Tokyo from the old days?

・Discover the historic side of Tokyo's Edo Period ・Wander the charming streets of this well-preserved historic district ・Escape the skyscrapers for a taste for daily life in historic Japan ・Visit ancient temples, springtime displays of cherry blossoms and the local 'reien' (cemetery) ・Learn about Japan's Edo era, spanning the 16th through 19th centuries ・Great way for a 'mini-retreat' during a visit to Tokyo ・Eat around Yanaka-Ginza- Shoutengai *a shopping street

・ We will customized the tour plan to best fit our customer's desires. ・SCAI THE BATHHOUSE is closed on Monday, Sunday, and national holidays. So, on the closed day, you watch only the exterior appearance. ・Please comply with the tour guide when you want to take some photos around Yanaka-Ginza- Shoutengai because some shops prohibit you from doing it. ・Tour duration can be extended at a rate of 6,000 yen per group, per hour. ・Hotel pickup will incur an additional fee of ¥8,000 per person includiong one-way train ticket (for hotels in the central Tokyo area). ・During the peak travel seasons of March, April, and October, please be aware that there will be an additional charge of 2,000 yen per person for the tour.

Meeting Point

JR Nippori station (North Exit) http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e1184.html

Reviews (281)

Christie（USA） ★★★★

Great tour!

Takeshi-san did a wonderful job. Great communication and flexibility. I felt like I got to see a little bit of the "insider's view" of Yanaka. He even helped me get to my train platform for the next part of my trip. He has a nice way of making guests feel welcomed and taken care of. I'd definitely recommend his trip planning service.

Ewiebe（Canada） ★★★★★

Awesome tour

These guys were so helpful! The tour was customized for us and they showed us a lot on it. Definitely recommend this one

Jon-Peter Rock（USA） ★★★★★

Beautiful day and Tour

I truly enjoy the one on one tour of yanaka and old historical sites here much better then a tour bus to asakusa, this tour had a better way to connect with the culture, i felt that I truly experience japan

Seth Kim（USA） ★★★★★

Yanaka Walking Tour

Excellent tour of Yanaka with Wakana today who was fantastic and very personable. She was very good at judging our small group's pace as it was very hot and she even took us to a local coffee shop to cool down and have some drinks. She was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to since she used to live in the U.S. herself. Without the tour we may have never seen the area and without Takei who joined us on our tour (owner), we may have not had the amazing ramen he suggested at the end of the tour. Thanks for everything :).

TGF（USA） ★★★★★

A beautiful day for a great tour

I met Naho at the train station and we began our 3.5 hour walking tour. That might sound like a lot of walking but it was all worth it. Naho introduced me to the history of the area, and I learned a lot about Yanaka. We saw some beautiful (and old) Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples (and I learned the difference!).As a cat lover, I was thrilled to see of the very healthy feral cats the city is known for. It was also nice to walk through an area that is historic, but also not exceedingly touristy. We were fortunate enough to be there on the day that began the festival of their version of thanksgiving, so listened to music and experienced the fair-like atmosphere. Naho was a very gracious and knowledgeable host, and I would recommend her tour to travelers who want to learn more about old Japan in a relatively short period of time.

jamie（Unites Sates of America） ★★★★★

Experience Old Nostalgic Tokyo

I am so happy my brother and I signed up for this tour. Our guide Naho was AWESOME. It was as as if we were walking around with an old friend who was showing us around. It was easy to ask her questions and she was gracious enough to answer them. We LOVED this tour. One would think a 3 and a half hour tour would be too much but we honestly did not want it to end. Naho even gave us suggestions for other things we could do in Tokyo. If you have the chance please take this tour. The pace of the tour was nice. It was mixed with wonderful shops, historic sites, also temples and shrines. If you are fortunate enough to get Naho as a guide you have lucked out! I really can't explain how much my brother and I truly enjoyed this tour.

Susan Syme（Australia） ★★★★★

We had a wonderful afternoon walking around Yanaka with Naho.She talked us through the Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines very interesting We also experienced a tea ceremony and were taken to some of the small specialty shops in Yanaka.We felt priveleged to have known Naho for that short time she has a great sense of humour and nothing was too much trouble

Huw Jones （Wales ） ★★★★★

I would highly recommend the Yanaka walking tour. No visitor to Tokyo would be able to find all the places the tour goes to without the assistance of a guide. We were fortunate to have Naho as our guide. Her knowledge of the area and her ease of communication added much to the tour's success. The area of Yanaka in contrast to central Tokyo is a quiet and reflective place with many historic Shinto and Buddhist shrines. We particularly enjoyed our visit to the Gallery Okuba Yaka-An for the green tea ceremony and Allan West's studio and gallery was a bonus before the interesting walk back to the station down Snake Road. Thank you Naho.

Eleanor（USA） ★★★★

Yanaka walking tour

I highly recommend this tour to see the different side of tokyo, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We enjoyed seeing different temples, old japanese houses, and the beauty and quiet place that Yanaka is known for. It's a way to learn the real japanese culture as told by Takeshi (owner/tour guide). Thank you!

Claudia Lewin（Australia） ★★★★★

Definitely recommend!

This tour is a fantastic way to see parts of Tokyo you would never be able to see on your own. Takeshi took me to so many beautiful shrines and temples, through the winding streets of Yanaka, and to cute bakeries and coffee shops! I did it after a few days of inner-Tokyo hustle and bustle and it was both relaxing and informative :)

Anne Hoddinott（Australia） ★★★★★

Marvellous experience visiting charming Yanaka

What a fantastic experience this tour is .And if you are lucky enough to have the charming and clever Naho as your guide, you will enjoy a fascinating glimpse into a culturally rich and lovely part of Tokyo. Far from the tyranny of the skyscraper, this area of Tokyo is full of small galleries, specialty stores, bars, bakeries, tea houses. The winding alley ways are not frequented by busloads of tourists. Naho's knowledge is extensive. We chanced too on a green tea ceremony which was wonderful. I can not recommend this tour highly enough.

KChasey（US） ★★★★★

Yakanak Walking Tour

This was a excellent tour and even though I have traveled to Japan over a 100 times I had never been to this part of the city. I took my 22 year old son along and we took the tour with another father and son that turned out to be from the same state! We enjoyed the experience so much that we went back the next day to do some additional shopping.

Mary E（USA） ★★★★★

Lovely tour of an old Tokyo neighborhood. Was a nice escape from the busy city. Highly recommended

Jen Brown（US） ★★★★★

Sumiko-San met me at the Nippori station and spent the next 3.5 hours showing me all the sites around Yanaka. What a fantastic tour! The neighborhood has all the beautiful sites as other areas in Tokyo, but a relaxed local vibe. Sumiko had a ton of knowledge of the area and was so friendly and personable. She was able to adjust a few things so I could see some of the sites I was very interested in and I would definitely recommend this tour off the beaten path to any tourist or maybe even locals!

smilemaker（japan） ★★★★★

Yanaka Tour

Awesome Tour with Sumiko, Lots of culture , great dialogue, If you have the time do not miss this great experience

Varneyosu（United States of America） ★★★★★

Great way to start our trip!

This was the first tour we did after arriving in Japan and Hisako was a great guide!! She knew all about the area and was able to answer every question we asked her. We were so into the tour and taking pictures of the scenery that we would have forgotten to take any photos with ourselves in them, but Hisako thought of it and took pictures of us! We are a family of 4 (16 yr old boy & 17 yr old girl) and we all enjoyed ourselves!

Jill（Canada） ★★★★★

Yanaka and Nippori Walking Tour

What a fantastic tour!!! Sumiko was outstanding in her knowledge and being able to explain all the history of all the attractions we saw. She was kind and considerate in taking the time to thoroughly answer all our questions. I'd recommend her to anyone interested in taking a tour! She's wonderful!!

Kevin（Australia） ★★★★★

Yanaka Wandering Tour

Sumiko was fantastic: knowledgeable, well prepared, very personable and fully engaged in our experience. The tour was a delight! Kevin and Paula.

Beata（Holland） ★★★★★

Fantastic experience

I would really recommend this tour to young and all, couples and families. Very informative and enjoyable, Sumiko is a real jewel as a host and she not only made the Yanaka area come to life but also explained a lot about the city, its history, religion and food. Also showed us an amazing restaurant to have lunch and little shops to get lovely souvenirs. Worth every penny.

Beatrijs（USA） ★★★★★

Interesting and unique experience.

My two daughters and I did this afternoon tour with our guide, Rie, who was very kind and knowledgeable. We saw sights and local treasures that we would not have seen on our own. Rie went out of her way to accommodate us and even walked us back after the tour to a sushi restaurant she recommended. We had a lovely dinner there thanks to our guide. Thank you for the interesting tour and conversation Rie.

Rowena（Canada） ★★★★★

EXCELLENT WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN TOKYO

This walking tour was a great respite from the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo. Rie S. was an excellent tour guide and she clearly shared her appreciation and love for this district. Her English was excellent and she was flexible in allowing more or less time to be spent at spots that suited me. I asked so many questions and she was patient and knowledgeable. All the sites were fascinating and the history and background of each one immersed me more into Japanese culture compared to the popular Tokyo tourist spots I’ve visited. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring some money as you’ll also get to do a bit of market shopping. I highly recommend this tour and you will be very lucky if you have Rie as your guide.

Neville（Australia） ★★★★★

On an extreme hot day, Hizuru, our guide, provided a colourful, entertaining and knowledgeable walking tour of old Tokyo. The historical walk covered a famous cemetery with detailed explanations of the 5 elements and renowned Japanese identities buried there, visits to exquisite shrines and step by step instruction to pray plus flowing and informative commentary as we walked down all the old streets. It was an excellent tour although we nearly all evaporated in the heat. Thank you Hizuru.

Jordan（USA） ★★★★★

Very fun tour with a great guide

This is a great way to start a trip to Tokyo. I did this tour on my second day, and was brought to many somewhat hidden spots that I would never have stumble across otherwise. Rie was an awesome guide; very informative, kind, and willing to help me interact with the locals which made shopping very easy. I very highly recommend this tour!

David（Taiwan） ★★★★★

Enjoyed Yanaka very much

Our guide made this tour what it was. Rie was punctual, informed and friendly. The 4 other members of our group were also interesting and fun. As promised, we were on our feet for 3 and a half hours, with brief breaks for water and to cool off, so you need to enjoy walking and looking at a historical Tokyo neighborhood that many Japanese never visit.

Michelle （Thailand） ★★★★★

An enjoyable walk in old Tokyo

Despite the heat, our knowledgeable and sweet and friendly guide Rie made sure we were interested enough not to notice the much of blazing heat in the 3.5 hour walk we did together. She brought us deep into the heart of Yanaka and showed us quite a lot of insights into the time of the Shoguns. I highly commend Rie to all interested history buffs.

Greg（USA） ★★★★★

Our guide was delightful....

We enjoyed all the sites, plus a traditional Japanese lunch !!! Our guide Rie was extremely informative and her English was great.

Laura（USA） ★★★★★

Terrific tour of a beautiful place in Tokyo with Mikko

This was a welcome change from the busy streets of Tokyo! Mikko's command of the English language was exceptional and she was attentive to our group needs. It was an extremely warm day and we visited many beautiful sites in Yanaka including temples, a gorgeous park cemetery, various landmarks and a quaint streetside shopping market area. Mikko gave us the history of places we stopped along with some background on the culture of Japan. She scheduled enough breaks where we could cool off and gave us a good recommendation for a traditional Japanese lunch. My son and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour with Mikko.

Chi Wing Ng （Hong Kong） ★★★★★

A stunning insight, a real treat

This recently being our second time in Tokyo as a family, we were keen to learn more about the city and really dig into the city by exploring areas at a time. Our guide Yoshimi-san made our trip to Yanaka immensely worthwhile, explaining not only what we were seeing but really contextualizing the different landmarks to make a really enriching experience. Through not just the tour but also in conversations with Yoshimi-san, we didn't just go on a tour; we got to meet a friend and learn about the personality of Tokyo.

Carolyn （Scotland） ★★★★★

Enjoyable afternoon tour

We really enjoyed our afternoon tour of Yanaka with Hizuru. It was very informative, interesting and went to places we would not have found ourselves. A nice mix of history and culture. Hizuru took photos of us and each location then sent them that evening by email to us which was a really nice touch. Highly recommended.

Sharon（USA） ★★★★★

Who would have thought such quaintness lies within such a large city! The sreeets are small and are roads less traveled. If you want to get away from the hustle, a walk down snake road will do the trick.

Chirag（） ★★★★★

Yanaka tour with guide Hisako

It was an excellent off beat tour of Yanaka at Tokyo with Guide Hisako. This started at Nippori Station. She was perfectly on time having name plate with her. She was very kind; knowledgeable and polite. She took me at all the places which was mentioned in itenary. She gave me extra time where I was interested more. After the tour was over she dropped me at Station. She also explained me about various local special sweets and specialty of Japan. We tasted a Delicious sweet with green tea on way. Thanks Hisako for showing me such a beautiful Tokyo which I had not expected and taking good photos of me at various places.

Charles（USA） ★★★★★

Tour of historic sections of Tokyo

Great tour, very relaxed, good discussion of history of temples and shrines around Nippori station. Most interesting stop at art gallery for prints in classic style. Highly recommended 3 hours of my Tokyo visit!

Brigitte（USA） ★★★★★

So pure and humble and great for photos theres also koi and turtles at arms length so great for kids.

Alain（Belgium） ★★★★★

Yanesen guided walking tour

I booked this 3.5 hour tour in the older part of Tokyo to see isomething different than the main touristic areas. Mikko, our guide was very passionate about this area in which she also lived. She did a great job in explaining the culture and history of the area and I can advise you to consider this tour. You will walk in back streets, visit the grave of the last Shogun, very nice and quiet temples and at the end the local shopping street. No high rise buildings but small local houses wit tiny gardens. Thank you Mikko for guiding us through the area and making sure we had a nice time. Learned something, had fun and a healthy walk.

