Complete Tokyo Walking Tours Guide 2025: 20 Best Expert-Led Experiences for First-Time Visitors
Tokyo is the economic and cultural center of Japan, a city that attracts countless travelers from around the world every day. Tokyo has many districts, and each area and district has its own unique culture and history. For example, Asakusa in the downtown area is a district where you can strongly feel the Edo culture that developed in Tokyo from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Additionally, Akihabara, lined with buildings, is the center of modern anime culture and various Japanese subcultures. Harajuku is a place where you can enjoy Kawaii fashion and sweets popular on social media.
This time, we will introduce Tokyo Walking Tours that allow you to fully enjoy the culture of each area in Tokyo. We will compare and introduce recommended tours for each area, so please use this as a reference.
Types of Tokyo Walking Tours Available
There are various types of Tokyo Walking Tours you can participate in. The representative types of tours are as follows:
- Tokyo Walking Tours that explore retro districts
- Tokyo Walking Tours that visit modern tourist spots (spots like Akihabara and central cities like Shibuya)
- Local food tours where you can eat while walking through markets
In retro districts like Asakusa and Yanaka, participating in Tokyo Walking Tours where you can walk wearing Kimono or join workshops where you can experience local traditional culture will give you enjoyable experiences unique to that area.
In modern tourist spots like Harajuku and Akihabara, Tokyo Walking Tours become enjoyable when guides are knowledgeable about the district and can recommend shopping spots and trendy activities from a local perspective.
Also, food tours where you can eat while walking through famous markets are popular. The most popular Tokyo Walking Tours destination is the famous seafood market, Tsukiji Market.
Tsukiji tours usually allow you to enjoy walking and eating seafood and traditional Japanese light meals, and depending on the tour, guides will also take you to recommended restaurants within the market.
Comparison of Recommended Tokyo Walking Tours Introduced in This Article
Tokyo Walking Tours exploring retro districts
| Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour | Asakusa Free Walking Tour Tokyo | Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Overview | Walk and explore Asakusa with a local guide, enjoying cultural experiences and lunch | Free admission, tip-based walking guide tour in Asakusa | Walk through Yanaka with a local guide and enjoy retro shopping streets and painting workshops |
| Features | Includes Matcha tea making experience / Okonomiyaki lunch. | Free participation / Tour Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree. | Street food hopping in retro shopping districts / Maneki-neko painting experience |
| Places to Visit | Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, traditional teahouses, Hoppy Street, okonomiyaki restaurants | Kaminarimon Gate, Sky Tree Tower & Golden XXX, Senso-ji Temple, Denpoin Street | Yanaka Ginza, old-style cafe, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Town |
| Number of Reviews | 209 | 3131 | 160 |
| Rating | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 |
| Booking Site | Official Site Viator |
Official website | Official website Tripadvisor |
| Estimated Cost (as of Aug 2025) | ¥13,700~ (1 adult) | Free (optional tip) | ¥10,300~ (1 adult) |
| Recommended For | • Those who want to enjoy Asakusa's culture from a local perspective, not just sightseeing. | • Those who want to casually participate in basic guided tours in Asakusa. | • Those who want to enjoy strolling with local guides and cultural experiences in Yanaka. |
Tokyo Walking Tours visiting areas where pop culture has taken root
| Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour | Anime, Manga, Game & Pop Culture Tour in Akihabara | Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Overview | Enjoy Akihabara's maid cafes and game centers with a local guide | Enjoy customized shopping and exploring in Akihabara | Explore Takeshita Street and other areas with a local guide, and enjoy cafes & lunch |
| Features | Toy Capsule games / Maid cafe / Photo booth experience | Introduction to anime, manga, and figure shopping spots / Maid cafe experience | Introduction to Harajuku's photogenic spots / Kawaii shops & sweets / Guide to traditional lunch spots |
| Places to Visit | Anime goods shops, Akihabara Electric Town, Capsule toy shop, Maid café, Game center | Anime Shop, Manga shop, Figure Shop, Maid café, Game center | Takeshita Street, Galaxy Harajuku, Ura Hara, Local restaurant |
| Number of Reviews | 409 | 8 | 84 |
| Rating | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