Meghan（USA） ★★★★★

A fantastic morning in historic Yanaka

The Yanaka walking tour was a wonderful experience. My guide, Rie, was prompt, friendly, knowledgeable, and an absolute joy to be with. This isn't just a tour, it's a pleasant morning strolling through one of the most scenic and peaceful areas of Tokyo with a good friend. Learn about local history and customs while walking through residential neighborhoods made up of original wooden rowhouses, listening to bird song, and enjoying the lack of crowds! Pay respect to the deities of the local shrines, get your fortune told at a temple, try delectable local sweets all while learning about Japanese culture. I couldn't have hoped for a better tour, it was a perfect morning that I would recommend to anyone traveling to Tokyo. Make sure to escape the chaos of downtown and get yourself up to Yanaka! Also request Rie, she made the tour what it was. Instead of a dry recitation of facts, she brings the information to life with her wit and kindness. A five star guide for a five star tour!

Janine Waters（New Zealand） ★★★★★

An authentic experience!

I met my lovely guide Yoshimi at the station, she was easy to find, the communication received prior ensured that. I was lucky enough to have her all to myself so we set off to explore the rich history of Yanaka. Yoshimi was friendly, knowledgeable and lovely to spend hours with strolling around Tokyo. When we saw a beer house, in a traditional house setting, I was very keen to stop and sample some of the options available. As it was just us, this was no problem, so we stopped and enjoyed a chat whilst I enjoyed a pint or 2. We carried on and I got to enjoy lovely local things, like a little bakery down a tiny side ally that a tourist would never otherwise know about, and to learn about many of the customs at the temples we visited. I loved this tour and I loved Yoshimi. I was recommended to do this tour by a friend and she was right, it was wonderful. I can't wait to visit again in spring! Thanks!!

Heinrich Vogt（Germany） ★★★★★

Yanaka walking tour - well worth it

I never thought a tea ceremony could be that enjoyable. Thanks to our guide Rie, we were shown a very interesting and peaceful part of Tokyo, that I never would have come across on my own.

June Nowlan（Australia） ★★★★★

Rie our tour guide was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, happy & kind. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour & appreciated Rie's expert guidance around & knowledge of the area. Thank you very much & please pass our heartfelt thanks to Rie. She is an asset to your company & therefore we have no hesitation in recommending this tour & Rie to everyone. Thank you & cheers

Heather McKenzie（Australia） ★★★★★

Rie was an excellent guide . She was knowledgeable friendly and her English was excellent. The tour was very interesting and we would thoroughly recommend it.

Julie Casby（USA） ★★★★★

Yanaka Tour- Historic Tokyo

We had a wonderful afternoon exploring the historical area of Tokyo with our tour guide, Yuki! This 3.5 hour walking tour is perfect for stepping back in time to explore Japanese history as it relates to religion and beliefs that evolved thru time. Cemetery, temples, shrines are viewed, as well as quaint shopping areas. You will enjoy this peaceful tour in the otherwise bustling city of Tokyo.

John & Barbara Bloniarz（USA） ★★★★★

Rie was a wonderful guide and the tour was interesting. Her warm personality really made a difference.

Joshua Ehrlich（Australia） ★★★★★

Fascinating, enjoyable Yanaka Tour

In the pouring rain, we met the lovely Hisako for our tour of the old area of Yanaka. In spite of the rain, we had a full and enjoyable tour visiting the cemetery which was moving and beautiful as many graves had fresh flowers after visits from family for the Autumn Equinox. Hisako explained the religions of Shinto and Buddhism. The tiny winding streets showed Japanese living outside of the neon lights and hustle & bustle of the city centre. We enjoyed coffee and a green tea cake in a tiny coffee shop which had been saved many years ago from demolition. A highlight was Snake St and the many street food stalls leading back to Nippori Station. Hisako was a lovely lady and we very much enjoyed her company. A wet day very well spent!!

Rosita C（Netherlands） ★★★★★

Very informatif tour given by a very nice and intelligent tourleader Yoshimi. We've booked the tour on the second day of our stay in Japan and that was a good choise! Because of the extensive information Yoshimi provided we understood all the other important sightseeings in the following places in Japan we have visited. I can recommend this tour with Yoshimi.

Mary D（USA） ★★★★★

Lovely Walking Tour

Very informative walking tour of an old part of Tokyo with an English speaking guide, Rie. We stopped at many beautiful old temples, shrines, cemetaries and the tomb of the last shogun of Japan. The tour was a great way to learn more about Japanese culture, customs and history. An enjoyable way to spend the morning!

Eleanor H（Australia） ★★★★★

We spent 3.5 hours walking around the Yanaka area with Yuki. She was very knowledgeable and was able to shed some light on the history of the area and Japanese history in general. We were able to see a less touristy side of Tokyo and enjoy time as the locals. Sampling foods from the sidewalk stalls was another highlight. We would highly recommend this tour to get to know the area. Yuki is a fantastic guide who made everything come alive.

Michelle Levitt（Australia） ★★★★★

Yanaka walk & culture insights

Nobuko is a fantastic guide , very knowledgeable and she gave us some interesting snippets of history & religion whilst walking around the area. We visited many historic temples and were also lucky enough to see the Harvest Celebrations - street parades and a market festival in the local park .We had a very enjoyable half day !

Paul S（Australia） ★★★★★

We booked this tour through the Veltra website as they gave the best description of the tour and their follow up communications were excellent. We received an email containing a detailed description of where and when to meet at Nippori station, a photo of the guide and her contact details. The tour was quite an easy 5 km walk at a reasonable pace over 3.5 hours, however did involve walking up and down steps and hills. The tour itself was interesting as walked through the local streets and got to see how the locals live. Our guide Junko was very knowledgeable and explained a lot of the history of the area as we visited cemeteries and temples. Junko allowed plenty of time for stops for coffee and shopping. Overall this was an enjoyable tour.

Benjamin（Germany） ★★★★★

Best tour on our holiday

This tour - guided by Mikiko - was our best during our 16 days holiday in Japan. Even though we were a larger group and the weather was very hot, she still managed to make this a very funny and informative tour. We learned some interesting things about Buddhism and Shintoism but also the daily life of Japanese people. In these 3,5 hours we were introduced to quite some shrines, where we learned the differences and commonalites between the two religions. Although packed with informations, there was always enough time to make pictures as memorable value. Mikiko is a very recommendable guide for this tour. Thank you for the great time in Yanaka :-)

LeAnne Koliha（USA） ★★★★★

“A lovely look at residential Tokyo ”

This walking tour gives you a chance to get away from the crowded commercial areas and see Tokyo the way the locals do

Lorianne Gay（South Africa） ★★★★★

“Excellent Yanaka Walking Tour hosted by Hisako”

Hisako was a great guide for this tour. She is smart, knowledgeable, and witty. She explained everything around us. We visited several temples and shrines, such as Tennoji and Nedu Jinja, and walked through many Yanaka streets. We even saw an owl cafe! We ended by walking through Yanaka Ginza and I bought a souvenir and we drank some complimentary tea. I recommend this tour.

Mary Heaney（USA） ★★★★★

“Experience the Old and Nastagic Tokyo Yanaka Walking Tour”

Wonderful tour Excellent guide Ms . Suzuki was very engaging and fun Knowledge was great Small group of 10 made the walk manageable

Amanda Robinson（USA） ★★★★★

Was a wonderful tour! Our Tour guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the area and was always happy to answer questions.

Tabitha Steiner（USA） ★★★★★

“Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour”

What an incredible day we had on our walking tour today. Our guide, Rie, was extremely knowledgeable and delightful. It was so nice to get away from the busy streets of the shopping districts and see another side of Tokyo. We learned so much about Japanese History and culture. Absolutely would take this tour again!

Margaret Key（Australia） ★★★★★

“Great way to experience historical Tokyo ”

This was a fantastic and informative walking tour. We wanted to see a more historic Tokyo and the reviews for this tour were very positive. Rie was our guide and provided great information, current and historical. The group was small with ten people and we visited temples, shrines, cemeteries, small shops and art galleries. If you are visiting Japan I strongly recommend you book this walking tour. It is very easy to travel to Nippori Station and find the meeting place.

Joseph D（Australia） ★★★★

Good different view of Tokyo!

This is a good walking tour of Tokyo that gives a different perspective to Japanese culture and life. Tour focused on walking the streets, visiting shrine and temple, local shops and places to eat, cemetery and back streets.

Knety（Swithland） ★★★★

Nice tour in a neighborhood of Tokio

Overall it has been a very nice way of exploring Tokio and to learn more about history and as well a small neighborhood place. Our guide Rie provided quite a lot of details and was obviously very familiar with the history of Japan and was able to answer all our questions. Would just suggest that you do it at the beginning of your visit to Japan and not at the end as we just did it. Due the fact that we did at the end we have been already familiar with quite many details. The only thing that sometimes confused us was the stops at shops where we had the impression that they would love to see it to go in and to buy something - could also be that this is just a misunderstanding and wasn’t intended.

John Williams（USA） ★★★★★

“Great introduction to Japan”

This tour with Yuki was just what we were looking for. She was able to show us several sites in Yanaka. But the most valuable part was she was able to set the sites in historical and societal context. It made the rest of our trip in Japan more enjoyable.

Ruth T（Australia） ★★★★★

Absolutely recommend this tour!!

Yuki is a wonderful tour guide, with a love of history and a great knowledge of the sites we visited in Yanaka. She really helped to paint the big picture of historical and present-day events and traditions, which helped me gaina fuller appreciation of the places we visited. She was also really happy to answer heaps of questions about Japanese culture. Walking is a great way to slow down and connect with people and places. And it really helps to have someone like Yuki to make it all come alive. I can't recommend this tour highly enough!!

Vanle（USA） ★★★★★

Absolutely brilliant half-day exploration!

The Omakase tour with our guide, Rie, was spectacular. Rie is very knowledgeable of the historical sites she took us to in the Nippori area. I loved that she took her time with us, and explained the significance of each landmark - in addition to making the wealth of information entertaining. Her enthusiasm for teaching shines brighter at each site as she engages her audience, and she goes above and beyond to address our questions. We would have never been able to experience Japan, let alone the Nippori, as in depth as we had without Rie. By the end of the tour, my wife and I agreed it was as if we had known Rie for a very long time. If you enjoy walking tours, and learning about the nuances of Japanese culture, we highly recommend this tour with Rie. She takes you off the beaten path away from the hoards of crowds, and makes you feel right at home.

Ian Bowden（UK） ★★★★★

Yanaka Walking Tour Old and Nostalgic Tokyo

While in Tokyo we wanted to visit the real old Tokyo so selected this tour. We had a n excellent tour and visited the lively part of Tokyo. Our tour guide Junko was excellent her local knowledge was really detailed. I would highly recommend the Tour and Junko when you next visit Tokyo.

Ombretta B（USA） ★★★★★

Yoshimi is the best!

Yoshimi my guide was fantastic.I learned so much from her about Japan history.She is very knoledgable and friendly.She also knows all the best shops and unique stores.U will not be disappointed.

Aydine Sutherland（Holland） ★★★★★

This was an excellent tour that took us away from the hustle and bustle to a beautiful, serene and spiritual area. Rie, our tour leader, was very knowledgeable and personable. We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Rie and would highly recommend this tour particularly if you are in need of a change of pace.

Ken Murphy（Australia） ★★★★★

This simple casual walking tour turned out to be a highlight of our holiday. The weather was perfect which always helps. The pace was easy, allowing plenty of opportunity for conversation, and the locations visited were just perfect for what we were after. This was complimented by our guide, Rie, who was knowledgeable and friendly and made the day. We felt that we were being shown Tokyo by a friend. Highly recommended

Alex Voineagu（Australia） ★★★★★

I took the tour with Hisako through the streets of Yanaka in a very beautiful day of fall. The guide was very knowledgeable and help me understand various aspects of the Japanese cultures which were not very clear to me. I learnt a lot about the history of the place, about the customs of the place and everything was in a very relaxing manner. I would highly recommend the tour.

Mike G（USA） ★★★★★

Highly recommended! Rie is a wonderful guide, knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming many questions. First, she sent detailed and illustrated information on the meeting point, which was very helpful for new visitors. She explained about the beautiful shrines, temples and cemeteries we toured, and about practices involving fortunes and wishes. After a full afternoon, we ended the tour in a fascinating shopping street leading back to the meeting point, and she helped us purchase take-away items for supper. The walk is active and calls for comfortable shoes, but it is not overly strenuous.

Birgit（Singapore） ★★★★★

A great educational experience in a beautiful part of town.

Sumiko was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide, that explained absolutely everything. The tour was very personal and a wonderful way to experience a part of Tokyo that was completely unexpected but absolutely fantastic.

Warren Richter（Australia） ★★★★★

Brilliant tour of Yanaka

This tour was outstanding, probably the best we have ever been on. As we wandered through the quiet streets, parks, temples and galleries of Yanaka, Mana gave us a fascinating insight into the history, culture, people and stories of the area and beyond. This was a great way to experience Tokyo. We highly recommend this tour.

Yasemin Leigh （UK） ★★★★★

Sumiko amazing tour

Had such a chilled, fun, interesting walk around Yanaka with our lovely guide Sumiko. Perfect escape from busy Tokyo. And as it was just my partner and I on the tour it was completely personal. Had a great time.

Graham Sherling（UK） ★★★★★

Yanaka Tour with Mana

The tour was very interesting and is an area of Tokyo very worthwhile visiting. Mana was a very good guide whom provided many tips for Tokyo generally.

LayneG1（） ★★★★★

Great tour with Rie!

Great tour-covered a wide variety of sites in the area, plenty of time at each location. Rie, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and had great stories and anecdotes about each site. Great value for your money.

Parejitainc（USA） ★★★★★

Yanaka Tour with Yoshimi

Our tour of Yanaka was wonderful. Yoshimi was in constant communication with us for the meeting time and was a pleasure to be around throughout our time with her. She speaks excellent English and is very educated on this area and Japanese culture and history. Yanaka is a very special area in Tokyo that you cannot miss during your visit. It is very different from the rest of Tokyo and Yoshimi truly brings it to life. She encourages questions and is extremely patient. She is also visibly pleased to see her guests interested in learning about this beautiful country and its history. The tour of Yanaka is highly recommended and so is Yoshimi!

Eurasianann（） ★★★★★

Fantastic tour around Yanaka

Tour guide was wonderful. Instructions with photos on meeting up were sent to me early and made finding her easy. It was a long walk, so be prepared. Tour guide knew so much about the things around us and pointed things out that I may not have noticed. She was also fantastic at answering all my questions. She totally understood when I needed a moment to stop and rest, and we even had coffee together and had a nice chat! She was happy for me to stop in a few shops to see some of the amazing things available. It was a fantastic tour and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

Cliessa Nagle（USA） ★★★★★

A wonderful tour

This walking tour of Tokyo was everything we expected. The stops were well planned and interesting. Nakano put information in clear historical and present day context so that it all made sense. We recommend this tour with enthusiasm.

Nick Scott（UK） ★★★★★

Tokyo walking tour

Very good tour focusing on the residential and local areas that you wouldnt normally see. Also some temples and other points of interest.

Michael Bormann（Germany） ★★★★

“Tempeltour mitten in Tokio”

Wie sagt man so schön - Qualität zeigt sich dann, wenn etwas nicht läuft, wie geplant. Ich habe meine Tour viel zu spät (einen Tag vorher) online gebucht und versäumt anzugeben, an welcher der beiden Touren ich teilnehmen möchte (9 oder 14 Uhr). Gut, es gab keine Eingabemaske, bei der explizit nach der Uhrzeit gefragt wurde, auch hat man von unterschiedlichen Buchungen abgesehen. Aber sei es drum. Die Bestätigung für den 9 Uhr-Termin landet in meinem Spam-Ordner und wurde von mir erst kurz vor neun gesehen. Auf meine Antwort, dass mir 9 Uhr nicht passen und ich es ohnehin nicht mehr rechtzeitig zum Treffpunkt schaffen würde, kam - wie selbstverständlich - die Antwort, wir suchen einen anderen Führer und wenn wir keinen finden, erstatten wir die Gebühren. Ich war angetan und hoffte, dass es nicht zur Erstattung kommen würde. Kam es im Ergebnis nicht, meine Führerin war etwa 20 Minuten vor er verabredeten Zeit dar und wir konnten überpünktlich starten. Die Tour begann auf dem Friedhof hinter dem Nippori-Bahnhof. Ich bin grds der Meinung, dass man auf Friedhöfen viel über ein Land lernen kann. Das bewahrheitete sich auch dieses Mal wieder. Wir sprachen nicht nur über Fragen rund um Tod und Bestattung, sondern auch über die verschiedenen dort bestatteten Persönlichkeiten und kamen so auf die Geschichte Tokios und Japans wie auch die Religion zu sprechen. Dies setze sich bei den teilweise sehr versteckten Tempeln fort. Allein hätte ich viele der besuchten Orte nicht gefunden und die gefundenen nicht verstanden. Es war ein rundum Nachmittag, der zwar etwas strubbelig begann, aber nach hinten raus ein Highlight meines Aufenthalts in Tokio bleibt.

Estela Luedtke, Rizalino Karl Luedtke（Germany） ★★★★★

“When in Tokyo, a MUST-SEE!”

Rie, our guide, was very knowledgeable and professional, yet friendly. She could talk about the history of all the places we visited in a way that one does not want to miss a thing. She also had a lot of nice and interesting stories to tell. We were blessed to having her as our guide. And weather was perfect! Thank you very much, Rie!

SYLVIA PUTNAM（USA） ★★★★★

Great walking tour!

Great walking tour in a beautiful quaint part of Tokyo - highly recommend!!!

Randolph Matias（USA） ★★★★★

Off The Beaten Path Tour

It was great to visit places I would not have otherwise seen on my own. Rie was very friendly and took the time to answer questions. She even made several recommendations on foods to try. The best part of the tour was walking through a market street where you could shop for souvenirs or even try some street food! The pace was very relaxed and we even took a coffee coffee break in a cute little cafe. I highly recommend this tour!

Nha Huyen Nguyen（USA） ★★★★★

We first bought the tour for Friday morning, but my boyfriend got sick, and they were nice enough to reschedule us for Saturday afternoon. The tour they schedule us was a private tour, and with NO extra charge. I was very impressed with their customer service. Our guide, Yoshimi, was every nice and knowledgable. I would have never knew about these places without taking the tour. If I ever come back to Tokyo, I would visit Yanaka again.

Kara Snetzko（USA） ★★★★★

Great tour!!

My mother and I went on the walking tour with our tour guide, Yoshimi. It was such a great tour in which we learned a ton about the old town of Yanaka. And we could not have been luckier with Yoshimi! She was very knowledgeable and showed us everything there is to see in Yanaka, she even suggested lunch spots/places to see after the tour was complete. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Japan, especially if interested in seeing a non touristy part of Tokyo. 5 stars for Yoshimi!

Ledi Hector（Australia） ★★★★★

Historical walking tour

We met our lovely guide Hizuru, at Nippori station, and started our tour in the adjacent Yanaka cemetery, which is huge. We are a family of 5 (children 16,14 &11). Hizuru explained how the cemetery is steeped in history and how different the graves and memorials are, based on Buddhist, Shinto or Christian faiths. There are many interesting tidbits of information, and famous burials in the cemetery and we then visited the Tenno-Ji Temple that has the bronze Buddha. Hizuru showed us how to purify our hands and explained about the history of the region and the Edo period of Japanese government. We also experienced our first minor earthquake tremor whilst at the temple! We then walked through to cemetery to the residential area of Yanaka and we decided to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (no pressure to do this, we asked to do it). The tea ceremony was amazing and we each had to choose our own bowl for the matcha tea (note, this is quite bitter) and then were given information about the ceramics (they use antiques). All really interesting. We had a sweet bean “cake” before our matcha, shown how to drink the tea according to ritual, and then given another roasted green tea drink. Overall would highly recommend the experience. We also walked to Nezu Temple which has large gardens and torii-lined pathways. Very beautiful (we happened to time our visit with Coming Of Age Day, so it was busy but great to see so many young people dressed up for their special day). We then walked around Yanaka- there are many art galleries and craft shops/artisans and you can stop wherever you want. Another highlight was a traditional merchant building. We finished up in a market stall street (lots and lots of little shops) and then finished off at the sunset steps before reaching Nippori station where we started. Hizuru has lots of information to impart if you are interested. We enjoyed our time with Hizuru and thought it was a great way to learn a bit about Japanese culture and history. Also, Hizuru saw that our kids were getting tired at the end and magically provided some chocolate to keep them going!

Richard Jolly（Australia） ★★★★★

Highly recommended

Could not recommend this highly enough. We were emersed in the local cuture from the beginning of the tour. The traditional tea ceremony was amazing. The guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable. This is a must do when in Tokyo.

Gladys Tallud（Philippines） ★★★★★

A wonderful way to travel back in time

Yoshimi is an excellent guide. Very informative and helpful. I shall definitively return to Japan soon as there’s still a lot of amazing things to experience

Matthew Webb（Australia） ★★★★★

Our tour guide, Miss Hizuru is a professional, patient, friendly and sincere person. I highly recommended her to anyone who is consider to book this tour. All the best to you Hizuru and your company!

Daryl Carew（Australia） ★★★★★

Recommend the tour

The walking tour was very interesting and informative. Very worthwhile to do it. Thank you Yuki who was very friendly and helpful.

Crystal Riordan （Australia） ★★★★★

Walk with Yuki in Yanaka

A highlight of our trip, was wonderful having Yuki answer all our questions and to experience a part of Tokyo with some local knowledge and insight, having a guide made for a stress free day as I didn’t have to ensure we were on route and got to experience details we would have otherwise missed. Can’t recommend this experience enough.

Jenn B（USA） ★★★★★

Yanaka Walking Tour: Great way to spend the afternoon!

I recommend the walking tour of Yanaka area of Tokyo. My guide, Nobuko, was knowledgeable about the area, flexible in her approach, and nice to spend the afternoon with. A really nice way to spend an afternoon!

Alan Lee Guzman（Philippines） ★★★★

It was a new experience for me and my wife. It was also our first walking tour. Yuki was friendly and spoke almost perfect english. The 3.5 hours was very well spent.

Brad Emmerson（Australia） ★★★★★

Walking tour with Hizuru

We had a great morning getting to see areas we would never have visited and came away with a much better understanding of Japanese traditions. My wife enjoyed the shopping at the little family businesses along the way. Thanks Hizuru.

Erwin JG Rietbroek（Netherlands） ★★★★★

Best walking tour one can imagine

Yoshimi is great! So kind, so informative, so generous with everything she can help with. We could not ask for more. Thanks so much! We continue our trip with so much more understanding of your country - from the tour but in many other ways!!

Katsumi（Japan） ★★★★★

Yanaka is beautiful ancient town in Tokyo

Great tour with excellent guide.It was sunny nice weather when we had a trip. Leisurely stroll through the good scenery and beautiful town.

Stephanie Jones（USA） ★★★★★

Something for everyone

I was impressed with this tour before it even began. Days before my tour, they sent me a picture of our meeting place, my tour guide, and a detailed itenerary. Hizuru, my guide was great. Love history, walking, food, shopping/window shopping, temples? This tour had them all! And when I mentioned that I was leaving soon and hadn't gotten a chance to try a tea ceremony, Hizuru made sure i got to experience one, which was one of the highlights of my tour. She also took pictures of me with all the beautiful sights and had emailed them to me before I even got back to my hotel! Yanaka with tour guide Hizuru is an experience you will treasure!!

Stefanie Schubert（Australia） ★★★★★

Walking tour of Yanaka

We spent an afternoon with Rie, who was an excellent guide. She shared so much knowledge of history and culture -- it gave us a great appreciation for the neighbourhood and history of Tokyo. We had fun tea experience, went to some shops, and walked through streets, temples, markets and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Would highly recommend the tour and in particular Rie as a guide. Very well organized and enjoyable experience.

Subramanyam Putrevu （India） ★★★★★

Great tour of old Tokyo

This was a great experience - rich in history and a view into how Tokyo was in the olden days. Mana was a great guide - knowledgeable and accommodating. The time flew buy and the effort in walking around for 3+ hours wasn't felt (till the next day :)). The sweets she introduced to us was great. Mana also followed up with recommendations on where to eat during our visit (we are vegetarians). Overall a great experience!

Fiona Strachan （Australia） ★★★★★

Nostalgic Tokyo!! Must experience....!

What a GREAT TOUR!! Yuki-san emailed me prior to our tour - just to let me know where to meet! The weather was grey and chilly but the tour was fantastic from start to finish. Yuki-san explained everything from Tokyo's different Era, Shoguns, Emperors, Buddhism and Shintoism, Neighborhood and Food... I could ask anything and she had the maps and prints ready to explain away! It was Johnny's first trip to Japan - so he was super excited to experience everything about old Tokyo and walk around to see houses among temples and shrines. Everything about this tour was for me nostalgic because I grew up in neighborhood like this - but the bonus was Yuki-san and her knowledge and how she conveyed all the fascinating stories behind every corner of this historic town. This is a must tour and I highly recommend Yuki-san as your guide!!

Robin Redman（Canada） ★★★★★

Thank you, Hiruzu! You made this tour a great introduction to the amazing history of your beautiful country. I will surely be back and hope to share the experience with your expertise.

Philippe Hujoel（USA） ★★★★★

wish granted

Great guide, informative morning. Pleasant stroll in the graveyard of the rich, famous, and unlucky souls.

Gregory Paul Reger（Mexico） ★★★★★

Excellent Guide

We had Hizuru as our guide and she was way beyond our expectations. Her knowledge of the history was incredible. She took us to out of the way places that regular tourists such as us would never see. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Andrew（USA） ★★★★★

Yanesen walking tour march

Mikko was a wonderful guide and spent time showing us around the temples/old town and helping us understand the social/political and cultural concepts of the area. Nothing was too much trouble. Mikko recommended some great locations after the tour. Her English was excellent as was her ear for jokes and social understanding. One of the best guides I have had. Being late 20's she was able to bring a maturity to the tour, but was also able to bring youthful good humour to what we did. Rgds Andrew

CHRISTINA BROULIDAKIS（UK） ★★★★★

We both thoroughly enjoyed Mama Nakano’s informative walking tour of Yanaka Her enthusiasm for her tour is very apparent and she snd the tour are highly recommended

Julia Davis（USA） ★★★★★

Yanaka tour

Loved quiet walk with knowledgeable Hisako, who shared with me pearls of Japanese history and guided me through charming neighborhood of Yanaka . It was lovely! Highly recommend

Pamela B（Australia） ★★★★★

Historical Yanaka

A really informative walking tour of an old area in Tokyo. The Yanaka cemetery fascinating. You walk on well kept footpaths and roads very easily. Rei our guide was friendly, informative and very helpful - no questions went unanswered. Highly recommended and we were very happy with our choice of a tour that showed us a quieter part of Tokyo and its older generations of families.

Marina Romagholi（Australia） ★★★★★

What a wonderful way to see old Tokyo. The walking pace was easy and we had plenty of time to see all of the historical sites. Our group was small enough for us to be able to ask questions of our knowledgable guide Rei, who was excellent. Very enjoyable.

S4415URmattt（China） ★★★★★

Just a great trip

If you like walking tours this one is perfect. Surprisingly so much to see and a very different side of Tokyo. Guide was great! Service and response time of company was just perfect!