| Booking Site | Official Site TripAdvisor |
Viator | Official Site TripAdvisor |
| Estimated Cost (as of Aug 2025) | ¥13,700~ (1 adult) | ¥14,967~ (1 adult) | ¥12,000~ (1 adult) |
| Recommended For | • Those who want to efficiently enjoy Akihabara culture with a friendly local guide | • Those who want to enjoy customized shopping and experiences in Akihabara | • Those who want to enjoy kawaii culture and the latest trends in Harajuku with a local guide |
Tours where you can enjoy eating while walking in Tsukiji
| Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food Tour in Tokyo | Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Overview | Explore Tsukiji Market and surrounding areas with a local guide, enjoying street food hopping and seafood lunch | Explore the Tsukiji area with a local guide and enjoy street food hopping |
| Features | Food hopping with 5+ varieties / Seafood lunch at a local guide's recommended restaurant / Exploring surrounding areas | Seafood and traditional snack food hopping / Exploring local temples and shrines |
| Places to Visit | Tsukiji Honganji Temple, Tsukiji Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Tsukiji Kanno, Shiodome Tower | Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, Former Tsukiji Market, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Uogashi |
| Number of Reviews | 604 | 2173 |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.9 |
| Booking Site | Official Site | TripAdvisor |
| Estimated Cost (as of Aug 2025) | ¥12,220~ (1 adult) | ¥16,800~ (1 adult) |
| Recommended For | • Those who want to enjoy street food hopping and sightseeing in Tsukiji, plus eat an amazing lunch | • Those who want to hear about the Tsukiji area and try street food hopping |
Private tours for stress-free sightseeing
| Private Tokyo Tour with a Local Guide: Tailored to Your Interests | Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide | 1-Day Tokyo Highlights Tour with a Private Car and Guide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Overview | Personalized walking tour with a local guide | Private tour with a nationally certified tour guide | Full-day Tokyo sightseeing by private car with a guide |
| Features | Areas, itinerary, and tour times are freely customizable / Guided to hidden gems from a local perspective | Guided by knowledgeable and experienced guides / Itinerary can be customized through advance consultation | Tour with private car / Admission fees, lunch, and drinks included in tour price |
| Places to Visit | Shibuya, Kappabashi Street, Senso-ji Temple, Ginza, Yanaka District, etc. | Asakusa, Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tsukiji Fish Market, Akihabara, etc. | Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Scramble Crossing |
| Number of Reviews | 812 | 2623 | 8 |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Booking Site | TripAdvisor | TripAdvisor | Official Site LIVE JAPAN |
| Estimated Cost (as of Aug 2025) | ¥15,441~ (1 adult) | ¥22,000~ (1 adult) | ¥35,000~ (1 adult) |
| Recommended For | • Those who want flexible travel / Those who want to explore from a local's perspective | • Those who want to be guided by someone with solid knowledge and expertise | • Those who want to enjoy a comfortable full-day Tokyo tour with a private car and guide |
To Deeply Enjoy Tokyo's Tourist Spots, We Recommend Being Guided by Locals
If you want to deeply enjoy Tokyo's tourist spots, participating in Tokyo Walking Tours guided by locals is most recommended.
Each area of Tokyo has distinctive cultures and histories that are completely different from other areas. With guidance from local guides who know the district well, you can more deeply enjoy the unique charms of that area, rather than just surface-level tourism.
Especially Asakusa and Akihabara are districts with many hidden charms that are difficult for first-time visitors to understand. Let friendly local guides teach you about hidden famous spots and cultures beloved by local people, and spend special time on these Tokyo Walking Tours.
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
What we recommend for Asakusa, one of Tokyo's premier tourist destinations, is the Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour, where you explore Sensoji Temple and the district by walking with a local guide.
The tour duration is 3 hours. You visit Asakusa's famous temple, Sensoji Temple, and the surrounding areas, and experience the culture of preparing matcha at a traditional tea house. At the end of the tour, you enjoy lunch of Okonomiyaki, which is Japanese pancakes.
With Local Guide Commentary, You Can Understand the Interest and Highlights of Tourist Spots Well
First, you walk through the Asakusa district with its unique downtown culture and around Sensoji Temple with a local guide who knows the area well.