Constance Chan（Canada） ★★★★★

Yuki was an excellent English speaking guide - very knowledgeable and accommodating of my 8 year old son. I highly recommend her as a guide.

Andrew John P（America） ★★★★★

Yanesen walking tour

Digger B（Australia） ★★★★★

Was interesting way to learn area and meet people

I enjoyed the tour, instead of a stuffy boring tour , it was casual yet informative. Gave you the feel of the culture without you feeling like you just got a history lesson. Learned about the area and the people.

Jennifer Groberg（USA） ★★★★★

A great balance to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo

My entire family, including 7 year old son, loved our experience on this tour of Yanaka. After three days in Tokyo, navigating busy and very modern neighborhoods of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara, this tour was a welcome change. Our guide, Rie, was wonderful - knowledgeable and so very personable. This was our second walking tour in Tokyo and was by far the favorite! I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in getting a true feel for Japanese culture and particularly those interested in learning more about how Tokyo has evolved over recent centuries.

TravelxVet（Australia） ★★★★★

Yanaka Historical Walking Tour

Outstanding walking tour in historical area of Tokyo. Covers beautiful temples, cherry blossom trees, and the largest cemetery in Tokyo. We also went to local residential areas, shops, and a coffee shop. Rie was an excellent guide! Reasonably priced. Highly recommended!

Kathleen Beevers（Australia） ★★★★★

Great tour for solo travelers

My tour with Rie was fantastic! She was knowledgeable and friendly. I enjoyed seeing the public cemetery and shrines and learning more about religious beliefs in Japan. The beautiful cherry blossoms didn’t hurt either!

valinkent（USA） ★★★★★

Enthusiastic Guide, fascinating Tour, great introduction to historic Tokyo

Well worth the experience - a long 3.5 hour walking tour around some of the most interesting parts of Tokyo, taking in the largest cemetery, temples, coffee shop, local delicacies, local street markets and a host of interesting facts. We had an excellent guide in Mikiko, a diminutive ball of enthusiastic energy, whose English was very good and who, despite having already carried out the same tour in the morning, was still enthusiastic and engaged cheerfully with all of us in the party. As there were only six of us and a baby, the dynamics were excellent due to the intimacy and we all had a great time. I think this type of tour works best with smaller groups of no more than 7 or 8 at a time because streets can be narrow and also people (like us!) have a habit of being distracted by all the interesting things one sees which must make it seem to the guide that they're trying to herd cats! Mikiko went the extra mile - at the end of the tour (we were tired so she MUST have been) she took the trouble to guide us to the best bus stop to get us back to our hotel, staying to ensure we were safely on it and even waving us off. Talk about great customer service! Highly recommended and a super introduction to a great City.

Holt Simmons（USA） ★★★★★

Our guide, Hizuru, was wonderful. She had a tremendous knowledge of the religious and political history of Japan, and the significance of the Yanaka area. We were able to view many temples and shrines, as well as the large cemetery that dates back centuries. Through her education, I have a much clearer understanding of the differences in the Shintoism and Buddhism. She also walked us through the market district, and introduced us to several confections we never would have tried otherwise. Highly recommended for those interested in history and culture.

Dixon McMillan（new Zealand） ★★★★★

My wife and I found the Tour most enjoyable and it gave us an excellent overview of old Japan. The guide provided great insight into the history of the area,we found it very interesting.

Alessio Roldo（Italy） ★★★★★

Interessantissimo tour attraverso il quartiere di Yanaka a Tokyo

Grazie a questa esperienza ho avuto la possibilità di scoprire una zona di Tokyo diversa dalle altre: una zona più tranquilla, estranea alla vita movimentata della città, ricca di templi e di luoghi che sembrano essersi fermati nel passato. La nostra guida Tomoko è stata bravissima nel guidarci attraverso quest'area della città, fornendoci delle spiegazioni riguardo a qualsiasi elemento della cultura giapponese incontrassimo sul nostro cammino. Inoltre è una persona molto simpatica e gentile ed è stato bello trascorrere del tempo in sua compagnia.

Marie Hamel（Canada） ★★★★★

Yanaka Walking Tour (in French)

Nous avons beaucoup apprécié le tour guidé à pied, en français, du quartier Yanaka, à Tokyo. Notre guide, Takeshi, était très compétent et cultivé. Il était aussi très disponible pour répondre aux questions. Ses connaissances sur l’histoire du quartier étaient très étendues. Ses explications étaient claires et complètes et son français excellent. Le rythme de marche était adéquat. Je recommanderais chaudement ce tour guidé à des visiteurs soucieux de connaître en profondeur un quartier historique de Tokyo, tout en profitant d’une marche agréable.

Steven Lewin（USA） ★★★★★

Experience old and new Tokyo walking tour

This was a wonderful tour and an opportunity to see areas of Tokyo that many visiting Tokyo don’t get an opportunity to see. For me walking is an advantage because one becomes more immersed in the culture, the traffic, and small out of the way shops then whenone goes on a bus tour. Although the tour was four hours the time seems to fly by as we all talked about what we were seeing. Our tour guide was terrific and very patient when questions were asked.

Janice Tomlinson（Australia） ★★★★★

The Yanaka Walking Tour was wonderful. The tour takes you through the quiet and serene areas of this bustling city as well as traditional shopping and food areas. Our guide, Rie, was very friendly, knowledgeable and obliging. Great guide, great tour.

Peter Williamson（Australia） ★★★★★

Wonderful experience

Despite a grey and cool day we had a wonderful time with the lovely Mari who took us on a walking tour of parts of Tokyo we would not otherwise have seen or enjoyed. She was punctual, charming, friendly, very knowledgeable and willing to accommodate any of our requests. If she did not know the answer to something she would go to the trouble of looking for it. She also had excellent English - a great advantage for us with very little Japanese!! Very very enjoyable!!

Stuart Wong（USA） ★★★★★

First Family Trip to Tokyo - great intro to small town feel

We were looking for a way to introduce our two boys (10 and 12 years old) to what Tokyo used to be like outside of the hustle and bustle and glitz and glamour of the main tourist spots. The walking tour was a fun way to learn about the history of Yanaka, visit cemetaries amid the cherry blossoms (always a neat way to get the attention of kids), and just meander tiny streets and alley ways rich with history and tradition... no fanfare, no neon lights, just absorbing how people go about their everyday lives. It helped that we had wonderfully warm weather with blue skies and sunshine to complement the shrines and temples that we visited throughout the morning with Yoshimi-san.

Gandy.D（Australia） ★★★★★

Fascinating and informative walking tour of Yanaka

Our favourite tour in Tokyo! Hizuru, our guide, was informative about history and culture She was amusing and solicitous of our group She showed us many sights and traditional shops and we had the advantage a wonderful cherry blossom background A definite must-do tour

Bruce Gordon（USA） ★★★★★

Very enjoyable afternoon in Yanaka neighborhood

My wife & I had a wonderful afternoon with Rie Suzuki (guild) walking throughout the Yanaka neighborhood. Rie was very informative, insightful and fun. As a result, our tour quickly felt more like an afternoon walk with an old friend. We will definitely do a similar walking tour next time we visit Tokyo. Great tour!

Jose Carlos Schroth（Peru） ★★★★★

Wonderful tour with a great guide--Shizue (Sue）

My husband and I learned a lot on this tour, and we really had a wonderful time. We felt very satisfied with the tour, the guide, the sights we saw, and the entire experience. I recommend this tour and I think Shizue（Sue）is a great guide.

Margaret Louise Wahl（Canada） ★★★★★

Excellent tour by an excellent tour guide who always answered all our questions and greatly enriched our vacation in Tokyo.

Oscar van Dijk（Newzealand） ★★★★★

Such a wonderful part of Tokyo to explore with a guide

Our lovely guide Yuki was so well-prepared and informative. Can highly recommend this tour as a way to explore a quiet part of Tokyo, away from the skyscrapers and crowds.

Oliver de Wilde（Germany） ★★★★★

Exploring the Yanaka bit of Tokyo we didn't know was there

An excellent walking tour of this small area with some great stories and history behind the little streets. Rie was an excellent guide and very knowledge of the area. Would recommend for a different side of Tokyo.

Jorge Alvarez, （） ★★★★★

Yanaka Walking Tour with Mikko

This was an informative and interesting tour. We saw and experienced things we would have not otherwise been able to. Mikko is a wonderful guide who creates a welcoming atmosphere. We were fortunate to have Mikko as our guide, and would gladly participate in another tour with her.

adrian bundy, susan bundy（UK） ★★★★★

YANAKA WALKING TOUR

We had a great walking tour around the old parts of Yanaka with our fantastic guide Junko. It was the most interesting and fun part of our trip to Tokyo so far. Nothing was rushed or too much trouble. Thank you once again JunCo. Sue and Adrian UK.

Robert Glidewell（USA） ★★★★★

A delightful tour with a kind guide

We very much enjoyed our tour with Yoshimi, logistics were easy and she met us in an easy to find spot at the train station. It was nice to be off the beaten path and explore a historic area of Tokyo. Towards the end of the tour you’ll have a chance to try local food stalls if you’re hungry.

Gillian P（） ★★★★★

Fabulous. A very interesting glimpse of old Japan, off the crowded, usual tourist routes. Terrific guide.

Wolfgang Ludwig Bachl（Germany） ★★★★★

A very interesting insight in history and present age of Tokyo and Japan

Yoshimi told us a lot of interesting things about History, Religion and the present situation in Japan while walking a lot through Tanaka, the old part of Tokyo.

Inja（Australia） ★★★★★

Great experience

Having never been to Tokyo before I wanted to see and learn about a historic area, Yanaka what a good choice and better still was the guide Hizuru who explained and explored the area with me.I was nervous about using the trains alone so opted to be picked up at the hotel. Hizuru took me smoothly through the rush hour trains to the meeting point, which is at a station. The walking tour was wonderful, Hizuru shared her massive knowledge and nothing was too much trouble. She anticipated needs and answered all the never ending questions. This was a super introduction to Tokyo and I highly recommend it.

Colbert Fennelly（USA） ★★★★★

Delightful and educational cultural walking tour of Yanaka with Hizuru.

What a delightful tour of Yanaka, a quiet neighborhood in Taito ward, east Tokyo. Hizuru was one of the best tour guide I've experienced. Never been to japan before and only had 3 days in Tokyo. Took 4 separate walking tours, three of the tours was via another company but the Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour was by far the best, Hizuru's knowledge of old Japan culture and its history was extremely educational. very easy to get to on the Yamanote Line from Shinjuku metro station where I was based. Hizuru went out of her way to help me get me to my next destination following the tour. Really did have a wonderful afternoon and can highly recommend this tour especially with Hizuru as the guide.

Julia Faernemyhr（Sweden） ★★★★★

Friendly guide and interesting experience

We got a private tour with our guide who was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the history of Tokyo and Japan.

Steven Pichney（USA） ★★★★★

Don't miss this tour! What a wonderful tour guide. My daughter and I had the time of our life...one of the best tours we have experienced.

Safwat Mitri（Egypt） ★★★★★

My guided tour in Yanaka Tokyo

A great experience around the old heart of Tokyo. Wonderful guide, courteous knowledgeable and taking us around at our own pace. Recommended

Kenneth Ascrate（USA） ★★★★★

Walking tour

My guide Hisako was a lot of fun and very informative...I can’t speak a lick of the language and was slow on a lot of parts of tour but she was very patient & super understanding & let me slide along the ways...more than anyone else would have I believe...we’ve been to lots of hidden nooks and crannies which I had no idea existed...horizons officially broadened...a great tour guide and greater person!!!Thanks.

Elena Kapsaskis, Darcey Harrison（UK） ★★★★★

Great start to our holiday in Japan

Firstly the meeting point was very easy to locate as in our confirmation email a picture was attached of the area as well as a picture of the tour guide. There was also the itinerary attached. Nobuko, our tour guide, was lovely and tried her best to answer all of our questions. We covered a lot of areas and learned a lot about Japan's history and culture. We got to walk through many little alleyways/residential areas and see a handful of beautiful cemeteries and buddhist/shinto shrines/temples. Great day out, would highly recommend if you are okay with walking for 3-4 hours! But you do get the chance to rest along the way, as well as buy some snacks/drinks. Thank you Nobuko for a wonderful experience! -Darcey & Elena

Mercedes Lopez（Argentina ） ★★★★★

Walking around Yanaka

I enjoyed very much the tour as much as the tour guide's company, Mana. Great information, warm and willing to answer all my questions. I spent wonderful time and I'm confident I know a little more of Tokyo.

Jonathan A（） ★★★★★

Outstanding Tour and Tour Guide

The Yanaka walking tour was a great experience. Mana local knowledge and professionalism is second to none! A tour with Mana is a must if you are visiting Tokyo!

Shira Bortnike（USA） ★★★★★

It was our first day in Tokyo and this was a great way for us to acclimate to the city. Sue was our tour guide and she was amazing. Turns out we were the only one on the tour which made it extra excellent and personal. Highly recommend- it was like having a friend for the day.

Kyle Blaha, （USA） ★★★★★

Inside Japan

We enjoyed our few hours with Hisako, mostly due to the amount we learned about Japanese history and the daily life of the modern Japanese family. She we adored her as much as the facts and sights of the tour. Our favorite part was walking down the small alleys like locals and hearing the purpose and function within of all of the small details.

Zemanek（USA） ★★★★★

Wonderful tour and AMAZING guide

My family and I had a wonderful morning touring Yanaka with Mikko. This tour provided us with a completely different experience in Tokyo, and Mikko really made the history come alive. Yanaka gave us a glimpse into the day-to-day life of Tokyo residents--there were far fewer tourists than any other sites we visited. We learned so much from Mikko--she is knowledgeable and delivered the information with such infectious enthusiasm. This tour is a nice respite from the crowds and frenetic energy of other parts of Tokyo.

Daniel（USA） ★★★★★

Best Tour inside Tokyo!

We really enjoyed our private tour with Mikko! She speaks fluent English, is very knowledgeable and gives great costumer service! Highly recommend taking this tour as you will be walking and visiting where the locals live, where they buried their dead (visited the tomb of a shogun) and learning along the way their culture. Our two TEENS also enjoyed the day!

Hisa（Japan） ★★★★★

Enjoyed local street food and sake!

We went to Yanaka to introduce authentic Japanese food culture to foreign countries. We went to Nezu no Taiyaki, Amezaiku Yoshiwara, and Yakitori, and finally arrived Yanaka Ginza Street. In Yanaka Ginza Street, we enjoyed a fried sweetfish at first, and finally enjoyed Sake at liquor store, Echigoya. It was so nice experience which made us feel Friday night.

Chen（Brazil） ★★★★★

Off the beaten path in Tokyo.

We had a wonderful day with Yoshimi San, who showed us some less tourists crowded spots, but not less interesting places in Yanaka, enriched by her comments. We highly recommend the tour, especially with Yoshimi San.

Natasha（USA） ★★★★★

Phenomenal Tour

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of Yanaka, a historic area, spared during the bombing in WW Il. Molko was our tour guide and she far exceeded our expectations with her enthusiasm and delightful energy. We highly recommend the tour as a way of seeing another side of Tokyo- slightly removed from the skyscrapers.

Wanderwhatsnext（USA） ★★★★★

Tokyo Walking Tour

I enjoyed a great time in my walking tour in Tokyo! My guide was able to share many interesting historical and cultural information which made the experience worthwhile. My guide, Mikko, was personable, knowledgeable and helpful to make the most of the entire visit. Thank you again Mikko-san!

Geoff（Asutralia） ★★★★★

Jenny and I had a fantastic walking tour in Yanaka, last Tuesday. Our host, Yoshimi, was the best xxe The

Brian（USA） ★★★★★

Walking Tour

We enjoyed the time with our guide. Ended up being just the two of use with her. We saw a number of sites up close, and we're able to ask many specific questions to learn more about Tokyo.

Floyd（USA） ★★★★★

Yanaka Walking tour w/ Yumi

This tour was so fun! Despite the fact that it was blisteringly hot outside lol. Yumi was fantastic! She was so knowledgeable and had so many great facts and stories to share. She brought some printouts with her which was a great visual aid for all the Japanese history you learn on this tour. Yumi was so kind, she even let me borrow one of her umbrellas so I would have some shade while we were in the sun. She was very passionate about Japanese history and this tour. We highly recommend this tour with Yumi!

Lee（USA） ★★★★★

Great intro to Japan

Our Tour guide Hisako Takahashi gave us an insightful introduction to Japan. Taught us the cleansing ritual prior to entering Temples and educated us on Shinto and Buddhism religious practices.

ToniCleo（USA） ★★★★★

Wonderful Walking Tour

I would highly recommend this walking tour with Rie. She was very knowledgeable about the area and showed us many interesting sights. She also was very willing to answer some general topics about Japan and Japanese culture. She is also a very nice person and it was enjoyable spending the morning in her company.

Fightingcrow（USA） ★★★★★

Amazing tour with a local guide!

An absolutely great tour with Ms. Yoshimi. She met us right at the gate of the train station and then led us around to see the most interesting sights in Yanaka. We started with a tour through the graveyard...which may sound unusual...but was filled with insights into both Buddhist and Shinto religious practices. She was also able to show us the final resting places of important historical figures. After that we walked to a nearby temple where she explained its history, that particular sect of Buddhism, and the proper way to enter such a temple and offer prayers. From there we saw traditional houses, an old sake brewery, and many more temples both big and small. At each temple she showed us something that made that temple unique, such as hundreds of vermilion torii gates that you pass through for good luck. We wrapped it all up as we walked back to the train station through a popular shopping area full of souvenirs and food. Throughout the tour Ms. Yoshimi was an excellent guide full of information, spoke flawless English, and was able to answer all of our questions about both the tour and Japan in general. One tip: it was one of the hottest days of the year during our tour so be sure to bring an umbrella (for the sun), sunscreen, and money for bottles of water as you walk the tour. Bottom line: I highly recommend this tour!

Thermers（USA） ★★★★★

Exceptional knowledge

My guide Rie was very knowledgable about the Yanaka area, and despite the heat showed me all around the area. Native level English, so don’t worry if you don’t speak much Japanese. I would definitely recommend to anyone staying in the area even for just one day.

Enora M（France） ★★★★★

Visite du quartier de Yanaka

Merci pour cette visite inoubliable avec une guide très prévenante, très dynamique et souriante. Elle a su nous faire découvrir une nouvelle facette de Tokyo. Son français était vraiment compréhensible. Elle nous a permis d'apprendre sur les religions au Japon, ainsi qu'une belle initiation à l'histoire. Merci encore, la famille a vraiment passé un moment fantastique.

Jimmy（） ★★★★★

This tour was a great way to explore the history of the Yanaka area. Yoshimi is very knowledgeable about the area, and is enthusiastic to share this.

Ljuba Busse（Germany） ★★★★★

Excellent Yanaka walking tour

We had an excellent and entertaining tour with Mikko. She was such a wonderful guide with inspiring personality, even our kids had fun! Mikko showed us, beside the must seen places also some hidden spots, we would never had found ourselves. The time flew by and we had an inspiring start into our visit to Tokyo. Last but not least, we had a recommendation for lunch after the tour, which happened to be another highlight. So, strongly recommended tour with Mikko! Arigato gozimasu.

Otto Heinreichsberger（Austria） ★★★★★

Great walking tour thru Yanaka quarter in Tokyo.

The Walking tour through the Yanaka quarter in Tokyo (Jul 30th, noon) was a great experience and an ideal intruduction for freshly arrived tourists in the megacity of Tokyo. First we (me+wife) had to punctually find the location (JR Nippori Station) where our tourguide Akiko Takabatake was waiting for us. Unfortunately there is a metro station close to the JR station with a quite similar name (Nishi Nippori) and the distinction between JR and Tokyo subway transport is not so distict for the newly arrived. Fortunately, a telephone call to Akiko resolved the situation and Akiko came over to the Nishi Nipori metro station and picked us up. First hurdle taken ! After that all proved stress free. Akiko introduced us to the procedure of approaching Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, which are distributed all over the Yanaka quarter. We had a very relaxing and refreshing tea pause in one of the original wooden houses in the quarter. In one occasion - really unforgettable - we approached a private shrine (or temple ? ?) - obviously unauthorized - too closely: A monk appeared through a hidden temple gate and started to beat a huge gong - apparently a warning sign (even Mrs. Takabatake was quite surprised). After that we quickly retreated and the monk disappeared - noisily locking the door behind him. This was - in our perception - an introduction to Japanese handling of a trespassing situation - an unforgettable experience. The tour ended passing through on of the typical shopping streets of Yanako - with temperature rising quickly to 35 °C or so. Much too fast the time passed by. We are really grateful to Mrs. Takabatake for all the competent introductory explanations and the kind of careful guidance through old Tokyo. We think this walking tour was an ideal commence touring through tghe Tokyo megacity.

Rosemary Ayling （USA） ★★★★★

Lovely way to spend a morning! Highly recommend!!

Shizue our guide, was lovely. Knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. Our group was small, only two of us!! Went at a leisurely pace, but saw a lot. What an educational experience!! Learned so much about Japanese religious beliefs, way of life and culture. Thank you Shizue!!

Kristen P（CHina） ★★★★★

Mikkio is the best!!!

This walking tour was wonderful mostly because of the amazing Mikkio! We had a wonderful experience learning so many things with Mikkio from the cemeteries to saki, to Shinto and Buddhism, as well as the residential pets of Tokyo! You can’t go wrong spending your day with Mikkio!

Kristen P（China） ★★★★★

Reena Randhir（USA） ★★★★★

You will love it. Just do it.

This tour was unique. Our guide Yoshimi was fantastic-wow! She was punctual, cheerful and very knowledgeable. She made Yanaka's glorious past come alive. A neighborhood that survived a war, fire and earthquake, and manages to be awe-inspiring and beautiful. We loved every step we took, admired every old building, traditional homes, temples, traditions, captured the timeless beauty of the tombstones, the quaint shops and friendly people, gifted artisans, gardens, shrines, sake shop, tea, fermented foods, moms with babies in their electric bikes and more. It felt like the soul of old Tokyo. Yo was super friendly and helped us to buy fruits, tasty treats and even a kimono for a bargain. I took so many photos that my battery ran out. There is probably more, and hope to take this tour again. Thank you Trip designer. Appreciate.

Andrew（UK） ★★★★★

Great walking tour, Recommended

We had a lovely morning strolling around old Tokyo. This is an area where I felt we gained so much from having a local guide, who as well as taking us to some of the best sites, was also able to put everything into historical context. We were fortunate to have Yoshimi as our guide, who spoke perfect English, had deep knowledge of the sites and was also charming, kind and considerate. At one point our younger daughter was beginning to suffer in the heat and Yoshimi had no problem to change around the order of the walk to enable us to take a twenty minute break in a traditional Japanese cafe. First stop was the old cemetery, with many interesting stories relating to the grave stones. We visited several Temples and Shrines and the nice thing was how quiet and peaceful they were compared to more famous ones in Tokyo and Kyoto. After walking around a more residential area we finished by sampling some delicious street food whilst walking back to the station. Recommended.

CharmaineHogan（USA） ★★★★★

this was as they say lovely. we went late afternoon and even though crowded loved it. didnt walk to the top but did go quite far in/out.

Destination（USA） ★★★★★

Highly recommended tour and guide

Sachiko was a fabulous guide. I saw parts of Tokyo away from skyscrapers and hustle and bustle. The tour was informative and Sachiko was excellent in explaining the culture and sights. Book this tour!

Corey（USA） ★★★★★

Great tour with Rle around Yanaka!

My friend and I throughly enjoyed our tour with Rle. She showed us Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. It was nice to see the traditional and spiritual side of Tokyo. I highly recommend this tour.

Helen（NZ） ★★★★★

A very good tour. Yoshimi, our guide, was friendly, knowledgeable and delightful. She really helped us understand old Tokyo. Highly recommended! It was a very hot humid day, so drink stops and a few rests in the shade were important.

Terence（USA） ★★★★★

My thanks to Fumiko. I had an enjoyable and informative tour around the Yanaka area. I tasted Saki. Had a great bun at a pastry shop. The ice coffee was refreshing. I appreciated the explanations of the Buddist Temple and Shinto Shrine. The Yanaka Ginza was great to walk through. Terry.

Carolyn（USA） ★★★★★

Cultural highlight!

Yumi is a wonderful tour guide who gave a well planned snapshot of Japan in 3 hr in a lovely area of Tokyo. Away from the main tour area we visited a quiet part of town with many many shrines and temples. Her knowledge, pace and highlights made this a highlight of our visit. This area of town in Nippori is more “real Tokyo” than other area and she made it come alive.

tallgirl（USA） ★★★★★

Excellence Experience

I am happy and grateful to meet Yumi who show and tell me so much about Yanaka neighbourhood. She is such a kind hearted lady who care so much about her customers. I learned a lot about history and culture of Japan. The part that I enjoyed most was a good friendly chat with her. Thanks Yumi, I will remember your kindness always.

Sonja Gaydies （Germany） ★★★★★

Atmospheric tour with knowledgable guide

We went for a 3.5 hour walk through Yarnaka with our guide Sumiko. She had a great way of sharing her knowledge with us and gave us great tips where to have breakfast and lunch too. Would definitely recommend!

David Gross（USA） ★★★★★

Interesting tour with lots of historical info. The beginning walk included a huge cemetery of family plots. Hiruzu, our guide, was full of knowledge regarding the history and even the current time. We walked neighborhoods shopping areas a long street with a market full of food pottery baskets and more. We stopped for food tastings and tea which is always fun. Hiruzu took pics of us and promptly delivered them after the tour. Thank you Hiruzu!!

Marissa Medjeral-Mills（Singapore） ★★★★★

Great morning walk through Yanaka 'Temple Town'

Our group really enjoyed our walking tour with Hizuri through Yanaka, the historic area of Tokya awash with temples and history. Hizuri shared the history of the area and Tokyo in general, but it was done in a way that was very interesting, conversational and never felt like a lecture. She set a good pace to try and show us as much as she could in the time we had and we saw beautiful temples, historic buildings, artisan shops, a bathhouse, learnt about the various traditions and cultures about honouring ancestors in the cemetery and took many lovely photos of us that she shared promptly with us just after the tour was done. The traditional artisan mochi shop she took us to was fantastic and she was always ready to answer our questions. Hizuri was so well prepared that she gave us fans to deal with the hot weather. A few days before the tour the company sent us a photo of our meeting spot, what we were going to go see and even a photo of our tour guide. Can't recommend this tour and Hizuri enough. Only one very small negative thing I would say is to bring mosquito repellant with you as the hot weather meant there were some mosquitos about the first temple we went to. Otherwise I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of the tour and the charm of Hizuri and the Yanaka area.

Terrence Merkley（USA） ★★★★★

Japanese life, culture, & history accessible to Westerners

Yumi showed us what it's like to be a resident of modern Tokyo and the deep historical and cultural roots that still define Japan. With perfect English and a wonderful sense of humor, she answered all our questions...even the dumb ones. We loved the shrines, temples, cemeteries, and the many quaint sites along the tour. The morning was over before we knew it. We left with several great ideas for how to spend the rest of our time in Tokyo. Thanks, Yumi!