Asakusa, one of Tokyo's leading tourist destinations, has traditional culture and history centered around Sensoji Temple, which has been in this district for 1000 years.
Walking through the district with a local guide on these Tokyo Walking Tours, you can learn about real Asakusa culture, not just the surface-level information written in guidebooks.
When I participated, I spent relaxed and enjoyable time as if a friend was showing me around their beloved district. Of course, the guide was also knowledgeable and immediately answered questions about Sensoji Temple's giant red gate and large lanterns.
In the shopping street around Sensoji Temple, you can also shop for delicious sweets and Japanese-style miscellaneous goods. I was introduced to a shop selling "Ningyō-yaki," which are traditional Japanese sweets.
In Addition to Sightseeing, You Can Have Various Experiences Like Taking Photos in Kimono and Enjoying Exquisite Cuisine
In this Tokyo Walking Tour, you can have various cultural experiences, not just sightseeing.
After exploring Asakusa district and Sensoji Temple, you head to a quiet tea house in the district. There, you experience making Matcha using traditional methods.
When I participated, the guide taught the methods very clearly in a friendly manner. It's not too difficult, so please try it with confidence.
In the latter half of the Tokyo Walking Tour, try grilling Okonomiyaki, Japanese pancakes, for lunch yourself. Once you learn how to grill Okonomiyaki, you'll be able to use Okonomiyaki restaurants found in any Japanese city.
Also, in other Asakusa tours provided by Magical Trip, there are Tokyo Walking Tours where you can rent beautiful Kimono and have professional photographers take your pictures.
If you want cultural experiences that will remain as memories in addition to sightseeing, please choose Magical Trip's Tokyo Walking Tours.
・Meeting point: In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, Senso-ji/1-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Tour area: Asakusa
・Start time: 11:00
Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour
For those who love Japanese anime and gaming culture, be sure to participate in one of the premier Tokyo Walking Tours in Akihabara. Magical Trip's Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour is a 3-hour tour that efficiently allows you to enjoy Akihabara's pop culture with the guidance of a local guide.
This exciting plan takes you to stores where you can enjoy shopping, including retro game shops and anime stores, and you can also have fun at maid cafes and game centers - a plan packed with enjoyment.
Experience Japan's Pop Culture Pilgrimage Deeply and Efficiently
By participating in this tour, you can enjoy all the attractive experiences that travelers visiting Akihabara want to have. With a guide's assistance, you'll efficiently tour the fascinating spots in the vast Akihabara district.
When I participated, I went to a popular maid cafe and had the experience of having cute character drawings drawn in ketchup on my omelet rice. Although I was nervous when I first entered the store, the maids' service was perfect, and they maintained radiant smiles throughout. As a result, I was able to relax completely from the middle of the experience and fully enjoy the cute and pop world view.
Furthermore, during the 3-hour tour, I played games to win toy capsules and also visited precious retro game shops. I didn't feel rushed at all and could leisurely enjoy each spot like a dream.
At the end, there was also time to take purikura (decorative photo booth pictures) at the game center.
Visit Toy Shops and Game Centers - Spots That Are Hard for Tourists to Find
Akihabara has numerous anime and toy shops and game centers. With such a large number and diverse, subdivided genres, it would be difficult for first-time travelers to find stores that match their interests.
The guide who knows Akihabara well took me to a store selling precious retro games. While I love the latest games too, just looking at old retro game consoles makes me excited.
You can of course purchase anything you like during the tour. The guide helped me find the goods I was looking for among the enormous amount of merchandise.
The game center they guided me to in the latter half of the tour had a rich variety of games and was a place where even people other than special game fans could casually enjoy themselves.
By participating in this tour, you'll be introduced to quality stores that tourists couldn't find on their own. After the tour, be sure to continue enjoying shopping and playing at the stores you were taught about.
Tokyo Walking Tours Through Retro Towns: Area-by-Area Guide
Asakusa
Asakusa is famous for being home to Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji Temple. There are many alleys where the atmosphere of the old downtown remains, and it's a town where you can feel Tokyo's history just by walking around.
Around Sensoji Temple, there's Nakamise Shopping Street, where shops selling Japanese-style goods and gifts are gathered, making it a perfect area for buying Tokyo travel souvenirs.