Gus Riboldi（Australia） ★★★★★

Best city walking tour I have been on

A fantastic morning exploring the area and streets around Yanaka. It’s a break away from the frantic pace of Tokyo and a wonderful insight into the history and culture of the area. Our guide Yoshimi was amazing; she kept in touch about directions of how to get to our meeting place, had packed hand towels to dry our hands during stops on the walk, and even gave us small coins for traditional prayers at the shrines. I always like to do a city walk when I travel and this is the best I’ve been on. Thanks Yoshimi, you made the morning very memorable for us. Gus

Ingrid Burger（USA） ★★★★★

Excellent intro to a historic Tokyo neighborhood

This walking tour of Yanaka is the first thing we did in Tokyo, and it was a wonderful start to our trip. Rie is an excellent guide, very knowledgable and kind. I highly recommend this walking tour!

chiaramitola（） ★★★★★

Very friendly moment

Very clear and interesting original tour of old Tokyo. I have find the tour so relaxing time. Tanks for all answer.

Kenan Ogelman（USA） ★★★★★

Great exposure to an amazing Tokyo neighborhood

I'm very interested in learning about the culture and history of places I visit. This tour exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it.

Katie Peters（USA） ★★★★★

Fantastic intro to Japanese culture and old Tokyo

Ms.Hisako was a lovely and knowledgeable guide on our walk. While I'd been to several shrine/temples before, she explained their features and I found myself with a new appreciation for these details that I had overlooked before. I certainly recommend this tour as a great way to feel a little less like a tourist and a little more like walking with a knowledgeable local friend!

Brian Boublis（USA） ★★★★★

Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour

This was such a memorable tour experienced a different side of Tokyo without the hustle and bustle. Naoko was my guide and she was excellent and very knowledgeable. Thank you Naoko for a great day!!

Verena Fallack（Gremany） ★★★★★

Peaceful and old-fashioned area of Tokyo

I enjoyed this tour with guide Yoshimi. We walked around the Yanaka area and saw a museum of sake, the graveyard, many old/narrow alleyways, lots of hidden cafes and shops, temples, especially Nezu Shrine. We were right in the centre of Tokyo but these were really quiet areas with a lot of character. Our guide told us lots of historical information you wouldn't know without a guide, as well as personal anecdotes that added flavour to the tour. I think it was a great chance to experience a more authentic Japan without leaving Tokyo.

WHCA（USA） ★★★★★

A Tokyo Gem

Shizue was my guide through the streets of Yanaka, an old area of Japan that was untouched by WWII. We walked through a very old public cemetery stopping at various tombs along the way so that Shizue could describe who was buried there and for what they were famous. The stories were fascinating and sometimes shocking! From there, we visited the beautiful Nezu Shrine and walked through back alleys where 100 year old shops were still open for business. The guided walk ended with a stroll through the Yanaka Ginza shopping area where merchants sell their colorful wares from storefronts. The entire afternoon was charming, and a great respite from the usual Tokyo crowds. If you have the time and are lucky enough to have Shizue guide you through this special area of the city, it will not disappoint.

Sue（UK） ★★★★★

Informative and Thoroughly Enjoyable Walk

Really enjoyed this tour of the Yanaka area. Our guide, Hasiko, was excellent, and gently led us through this beautiful, calm part of Tokyo. I went back and walked the tour again with my husband and was able to tell him so much that Hasiko had imparted to our group. Would highly recommend this walk. It was a real treat!

Hans（Germany） ★★★★★

The Yananka Walking Tour shows the quiet, spirital parts of Tokyo!

This tour with Nuoko was a real highlight! We were told so many interesting facts and have seen hidden places you would hardly find on your own.

Roberta N（） ★★★★★

Yanaka tour with Trip Designer

A very nice and interesting tour by Trip Designer Tokyo, in a relaxed and beautiful area of Tokyo, Yanaka. Yumi, our guide, was both very professional and charming, smiling and patient. And perfectly speaking english! I really loved this tour and I recommend it

Jeimsi （Finland） ★★★★★

Cool tour and friendly guide

This tour was great and our guide Tomi was very nice! Everything he told us was interesting, and it was fun to compare Finland's and Japan's customs with him. We had a good meal and got some shopping done. All in all we felt like this was money well spent!

Donnelley Bruce（Australia） ★★★★★

Tokyo:Yanaka walking tour

An interesting morning with my knowledgeable guide in the old Yanaka district of Tokyo. Visiting cemetary, temples and shrines, interesting quirky streets and shops. Complimented my previous two weeks of travel through Japan.

Rainer B（） ★★★★

Very nice tour

We saw a different picture of Tokyo outside the usual big tourist attractions. Small and very nice neighborhoods.

MissBabs21（UK） ★★★★★

Escape from frenetic city life to calm oasis on Yanaka walking tour

An interesting part of Tokyo which is easy to reach from Nippori station on Yamanote Line once you know how! It was interesting to see the shrines and cemeteries with a Japanese guide who could explain elements of the Shinto and Buddhist religious practices and also point out some of the botanical aspects of this tour e.g ginkgo biloba trees. We did get taken to a small art gallery and I think it would have been good to have a cafe stop in the middle as 3 hours of shrines is quite a long time and it would have given more variety.

AMG（） ★★★★★

Best Tour Guide in Japan

Eventhough i couldn't complete the tour due to health reasons, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting sites off the beaten track. A very knowledgeable tour guide who even made sure I travelled safely back to my hotel

Steve Trubac（USA） ★★★★★

Walking Tour with Yumi

This is a fantastic tour. I chose this tour because I was interested in seeing an older and quieter part of Tokyo, and it did not disappoint! Yumi is a fantastic tour guide. I learned so much from her and also appreciated the great food tips as well!

andrebjr（） ★★★★★

A very interesting tour with an excellent guide

The tour was nicely timed, well supported with knowledge and the tour guide was very kind and eager to answer any questions that came up. Yanaka is very interesting and has some contrast to the rest of Tokyo, its less of a packed busy shopping street.

Gul Aroras（） ★★★★★

Excellent tour by Yohshimi san

Beautifully conducted tour by the very elegant and knowledgeable Yoshimi san. Due to some confusion, I was late by 10 mins and she was very gracious about it. She was available on WhatsApp to guide me patiently. The tour was very pretty with the beautiful, quite neighbourhood. I would highly recommend it if you want a dose of history, good company and a pretty walk!

Tanya T（USA） ★★★★★

Excellent tour

My husband and I had one week to explore Tokyo. This tour was a perfect way to see and learn about the history of old-Tokyo. Arika, our tour guide selected perfect areas and things for us to see and do-most of which we wouldn’t have found by ourselves. Arika knew all about the history and happily answered all of our questions! We had a wonderful time with her, and a lot of fun on this tour

Kim Millar（USA） ★★★★★

Great tour of Yanaka

We so enjoyed our stroll around Yanaka with Arika. Her English was impeccable and she made sure we saw many sights: Yanaka Cemetery, Nezu-Jinja shrine, neighborhood homes, shops and schools, and temples around every corner. This tour is a great chance to see Tokyo away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Arika is cheerful and pleasant and even joined us for lunch to make sure we ordered correctly! Take this tour when you've seen all the "tourist" attractions.

Anaru M（） ★★★★★

Relaxing interesting stroll through old Tokyo

Arika is an astute, engaging and genuinely nice host and guide. Our relaxing stroll around Yanaka listening to her very informative and insightful commentary on the historical and contemporary community and culture of Tokyo was a highlight of our visit to Japan.

Ashley Spivey（USA） ★★★★★

Off the beaten bath

Nice tour away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The guide is very knowledgeable about the area and sites.

Florida Zerrudo（Philippines） ★★★★★

A peaceful and thoughtful walk through Tokyo’s backstreets

I joined this walking tour solo and was made to feel very at ease by tour guide Rie. She was very knowledgeable and catered the tour to suit the group. I learnt a lot about Tokyo’s history and got to see some very charming little streets. We sampled some delicious food along the way too. Overall I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who’d like to see a side of Tokyo tourists don’t always find. It was beautiful!

Noel McCann（USA） ★★★★★

The Best District You've Never Heard Of in Tokyo

I arrived from LAX at 6 AM so I was looking for a relaxing tour to kick things off. Yumi is fantastic, and she showed me temples and local haunts in this overlooked district in a 4 hour stroll. I greatly appreciated her knowledge of the district and I felt like I saw a genuine, traditional side to the city that makes Asakusa look like far more touristy in comparison. I strongly recommend this to anyone looking to go off the beaten path while in Tokyo

Jouko Alvar Karvinen（UK） ★★★★★

Nice quiet part of Tokyo

It was a great experience to join this walking tour. I'm happy to enjoy a part of tokyo that was not so busy and just enjoying the scenery and nice weather. Rie Mori was so kind and friendly and helpful. Thanks to her, I got to buy japanese incense! So many nice scents!

Jessica van der Molen（Australia） ★★★★★

Great way to spend a morning

Arika was a fabulous guide, great amount of information. Very interesting and nice to see some of the older areas of Tokyo. I really enjoyed my morning.

Animesh Abhishekh Sahu（India） ★★★★★

Beautiful walking tour with the most friendly guide.

We enjoyed the whole time and our guide Yumi by our side it was very very beautiful, smooth and informative tour.!! Cemetery was a very beautiful place. Yumi was very knowledgeable about the history the places we visited and she was also very proficient in English. I would recommend this tour for its beautiful Yanaka historical places with warm and friendly guide. Arigato Gozaimasu, Yumi.

Carrie BeauchampHolverson（USA） ★★★★★

Educational and Joyfully Peaceful

We had a wonderful tour today in Tokyo. Our guide Yumi was kind and knowledgeable. We walked through a cemetery, visited both Shinto and Buddhist shrines, and wandered through a beautiful neighborhood filled with unique cafes and boutiques. We chose to add on a delightful tea ceremony where we learned about the practice of enjoying tea and used cups that were between 150 and 170 years old. Yumi tailored the tour to what we wanted to do. We chose to spend time having tea where other guests may chose to visit an owl cafe or investigate puppet making. If you are interested in learning about the history of Tokyo and want to enjoy peace in the center of this bustling city I highly recommend this tour.

Christina Buerki （Australia） ★★★★★

Wonderful diving into the ancient Tokyo with Arika.

Arika was amazing .She showed us in an very friendly and competent way this wonderful part of Tokyo.We enjoyed her company and it showed us so deep insights we never would have had without Arika.When you are in Tokyo this tour is a must!

Jamie Atkinson （India） ★★★★★

Very informative and enjoyable tour with the most friendly guide

We thoroughly enjoyed this tour, which covered religious, historical, and cultural aspects of Yanaka, as well as food and shopping opportunities. Our guide Hizuru was very knowledgeable and also very friendly. We visited the cemetery, several temples and shrines, a local artist, a bakery, a steamed bun outlet, and enjoyed walking through the back-streets and main street visiting the market and many local shops. Nothing was too much trouble for Hizuru, who had brought a file with historical information, arranged several photo stops, and even some small gifts which she presented at the end of the tour. After the tour, she was also very helpful in providing directions in the cemetery to the family tomb of a Japanese friend. We would definitely recommend this tour, and specifically Hizuru as the guide.

Michael Abrams（USA） ★★★★★

Yumi is an outstanding, highly educated ,fun and very sweet,excellent english speaker guide capable of making her guided walk throughly enjoyable,an experience in Tokyo not to be missed!!! Mike A.,san diego california.

Christopher Turner（USA） ★★★★★

Great Tour of Yanaka

Had the pleasure of attending this small group tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and made the whole experience all-around excellent.

Kay Lovegrove Garry Ronco（Australia） ★★★★★

Rei was outstanding. Communication was no issue as Rei had been a journalist and had lived and worked in the UK for a number of years. We not only learned about the locality (which was wonderful in itself) but also about her very interesting life journey so far and living in Japan and Tokyo. We apologise for peppering her with so many questions though Rei was very willing to answer and explain. Nothing but very high recommendations for anyone who is thinking of taking this walking tour.

Sophie Welsh （Australia） ★★★★★

Great Tour Awesome Guide

We booked the tour as our first to do after arriving in Tokyo to experience old Tokyo, the tour didn’t disappoint. It’s hard to believe this little community survives in the hustle of Tokyo. Our guide Arika was awesome!!!! Arika’s english was perfect and her knowledge of the area was excellent. After the Tour was complete we asked Arika some questions regarding our JR Rail pass, Arika assisted greatly with not only her advice but by accompanying us to the JR Rail office to translate our questions. Arika went above and beyond and we can’t thank her enough for assisting us. We highly recommend this tour, hopefully your experience will be the same for you as it was for us.

Angela Richards （Australia） ★★★★★

Wonderful Tour and Great Guide

We went on this tour the last day we had in Tokyo and it was a great way to end our holiday. Yumi was a phenomenal guide with excellent English and we learnt a lot about the history of Japan. We would definitely recommend this tour as it was informative as well as fun and we had a great time, especially at the tea ceremony. Thank you Yumi!

Susan Scanlan（USA） ★★★★★

A Taste of Old Tokyo

If you are interested in historic Tokyo/Japan, this is a nice tour. My guide, Rei, was knowledgeable in not only the history of Japan, but also Shinto and Buddhist customs. The tour walks through graveyards, temples, and older businesses. Rei had visual aides to make her explanations more understandable, was helpful in suggesting other things that I might see on the trip, and taught me some of the basics like where to get money and how the subway works. I highly recommend this tour early in your trip to get aquatinted with Japan.

Ms Sylvia Hinger（Austlia） ★★★★★

Tokyo tour wird Arika

We had a wonderful day with Arika. She showed us some hidden places and told us a lot of interesting things. Arika is very nice,open minded and has a good sence of humour. We enjoyed the Trip very nuch.

Stephen W（） ★★★★★

Wonderful tour and Great Guide

Only positives for my daughter and myself on this walking tour. Firstly, our guide, Arika was wonderful. Arika: - speaks and understands english very well - knows the history of the area and Japanese culture - is able to answer any questions we had - patient and helpful in giving us as much time as we needed at various spots. - not only offered but actually assisted after the tour when had a bit of a hitch on our holiday. The tour itself was a unique view of community living in Tokyo. We didn't really see many tourists during the entire walk, even at the market stall street at the end. The local coffee shop we visited made the best cup of cappuccino we had in Tokyo and some beautiful muffins and other treats...totally unexpected in the suburban backstreets. We would definitely highly recommend taking this walking tour.