Asakusa Free Walking Tour Tokyo
Source:Tokyo Localized
Asakusa Free Walking Tour Tokyo is a free walking tour held in Asakusa. You can participate for free by making a reservation, and it operates on a tip system where you pay the guide a tip at the end. Over 2 hours of walking through the town, you can hear basic explanations about Asakusa's culture and history from the guide.
First, visit Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and listen to episodes about the temple's and Asakusa's history. You'll understand that this place has been bustling with many people just like today for hundreds of years.
This tour also allows you to view Tokyo's symbol tower, Skytree, from the banks of the Sumida River. On clear days, you can enjoy the beautiful tower that reflects well against the blue sky and river.
What impressed me when I participated was that the guide's explanations were easy to understand and kind, even for people visiting Tokyo for the first time. I also liked that I could enjoy the stroll very casually while participating in the tour.
If you're coming to Asakusa for the first time and don't know which tour to participate in, please try using this tour once.
- Meeting point: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
- Tour area: Asakusa
- Start times: 9:30, 10:30, 13:30
Asakusa Kimono Photography Tour
This tour is a photography tour where you can stroll through Asakusa with a professional photographer and have special photos taken at the best locations. You can rent beautiful kimono, which are traditional Japanese garments, and dress up to take photos that symbolize Japan in the streets of Asakusa.
Historic Asakusa has old-era alleys and spots remaining throughout the town, making it perfect for taking commemorative photos of your Tokyo trip. From the beautiful Sensoji Temple to small street corners, professional photographers will guide you to many photogenic spots.
I was worried about crowds, but since the tour started early in the morning, I could take photos leisurely without worrying about crowds. It was also a nice point that the tour had an atmosphere where even solo travelers could participate casually.
Kimono can be freely chosen from a diverse lineup. Women can choose beautiful hair accessories that match the kimono, and hairstyling is also provided. If you want to take memorable photos during your Tokyo trip, I highly recommend using this tour.
- Meeting point: In front of FamilyMart Sensoji-temple Kaminarimon-temple Store/1-2-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Tour area: Asakusa
- Start time: 8:30
Yanaka (Including Nezu and Sendagi)
Yanaka is an area where Tokyo's old townscapes from before the 1940s remain intact. This small town is filled with charming spots, including the beautiful Nezu Shrine with its rows of vermillion torii gates, and the retro-atmosphere shopping street Yanaka Ginza in Sendagi.
Walking through the unique Yanaka with its preserved old townscapes will surely provide new discoveries about Japanese culture from a fresh perspective. These Tokyo Walking Tours offer an authentic glimpse into traditional Japan.
Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town
This tour takes you on a 3.5-hour exploration of Yanaka, Tokyo's old town district, accompanied by a local guide. You'll visit Nezu Shrine, said to be Tokyo's most beautiful shrine, and stroll through the charming retro shopping street of Yanaka Ginza with its collection of small, attractive shops.
This tour doesn't just let you explore the charm-filled Yanaka area—you can also participate in enjoyable workshops unique to Yanaka. I experienced painting Maneki-neko (beckoning cat figurines) at a cafe converted from an old private house.
Maneki-neko are objects that have long been believed in Japan to "bring in money." Yanaka was known as a cat town with many stray cats until recently, and you'll find many Maneki-neko placed in shops throughout the area.
The painting experience was very enjoyable, and being able to take home the completed cute Maneki-neko made it a wonderful memory. This experience is enjoyable for everyone from children to adults, so it's recommended for families as well.
• Meeting point: Outside of Tokyo Metro Nezu Station Exit 1/113-0031 Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Nezu, 1-chōme37
• Tour area: Yanaka district
• Start time: 13:30
Yanaka Walking Tour The Old Quarter of Tokyo
Source:Tokyo Localized
This tour starts from JR Nippori Station and takes 3 hours to explore the streets of Yanaka with a guide. You'll walk through Nezu Shrine with its many beautiful torii gates, narrow winding roads lined with old houses, and visit the nature-rich Yanaka Cemetery and the town's small shrines and temples.
These Tokyo Walking Tours allow you to visit all of Yanaka's attractive spots comprehensively. My recommendation is Yanaka Cemetery. Famous for being the resting place of literary figures and other notable people, the nature-rich and quiet Yanaka Cemetery is also well-known as a walking spot.