Haas, Christina（Ireland） ★★★★★

Historical＆Cultural Experience

I was incredibly lucky to have booked a walking tour with Yoshimi today. She is a wonderful guide providing her visitors with historical knowledge and cultural insights on her authentic tour through Yanaka.

Paul Summerell（Australia） ★★★★★

Very good introduction to Japan

We had a wonderful time on this walking tour. Our guide was very friendly an knowledgeable. Such a beautiful place to visit and it was good to learn how to be respectful when visiting shrines. Thank you so much.

Pamela Thompson（USA） ★★★★★

Wish we had started our trip here!

Fumiko was a gracious and informative guide. The historical context of the area was explained concisely with visuals (Fumiko came prepared!) and provided a good background to better take in the sights. Fumiko patiently answered all questions. The only downside was the timing of New Year's holiday, a few places were closed. After the trip, Fumiko promptly emailed photos that she had taken during the tour, a nice bonus!

Burns, Katrina（Australia） ★★★★★

Yanaka walking tour with Yoshimi

Very interesting tour with extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide Yoshimi. Lots of detailed history and facts - highly recommended

Robert Rosenberg（USA） ★★★★★

Very knowledgeable guide who adjusted the itinerary to suite my tastes since I was the only one of the tour. She described the relationship between the religious and historical events that were key to the sites visited,

pmahend（） ★★★★★

Unique walking tour of old Tokyo

Thank you so much for joining the tour and your wonderful review! I’m glad that you had a great time in Yanaka. I hope you will come back to Tokyo and explore hidden gems again. I’m looking forward to seeing you next time!

Daniel, Lily（Spain） ★★★★★

We had a wonderful experience on the Yanaka walking tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. We highly recommend! Thank you

Rie is an excellent guide

Our guide Rie was a great guide. She took us on a 3 hour walk of Yanaka and spent the time to provide us detailed information and history of all the sites along the way. She is very pleasant and knowledgeable and was very flexible in making sure that she covered the areas of most interest to us. Thank ou

Camille Cooke（UK） ★★★★★

Our guide Arika was absolutely delightful. It was so nice to be out of the skyscrapers and in the real old Tokyo. Thoroughly recommended.

Belikov, Vladimir（USA） ★★★★★

Amazing Yanaka Tour

I you came to visit Tokyo, this tour is a must. You will see a real life of tokyans with many restaurants, shops, Shrines, and Buddhist temples as well as learn a lot in Japanese history. Yoshimi is the best tour guide ever.

Smith, Douglas（UK） ★★★★★

Excellent Walking Tour of Yanaka with Yumi

Excellent tour of Yanaka . Yumi was a very knowledgeable guide and made the whole tour very enjoyable. She was able to answer all of our questions. I to Tokyo. Doug Smithwould certainly recommend this tour to travellers

Alan Thomson（Thailand） ★★★★★

A great day

A lovely day spent wandering through the small streets of this old neighborhood The guide was excellent sharing information and we stopped off for a lovely coffee.

Mandar Suresh（Singapore） ★★★★★

A highlight of Tokyo

Great day seeing a very different part of Tokyo with some lovely insight into the culture and people of Japan from our guide Rie.

Leonid Gutnik（USA） ★★★★★

Excellently tour. It allows you to see a different Tokyo: private houses, old temples, to see the everyday life of ordinary Tokyo residents. We enjoyed walking through the streets of old city and a lot of historical facts we had learned....

Shreya Kundu（India） ★★★★★

We had a great time exploring Yanaka through this guided tour. The guided tour takes you through the Kaneii temple, surrounding cemetery, the Nezu shrine, the Ueno Sakuragi Attari (beer hall), other local shrines, the snake road and ending at the Yanaka Ginza. Daiki our guide was super friendly, and looked out for things we were interested in, such as the Takoyaki (fried octopus dumplings) shop at Yanaka Ginza. Daiki also gave us some food recommendations (such as the Monja in Tokyo) that we really enjoyed. Overall we had a great time and we highly recommend this tour!

Megan Agius（Australia） ★★★★★

Emiko was a fabulous guide! We throughly enjoyed our guided tour through old Tokyo and really appreciated Emilio’s insight into the culture and customs. We would recommend this tour and Emiko to our fellow travellers.

Jonathan McNeely（USA） ★★★★★

Great walking tour of a historic Tokyo neighborhood

Excellent tour. Walking through the Yanaka neighborhood of Tokyo was very special. My guide, Ken, was fantastic- never in a hurry. I took the afternoon tour, which was perfect.

Thomas Brady（USA） ★★★★★

A gem of a neighborhood

Emiko was a fantastic guide, answering all of our questions as we explored a really cool neighborhood of Tokyo!

TEALE DOWNES （Australia） ★★★★★

Very kind and polite

Really friendly and helped me and my family a lot and answered all our questions about Japanese culture.

Lucas Casey（USA） ★★★★★

Temples and Snake Street

Rie was an excellent and accommodating guide for this tour. We visited many shrines, walked down scenic snake street and grabbed a bite to eat.

Sarah Darby（Australia） ★★★★★

Emiko is the best guide!

Emiko was incredible. She is so charming and passionate. We learnt so much but more than anything what made the tour special was how she engaged everyone from our youngest aged 10 to our oldest ! Make sure you stop at the bakery for the most incredible snacks!

Kyle Olsen（USA） ★★★★★

A superb tour!

We had a lovely experience in Yanaka with Hitomi. Truly — we were made to feel like family members and so enjoyed the many sites of this neighborhood. Highly recommend Hitomi. She’s knowledgeable, polite and friendly. Our experience couldn’t have been better.

Glennis Pitches（Australia） ★★★★★

See a different Tokyo

This is a great walk through an historic part of Tokyo. Hitomi did a fantastic job of explaining all of the interesting aspects that we saw as well as sharing about life in Tokyo. We covered a lot of territory in 3.5 hours but it was all done at a leisurely pace. We highly recommend this tour if you want to see a nostalgic part of Tokyo with Himito, an expert guide.

Krace Sheng （Germany） ★★★★★

Walking in Yanaka in a beautiful sunny afternoon

We had very nice walking tour with Molly, she is knowledgeable, patient and very friendly,and speaks excellent English:-)

Susan Cook（USA） ★★★★★

I really enjoyed the tour. Mutsuko was a fantastic guide and so informative of Japanese culture and history. We tried some very delicious snacks and learned a lot about Japanese religion, temples and even architecture. I highly recommend this tour and many thanks to Mutsoko for making her country's history so interesting!

Alison Beitzel（Australia） ★★★★★

Walking tour Yanaka

Hi, we recently completed a Walking tour of Yanaka. Our guide, Fumiko, was very knowledgeable and entertaining on this tour. Certainly opened our eyes on the history of Yanaka and Japan in general. Recommend this tour for those wanting a little bit history.

Barbara DE JONGHE（France） ★★★★★

Une belle après midi de découvertes !

Nous avons découvert tellement d'endroits que nous n aurions pas vus sans notre guide ! Beaucoup d explications très intéressantes, historiques, sur les lieux , mais aussi le quotidien des habitants ! Super ! Notre guide Mayaso était formidable.

Dennis McAlister（Australia） ★★★★★

Enjoyable ramble through "old" Tokyo

Lovely tour of old Tokyo in the Yanaka District. Our guide Mutsuko was very accommodating and made sure that we were well looked after. Some great insights into Japanese life in the district and a real opportunity to see how the locals live. Highly recommended!

Dolly Hsia（USA） ★★★★★

Shizue (Sue) is a great guide

My husband and I enjoyed learning about the traditions of the ancestors shrines and practices. Shizue is a great guide.

Ronan Denyer（Canada） ★★★★★

Great tour for learning the history of Yanaka from a knowledgeable guide

We had a great time on this tour learning the history of Yanaka. Sue was an excellent guide with extensive knowledge of the local area.

Kathleen Benson,（USA） ★★★★★

Great tour of a mostly unexplored area of Tokyo!

Emiko was a great tour guide! She gave us a great tour and history of the Yanaka area. We had an extra day on our trip and I’m glad we choose this tour!

Andrea Ghans（UK） ★★★★★

Old and Nostalgic Tokyo - walking tour

Fantastic experience!! Our guide - Kaori was very attentive to all our needs and numerous questions. She was very friendly and demonstrated her knowledge of the temples, history and culture. We would definitely recommend the tour and the guide to anyone visiting Japan.

Susan Vogele（USA） ★★★★★

Toshi was an excellent tour guide. His tour of Yanaka was very interesting and informative. I really enjoyed it.

Malinda Johnston（USA） ★★★★★

Great opportunity to see a different side of Tokyo

Eriko was a wonderful guide. She led us on a leisurely pace to see lot of shrines and neighborhoods. It was nice to take just a short train ride and see a totally different part of Tokyo.

Aano Otsu（Japan） ★★★★★

Very cool experience, seeing off the beaten path soghts of Tokyo

Our guide Emiko San was spectacular! Very personable, professional and knew the area very well, as well as history of each sights we visited and the cultural traditions around them. I highly recommend the Yanaka walking tour!

Pippa Rudman（UK） ★★★★★

Cultural experience

Really enjoyed this tour which was very interesting & a lovely quiet part of Tokyo where we saw some real life to compare to the big city. Daiki was very knowledgable and helpful and looked after us well!

Jessica Méndez（Panama） ★★★★★

Yuki, is very detailed...

Yuki, is very detailed oriented and explained all the Japanese culture in an understandable way. She has a positive attitude and is always willing to support you with any inquiry or need that you may have during the walking tour. I will definitely recommend her for any future tour.

Mary Connolly（Australia） ★★★★★

Excellent guide very informative a really interesting tour thank you. The guide herself was a wealth of information.

Lynette Bissett（Australia） ★★★★★

Fabulous guide and tour

Rie was a lovely and informative guide. We went to so many places that we never would have known about on our own. She taught us a lot about early Japanese culture and the tiny back streets and houses were so nice to see.

Brad Rozran（USA） ★★★★★

Highly recommend

Amazing tour of a very peaceful old different side of Tokyo that you’d probably never find in your own. Hitomi was a great tour guide with extensive knowledge of the area and its history. Definitely recommend this for a half day of your Tokyo trip to see an older less touristy neighborhood with no shortage of shrines and cool history!

John Clancy（Ireland） ★★★★★

High-quality cultural tour through a historical area of Tokyo.

If you're looking for a niche change of pace from the hustle & bustle of Akihabara, Harajuku, or Ikebukuro, you'll probably love this tour. Over the 3.5 hours it runs for, you'll take in a wealth of sights. Shrines, temples, shops, historical buildings and plenty of chances to pick up snacks! Our guide was Emiko - she was fantastic. Native to Tokyo, fluent English speaker, pleasant, patient, and very knowledgeable on everything we asked. The 3+ hours flew by, and my partner & I are already making plans to revisit the area when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Highly recommended if you're into this sort of thing!

Shannon Mulcahy（USA） ★★★★★

Off the Beaten Path

This was a great tour to begin my stay in Tokyo. Our guide, Eriko, was very knowledgeable about the temples, shrines, and local area. In addition, touring the various sites, she pointed out a number of delightful local shops. I had the best rice crackers of my entire trip along this tour (and picked up my favorite souvenirs)! I recommend this tour to anyone looking for a more personal and authentic experience. *Bonus: Eriko helped direct me when I got lost finding the meeting spot and waited for me so that I didn't miss the tour.

Lois Lombardo（USA） ★★★★★

Rie was a fantastic guide

Rie explained the culture and history of the sites we visited. She went out of her way to ensure we comprehended and enjoyed the trip.

Laura Tisdale （USA） ★★★★★

Wonderful tour full of great sights and history!

We were intrigued with all of the interesting history and sights we saw. Emiko was wonderful and full of knowledge and great stories about what we saw. Thank you Emiko!

Gaelle Brun Cottan（USA） ★★★★★

Highly recommend!

TATSU and Hideki were absolutely phenomenal! They had so much knowledge about the history, shrines, and Shintoism & Buddhism. They were both so much fun to talk to while walking around. The tour covered a lot, and even had some shopping & art viewing.

Briana Peck（USA） ★★★★★

We had the best time！

We had the best time on our tour with Daiki. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, answered all our questions, and tailored the tour to our interests. We also were able to eat lunch together as a group afterward which had phenomenal food!

Devin Peck（USA） ★★★★★

Tour with Daiki

We had the best time on our tour with Daiki. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, answered all our questions, and tailored the tour to our interests. Afterward, we were able to each lunch together at a ramen place and it was phenomenal as well. Highly recommend!

Cathrine Nesbit（Canada） ★★★★

Old Tokyo living experience

Fumiko was a wonderful tour guide for us. She walked us through some older parts of Tokyo, explained a lot about shrines, temples etc and as we walked through some old cemeteries and explained a lot about the customs in Japan. We visited some old original buildings and talked about “Edo” or old Tokyo. Some of the buildings have been converted into small craft shops which were very interesting. It was a full 4 hours and ended on a “ginza street for the locals..

Sarah Thane（USA） ★★★★★

Highlight of my time in Tokyo!

I was lucky to have the 9am tour alone with Rie-san and I have nothing but great things to say. I was so happy to learn more about the Japanese culture and after about an hour it just felt like walking with a friend. Rie-san was very knowledgeable and very willing to take many pictures for me even though I was hesitant to do so myself. She showed me around many less touristy places in Yanaka and showed me the proper way to pray at the temples. She was extremely warm and kind and very open to learn about my life back home. I highly recommend this tour to anyone coming to Tokyo in the near future. Yanaka is a beautifully traditional area of Tokyo that I think a lot of tourists tend to overlook so definitely add it to your itinerary. Highly recommend and thank you again Rie-san!