In spring, you can admire the large, beautiful cherry trees blooming in the quiet cemetery. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere are stunning in other seasons too, so definitely take time to explore thoroughly.
Additionally, Yanaka is a town with many shrines and temples that have been cherished by the local community for many years, such as Tennoji Temple. It might be interesting to ask your guide about the detailed differences between shrines and temples.
• Meeting point: JR Nippori Station North Exit
• Tour area: Yanaka
• Start time: 10:30, 13:30
Sumida River・Ryogoku Area
The Sumida River flows through Tokyo's downtown areas, including Asakusa. This culturally symbolic river has riverside areas with abundant nature including cherry trees, and Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo's symbol tower.
Around the Sumida River, there's Ryogoku Kokugikan where official sumo tournaments are held, and the Ryogoku area, known as the sumo town.
5-Hour Tokyo & Edo Hidden Gem Bike Tour with Lunch
This tour explores the downtown Tokyo areas of Asakusa and Ryogoku while enjoying cycling. Together with a guide, you'll spend 5 hours touring approximately 15km around the Sumida River areas including Asakusa, Ryogoku, and Fukagawa by bicycle and on foot.
The Sumida River area covered in this tour was the center of Edo culture. Edo culture developed from the 17th to 19th centuries when Tokyo was called Edo, creating many cultural elements including ukiyo-e woodblock prints and the form of sushi we know today.
The tour also visits museums with exhibitions about Edo life. As someone who loves Edo culture, I found it extremely enjoyable to cycle through the streets while comparing the modern Tokyo I was seeing with the past.
This tour is recommended for those who have visited downtown areas like Asakusa and developed an interest in the region's history. Enjoy pleasant cycling while appreciating the contrast between past and modern Tokyo through these specialized Tokyo Walking Tours.
• Meeting point: AsakusaBashi Station Exit A3 (Toei-Asakusa Line)
• Tour area: Asakusa, Ryogoku, Fukagawa
• Start time: 10:00
Ryogoku: Sumo Town Guided Walking Tour with Lunch
Source:Get Your Guide
This tour explores Ryogoku, the sumo town, on foot with a guide over 3.5 hours. You'll visit historical sumo spots in Ryogoku such as Ekō-in Temple while listening to guide explanations about sumo customs, history, and culture.
Ryogoku is home to Ryogoku Kokugikan, the venue where official sumo tournaments are held. Sumo history in Ryogoku is said to have begun in the 17th century, and the town contains many spots important to sumo history.
While visiting each spot, listen to your guide's explanations about sumo, a special sport closely connected to Japanese culture and Shintoism. Additionally, many sumo wrestlers live in the town and practice daily. If you're lucky, you might encounter sumo wrestlers walking through the town in kimono.
For lunch, you can eat traditional sumo wrestler cuisine—chicken hot pot. If you're interested in sumo culture, definitely participate in these Tokyo Walking Tours in Ryogoku.
• Meeting point: Yokoami 1-chome, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
• Tour area: Ryogoku
• Start time: 9:30
Harajuku
Harajuku is the center of Tokyo's Kawaii culture. Takeshita Street, located right near Harajuku Station, is packed with shops selling Kawaii goods and fashion. The surrounding area also has many stylish cafes and vintage clothing stores.
Since the famous Scramble intersection in Shibuya is close to Harajuku, we recommend visiting both Harajuku and Shibuya on the same day.
Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour
This Tokyo Walking Tours experience allows you to explore Harajuku's charming spots on foot with a local guide who knows the latest Harajuku trends. You'll walk through Takeshita Street, where Kawaii fashion, goods, and sweets shops are concentrated, and also visit the Urahara area where popular cafes and vintage clothing stores gather.
If you're hoping to buy even one piece of Kawaii goods in Harajuku, we recommend participating in this tour. The guide will not only lead you to recommended shops but also tell you about recommended brands and places you should visit for shopping during your trip in the Harajuku/Shibuya area.
Afterward, you can browse vintage clothes in the Urahara area and take photos at photogenic spots. The guide taught me about street corner photo spots that I would never have noticed without being told, as well as recommended photography techniques, and I was able to take many fun pictures.
In the latter half of the tour, you can also enjoy an Okonomiyaki lunch. If you want to fully enjoy the entire Harajuku area - a city where many trends are born daily - please try using this tour.
• Meeting point: In front of Omotesando (East) Exit of JR Harajuku station
• Tour area: Harajuku
• Start time: 10:30
Tokyo: Harajuku Takeshita Street Guided Tour with Sweets
Source:Get Your Guide
This is a Tokyo Walking Tours experience where you explore Kawaii culture together with a guide on Harajuku's Takeshita Street. Join a guide knowledgeable about Kawaii culture to eat colorful sweets and visit shops selling Kawaii goods and fashion.
Takeshita Street is a spot in the Harajuku area where teens especially gather. Cute and interesting goods shops and idol merchandise stores line the street. Since it's one of the meccas of pop culture, even as a male, I frequented this place during my teenage years.
A classic Harajuku experience is eating and walking around with sweets, starting with crepes. Be sure to eat photogenic crepes that look cute and take pictures. In this tour, the cost of sweets is included in the tour fee.
If you want to mainly enjoy shopping and sweets on Takeshita Street, please try using this tour.
• Meeting point: In front of the Takeshita Exit ticket gates of Harajuku Station
• Tour area: Harajuku
• Start time: Every 30 minutes from 10:00~20:00, at your preferred time
The neighboring Shibuya's "Shibuya Night Bar Hopping Walking Tour in Tokyo" is also recommended!
Right next to Harajuku is Shibuya, one of Tokyo's premier entertainment districts.
If you want to experience Tokyo's nightlife in Shibuya, we also recommend participating in the Shibuya Night Bar Hopping Walking Tour in Tokyo after your Harajuku sightseeing.
Together with a guide who knows Shibuya's restaurants and bars well, you'll visit three Izakaya and bars. Enjoy alcohol and exquisite food like meat dishes at Izakaya, which are Japanese-style pubs.
What we definitely want you to try in Tokyo is the delicious meals you can eat with alcohol at Izakaya. In this Tokyo Walking Tours experience, you'll visit popular Izakaya restaurants in Shibuya where you can eat meat dishes. Ask your guide for recommendations and definitely try unique Izakaya dishes using Japanese tofu and vegetables.
The night I participated, the guide was full of humor, and it was impressive how much fun we had as a tour group.
If you want to experience Tokyo's drinking culture or enjoy delicious alcohol and food in Shibuya, try participating in the Shibuya bar hopping tour.
• Meeting point: In front of the floor to ceiling windows under SHIBUYA TSUTAYA sign/21-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Q Front, B2F-8F
• Tour area: Shibuya
• Start time: 18:00, 19:00
Akihabara
Akihabara is the center of Japan's otaku culture, with many anime shops and game stores.
In addition to anime shops, it's famous for electronics specialty stores where you can buy electronic devices and digital goods from an abundant selection. Furthermore, with idol goods shops, maid cafes, and cosplay goods stores, it's a city where you can enjoy various pop cultures.
Anime, Manga, Game & Pop Culture Tour in Akihabara
Source:Viator
This is a small-group Tokyo Walking Tours experience where you spend 3 hours touring anime shops and manga stores in Akihabara with a guide. Destinations can be changed to figure shops or game centers according to your interests.
The guide will contact you before the scheduled date, where you can discuss destinations that interest you. A friend who participated with me was collecting figures and cards, so the guide consulted with them. Starting with the famous goods shop Mandarake, they introduced several stores.
They also introduced reasonably priced shops that travelers couldn't find on their own, so we were able to successfully get all our target items. Since we had time left over, they even guided us to a maid cafe at the end, and we had fun.
If you want a satisfying shopping experience in Akihabara, please try using this customizable tour.
• Meeting point: Akihabara Station/1 Chome Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
• Tour area: Akihabara
• Start time: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00
Private custom Akihabara tour
Source:Viator
This is a private Tokyo Walking Tours experience where you can explore Akihabara with a dedicated guide for about 3 hours. Destinations and itinerary in the city can be freely customized according to your interests. The guide will lead you to recommended game centers and cosplay spots, and there's also a service where the guide takes memorable photos for your trip.