Jenny Wilson（Australia） ★★★★★

I loved the experience of...

I loved the experience of walking amongst the old houses and streets. The number of temples was mind blowing and I particularly enjoyed our guide's explanations whilst walking amongst the cemeteries. It would have been perfect if the cherry Blossoms had bloomed.

André Parker（South Africa） ★★★★★

An enriching experience

An interesting tour during which we learnt much from the guide Rie. She was able to go into great depth in explaining Japanese cultural traits & issues. This was an enriching experience.

Stefan Ekelund（Lao） ★★★★★

Tokyo as it was

Travelling with public transport to the meeting at Nippori station was easy. The meeting point was not clear and it would be better to specify more exactly. We visited many interesting tempels and graveyards, and also nice narrow streets and old residential buildings. Our guide was knowledgeable and accommodated our requests. The time was a bit short and we walked a lot. It would be nice with a coffee break halfway but then the duration of the tour needs to be longer.

Greg Schwarz（USA） ★★★★★

Walking tour of the hidden side of Tokyo

Our guide Rie was very accommodating and knowledgeable. She explained everything so that we could understand and pointed out all the cool spots. The tour itself was a very nice pace and showed a different and more cultural side of Tokyo.

Donald Kreindler（USA） ★★★★★

An impressive Tokyo/Yanaka tour host

Rie was the most knowledgeable tour guide and host we can imagine. Her conversation skills are impressive and she was very responsive to our many questions, taking time to carefully explain her answers and also being thoughtful about what was important to us to learn. Her explanation of Japanese customs and traditional history taught us many details we will always remember. She is the best example of a loyal Japanese citizen who also expresses interest in other cultures and diversity. We would recommend her service to everyone we know who plans to visit Tokyo and appreciate the experience.

Lee Otter （UK） ★★★★★

Really worth seeing Edo period Japan.

I really enjoyed this trip around Yanaka seeing the older parts of Tokyo. Beautiful temples, shrines and a wonderful bakery! Our guide was wonderful so thank you.

Øystein Selbekk（Norway） ★★★★★

Great guide, very interesting tour

A memorable tour with a very knowlegable guide (Emiko). My warmest recommendation for anyone that are interested in the history of Tokyo.

Maria Hristova-Kazmierski（USA） ★★★★★

Rie guide, took us to cemeteries, shrines, temples, quaint streets, and little shops with local delicacies. She shared her knowledge of history and local customs to make this an entertaining experience worth every step we took.

Itai Zarmi（USA） ★★★★★

Fun walk in Old Tokyo

Very good walk in old Tokyo with our nice guide Emiko. Emiko is very knowledgeable and provided lots of information on the culture, history and general Japanese information. We walked a lot for 3.5 hours so make sure you bring good walking shoes.The old part of Tokyo is interesting and has lots of history, shrines temples and land marks.

Kate Groen（USA） ★★★★★

Great tour and a wonderful guide

We had a great tour together with a very knowledgeable guide (Emiko). If you like to know about the history of Tokyo, see some private gardens, I warmly recommend taking this tour.

Fran Burns（Australia） ★★★★★

A highly recommended walk for those with an interest in Tokyo's history.

Very interesting to discover old Tokyo with its temples and cemeteries just beside the modern buildings. In addition to being very knowledgeable, our guide Emiko had a knack for communication, and truly brought Yanaka and its temples alive for us. Highly recommended.

Maureen Warner（USA） ★★★★★

History, Culture and Cherry Blossoms

This tour was a wonderful way to see off-the-beaten path historic sites and cultural gems in a relaxed setting with abundant cherry blossoms in full bloom. We highly recommend this tour!

Samina Hussain（UK） ★★★★★

Old townTour with Rei Suzuki

We had horrible weather on the day of this tour.Despite this we thoroughly enjoyed the day. The guide was friendly and helped us appreciate the culture and history of the place. The 150 yrs coffee shop where we stopped was a lovely place to stop on this very wet day.

Rachel Blank （USA） ★★★★★

A lovely way to learn about Japan and get some fresh air!

We had an absolutely lovely time with Mutsuko! She took us to the most beautiful cemetery that I've ever seen! We were there when the cherry blossoms were in bloom, and it was breathtaking! It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon looking at beautiful places, learning some history and getting our steps in! She was able to explain aspects of Japanese culture, and what the different things were in the shops that we passed. I picked up quite a few traditional snacks to eat that evening!

Christopher Royle（USA） ★★★★★

A lovely afternoon with a lovely guide!

We had a lovely time walking around with Mutsuko. The cherry blossoms were blooming, which made the cemetery that we went to the most beautiful cemetery that I've ever seen. We saw many beautiful shrines and temples. We were able to ask questions about different Japanese customs and foods. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon sightseeing, and learning, and getting our steps in!

David Gormley（UK） ★★★★★

Don’t miss this great tour!

We had a wonderful time in Nippori with our excellent guide Rie. We learned a lot about Shinto traditions and temples, got to taste some delicious pastries and other foods, and Rie even stayed with us for an extra hour so that we could take our time and enjoy all the sights. This has been a highlight for our trip to Tokyo - highly recommended!

Vivien Duering（USA） ★★★★

Thank you so much for a delightful tour. The historical perspective, the shrines, and the grave sites, and the "liquor store" were especially interesting. What a treat to have the respite, the tea, the special bowls, and the painting. You created a lovely memory.

Leonie Peterson（Australia） ★★★★★

Great guide and fascinating tour

This tour was fascinating. It went from the burial mound of the last shogun to temples, old shops and quiet neighborhoods.

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Tour categories.

JAPANESE HISTORY TRIP

Explore Japan's rich history with our engaging video content, including in 360°. Designed to be a fun and interactive way to learn about the fascinating history of Japan, discover the wonders of this incredible country. Educators of Japanese history and culture are welcome to download free image content.

VIRTUAL 360° TOUR VIDEOS

Japanese History Trip is a pet project of a History teacher living in Japan since the mid-1990s, hoping to share the amazing history of Japan with the world. Videos and other resources are intended to be both informative and entertaining. Learning about history should be fun and engaging. Educators are welcome to access the 360° images (soon to be linked) for free use in your classrooms. Unless acknowledged, all materials on this site are by the author.

Kanazawa Walking Tour

The Kanazawa Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Over the course of 4 hours, this small-group experience takes visitors on a journey through iconic landmarks, including the striking Kanazawa Station and the impressive Kanazawa Castle. Participants will also discover the charming Higashi Chaya District , known for its well-preserved traditional wooden houses, and learn about the intricate process of gold leaf production at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum . With an option to visit the serene Oyama Shrine, this tour provides an in-depth look into Kanazawa’s captivating history and leaves travelers eager to uncover more.

• Comprehensive 4-hour guided walking tour of Kanazawa’s historical and cultural landmarks, including Kanazawa Castle, Higashi Chaya District, and Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum.
• Small group size of up to 7 participants, with an English-speaking guide and entry fees included in the €123.84 per person price.
• Explore the iconic Kanazawa Station and the impressive Kanazawa Castle, learning about its 16th-century history and architecture.
• Discover the charming Higashi Chaya District, with its well-preserved traditional wooden machiya houses and insights into Kanazawa’s geisha culture.
• Visit the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum for an in-depth look at the intricate process of gold leaf production and its cultural significance.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Kanazawa Full Day Private Guided Tour
• 1 Day Tour From Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
• Noto Airport To/From Kanazawa City Private Transfer
• From Kanazawa: Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Overview of the Walking Tour

The walking tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Kanazawa’s renowned historical and cultural landmarks , spanning 4 hours and catering to small groups of up to 7 participants. Priced at €123.84 per person, the tour includes a live English-speaking guide, transportation, and entry fees to the attractions.

Highlights include Kanazawa Castle , the Higashi Chaya District , and the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum . Guests can also visit the Oyama Shrine. The itinerary is flexible, allowing participants to customize the tour to their interests.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour provider offers the option to switch to a car tour in case of rain, though additional charges may apply.

Itinerary and Highlights

On the walking tour, guests begin at the iconic Kanazawa Station , a transportation hub renowned for its striking architecture. The tour then explores the impressive Kanazawa Castle , a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past.

From there, visitors enjoy the charming Higashi Chaya District , known for its well-preserved geisha houses and traditional tea houses.

The tour also includes stops at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum , where guests learn about the intricate process of gold leaf production, and the serene Oyama Shrine , a revered Shinto shrine. Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide highlights the city’s key attractions, customs, and artistic traditions.

Kanazawa Station and Castle

Visitors begin the walking tour at the iconic Kanazawa Station , a modern transportation hub renowned for its striking architecture.

The tour then proceeds to Kanazawa Castle , a historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Guests spend an hour exploring the castle grounds, including the impressive Ishikawa-mon Gate and Hishi-yagura Turret . Along the way, the guide shares insights into the castle’s rich history, from its construction in the 16th century to its role as a seat of power for the Maeda clan. Visitors can admire the castle’s elegant architecture and imagine the bustling activity that once filled its halls.

Higashi Chaya District

Next, the walking tour leads visitors to the enchanting Higashi Chaya District . This historic geisha district is known for its well-preserved traditional wooden machiya houses , where geisha once entertained.

Visitors can:

• Stroll along the charming streets, admiring the elegant architecture and atmospheric ambiance.
• Peek inside the traditional teahouses and shops, getting a glimpse into Kanazawa’s cultural heritage .
• Explore the district’s tranquil backstreets and hidden gems , discovering the city’s rich history and artisanal traditions .

The Higashi Chaya District offers a truly immersive experience, allowing travelers to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Kanazawa’s captivating geisha culture and historic significance.

Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

After exploring the charming Higashi Chaya District , the walking tour leads visitors to the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum . This museum offers an in-depth look at the intricate process of gold leaf production , a traditional Japanese craft.

Visitors can observe artisans skillfully crafting delicate gold leaves, and learn about the history and significance of this art form. The museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate techniques and the cultural importance of gold leaf in Kanazawa.

With a duration of 20 minutes, this stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and artistic traditions.

Oyama Shrine

Towering over the surrounding neighborhood, Oyama Shrine stands as a revered Shinto shrine in Kanazawa . Visitors can explore the shrine’s impressive architecture , which features intricate carvings and a distinct vermilion-lacquered roof.

The shrine’s grounds offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city, with beautifully landscaped gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.

Some highlights of visiting Oyama Shrine include:

• Admiring the detailed wood carvings and ornate decorations that adorn the shrine’s structures.
• Observing the traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies that take place throughout the day.
• Strolling through the serene gardens and taking in the shrine’s serene ambiance.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes several key inclusions to enhance the overall experience. Guide fees are covered, ensuring knowledgeable and professional leadership throughout the tour.

Transportation for both guests and the guide is provided, allowing seamless movement between the various sites. Entry fees to the tourist attractions, such as Kanazawa Castle and the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, are also included, eliminating the need for participants to worry about additional costs.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the highlights of Kanazawa , allowing visitors to focus on seeing the city’s rich history and culture.

Important Tour Information

One key piece of important tour information is that the meeting point for the walking tour is decided only one day before the scheduled date. Guests are advised to bring an umbrella in case of rain. Plus, there’s an option to change the tour to a car tour if the weather is inclement, though additional charges may apply.

The tour’s highlights include:

• Exploring Kanazawa’s landscape gardens, castle, and historic districts.
• Learning about the city’s rich history and arts .
• Customizing the itinerary to suit personal interests.

These valuable details help ensure a smooth and enjoyable walking tour experience in Kanazawa.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• From Kanazawa: Shirakawa-Go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Art
• Kanazawa: Noto Peninsula Private Day-Tour
• From Kanazawa: Shirakawago, Hida-Furukawa and Takayama Visit
• Shirakawa-go, Gokayama & Takayama Private Tour From Kanazawa
• Kanazawa City To/From Wakura City Private Transfer
• Kanazawas Timeless Culture: Private Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guide-to-guest ratio for this walking tour.

The guide-to-guest ratio for this walking tour is 1:7. The tour is limited to a small group of no more than 7 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with an English-speaking guide leading the way.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Size of Bags or Luggage?

The tour doesn’t mention any specific restrictions on bag or luggage size. However, it’s recommended to bring only small, easily manageable items as the group will be walking through historic districts.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The guide can accommodate guests with mobility needs, and the tour route includes accessible paths and attractions. Participants are encouraged to inform the tour operator of any special requirements in advance.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. The guide will work with participants to ensure their needs are met and they have an enjoyable experience throughout the walking tour.

Are Photography and Video Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video are generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should be mindful of any restricted areas or private spaces. It’s best to ask the guide for guidance on appropriate photography etiquette throughout the tour.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Private Tour Kanazawa: Gold Leaf, Sushi & Afternoon Activity
• Kanazawa via Shirakawa-Go Bus Transportation From Takayama
• Kanazawa Full Day Walking Tour
• Kanazawa: Selfie Photo Experience With Rental Kimono – Moon
• Kanazawa: Selfie Photo Experience With Rental Kimono – Color
• E-Bike With Guided Private Tour of KANAZAWA Main & KENROKUEN
• Taste of Kanazawa (Omicho Market Tasting + Higashi Chaya)
• One-Way Bus Transportation From Kyoto to Kanazawa
• Kanazawa Private Custom Tour With Local Guide
• Explore Kanazawa in Three Hours
• Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience
• One-Way Bus Transportation From Kanazawa to Shirakawa-Go and Then to Takayama
• Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour
• Private Nagoya Airport Transfers for Kanazawa/Toyama/Tateyama Kurobe (7 Seater)
• Kanazawa to Shirakawago to Takayama: English Speaking Driver Only

The Kanazawa Walking Tour offers an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich heritage. Visitors will discover iconic landmarks, enjoy the intricate art of gold leaf production , and have the option to visit the serene Oyama Shrine. This small-group tour provides an in-depth look into Kanazawa’s captivating history and cultural significance, making it a must-do experience for those seeking to fully experience the city’s charm.

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