The point of this tour is that since it's a completely personal tour, you can have a more personalized and intensive experience in Akihabara.
What made me happy was being guided to spots around Akihabara that appeared in my favorite anime. Seeing locations exactly like in the anime - shrines in Akihabara and bridges where you can see trains - was very exciting.
I took photos myself, but since I wasn't very good at it, the service where the guide takes many photos for you was also a nice touch.
If you want to enjoy the city leisurely with a private guide, or if you have a clear purpose for visiting Akihabara, please choose this customizable tour.
• Meeting point: Jonathan's Akihabara/1-chōme-17-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
• Tour area: Akihabara
• Start time: Every 30 minutes between 11:00~15:30
Recommended Walking Tours Where Private Guides Show You Around Tourist Attractions
Private Tokyo Tour with a Local Guide: Tailored to Your Interests
Source:Tripadvisor
This is a private tour where you can explore Tokyo according to your interests with a dedicated guide who knows Tokyo well. Destinations and itineraries can be freely customized, and you can choose tour durations ranging from 2-hour courses to 8-hour courses.
This tour is recommended for those who want to explore Tokyo from a local perspective through these exceptional Tokyo Walking Tours. The guides are local guides who are either from Tokyo or residents of Tokyo, and they will take you to places beloved by locals, such as hidden famous shops that tourists rarely visit and small local shrines in the community.
You can choose areas like Asakusa, Yanaka, and Harajuku that are also introduced in this article as your tour areas, or you can visit multiple areas using public transportation by paying additional fees.
If you want to freely explore spots not listed in guidebooks with a local guide who feels like a friend, try utilizing these Tokyo Walking Tours.
・Meeting point: NewDays Harajuku / 150-0001, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 1-1820, 1F, Omotesando Exit
Or meet at your hotel
・Tour area: Tokyo
・Start time: Starts every hour from 8:00 to 12:00 (for 8-hour tours)
Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Source:Tripadvisor
This tour is a private walking tour where you spend 6 hours touring Tokyo with a guide who has national qualifications and reliable knowledge and guiding skills. You can freely choose 3-4 destinations from a list of destinations.
By participating in this tour, even those who have limited time to stay in Tokyo can visit must-see popular spots. After booking, you can consult with your guide about destinations and have them create a perfect itinerary tailored to your interests.
I visited beautiful traditional gardens like Koishikawa Garden. What was very impressive was that the guide provided clear and well-organized explanations about Tokyo's complex culture and history at every spot.
Furthermore, their attention to detail was perfect - since the day I participated was hot, they even arranged rest breaks in air-conditioned spots.
These Tokyo Walking Tours are recommended for first-time visitors to Tokyo and those who want to be guided by guides with solid knowledge and extensive experience.
・Meeting point: Hotel pickup is also possible, decided in consultation with the guide after booking (walking pickup)
・Tour area: Throughout Tokyo (Select a destination from the list)
・Start time: Starts every 30 minutes from 8:00 to 15:00
PRIVATE TOKYO FOOD TOUR: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME THROUGH FOOD
Source:Hello! Tokyo Tours
This tour is a private food tour where you deeply explore Japanese cuisine with a dedicated guide in Tokyo. You'll visit three different areas of Tokyo - Ginza and Nihonbashi, Tokyo Station, and Akihabara - and try a total of 14 types of Japanese food at each location.
Through these specialized Tokyo Walking Tours, you can taste various Japanese meals from very traditional dishes to cutting-edge Japanese cuisine that has evolved in modern times, while learning about the historical background and culture behind them.
For example, in Nihonbashi, you'll visit historic shops and learn about important ingredients used in all Japanese cuisine - dried bonito flakes and kelp. At Tokyo Station, you'll try fruit sandwiches, which have become increasingly popular in recent years as they're perfect as gifts and for eating on the shinkansen.
If you have a deep interest in Japanese food culture, especially Tokyo's, please join this tour and enjoy a deep exploration of Tokyo's past and present cuisine.
・Meeting point: Nihonbashi Subway Station. Exit B12 or your hotel lobby
・Tour area: Ginza and Nihonbashi, Tokyo Station, Akihabara
・Start time: Starts every 30 minutes between 11:00~14:00
Tours Where You Can Enjoy Food Walking at Tokyo's Largest Market "Tsukiji"
Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food Tour in Tokyo
This tour involves visiting Tokyo's famous market, Tsukiji Market, with a local guide and enjoying seafood gourmet experiences. You'll food-walk through Tsukiji eating 5 or more types of light meals centered on seafood, and enjoy authentic seafood bowls for lunch.
Tsukiji Market ships seafood throughout Tokyo and is a very important place for Tokyo's gourmet scene. These authentic Tokyo Walking Tours feature local guides who have been visiting Tsukiji since childhood - their explanations are not only informative and easy to understand but also very passionate, allowing you to feel their overflowing love for Tsukiji.
Lunch at recommended restaurants offered several choices. The fresh tuna I chose was soft with a rich flavor and was truly exquisite. The tour also explores not just the market but the surrounding areas of the town.
Tsukiji has many historic shrines and temples, and we visited small, charming shrines in the town and had a wonderful time. By participating in these Tokyo Walking Tours, you should deepen your understanding not only of food but also of Japanese culture and history behind it.
・Meeting point: Outside of Exit 1 of Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line H11)
・Tour area: Tsukiji, Shiodome
・Start time: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00
Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
Source:Tripadvisor
This tour allows you to walk through the famous seafood market Tsukiji Market and surrounding areas with a local guide, enjoying food tastings while listening to detailed explanations. You'll also visit the beautiful temple Tsukiji Honganji Temple located in Tsukiji.
Since this is a small group tour, the explanations are thorough, and guides carefully answer participants' detailed questions.
Tsukiji is a place where chefs from Tokyo's famous sushi restaurants come to make purchases. There are many important cultural sights in Tokyo that you would miss without a guide's explanation. If you're lucky, you might even witness spectacular scenes like the dismantling of giant tuna.
The sushi you'll taste is of such high quality that outside of Tsukiji, you could only find it at upscale restaurants - it's absolutely exquisite. Between explorations, you can also enjoy fresh fruits and wagyu beef beyond just fish.
For those who want to enjoy food walking and sightseeing in Tsukiji, definitely consider participating in this tour.
・ Meeting point: Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple/3-chōme-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8435
・ Tour area: Tsukiji
・ Start times: 8:30, 9:30, 11:00
For Efficient Sightseeing Without Fatigue, Private Car Tours Are Also Recommended
Up to this point, we've introduced Tokyo Walking Tours where you can thoroughly explore Tokyo on foot at your own pace.
For those interested in various destinations across expansive Tokyo and who want to sightsee efficiently without getting tired, tours with private car transportation are also recommended.
Private car tours allow you to freely and comfortably explore a wide range of Tokyo over the course of a full day with a dedicated vehicle. Here, we'll introduce two highly recommended tours with high participant satisfaction ratings.
1-Day Tokyo Highlights Tour with a Private Car and Guide
This tour is a full-day experience where you can freely explore a wide area of Tokyo with a dedicated guide and private car. Admission fees, lunch, and drink costs for each spot are included in the tour price, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing stress-free.
This tour is recommended for those who want to efficiently and comfortably enjoy Tokyo's highlights in one day. Tour destinations are customizable, and for those unsure of where to go, an original plan is also available.
The original plan is a packed itinerary that lets you enjoy Tokyo's diverse attractions in one day. In Asakusa, you'll enjoy meals alongside local people, and at Zojoji Temple in the city center, you can feel Tokyo's history and traditions. In the evening, enjoy the futuristic night scenery at Shibuya's Scramble intersection.
When I participated, the fact that no time or effort was needed to research transportation methods was truly convenient and appreciated. For those who want to thoroughly enjoy wide-ranging Tokyo sightseeing without getting tired, definitely try this private car tour.
・ Meeting point: Pick up at your hotel
・ Tour area: All of Tokyo
・ Start time: 9:00
Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Source:Tripadvisor
This tour is a private experience where you can freely explore Tokyo with a dedicated vehicle and a government-licensed guide. Destinations can be discussed with the guide in advance, and you can freely choose 3-4 destinations from a list of candidate locations.
This is a tour where you can thoroughly and, most importantly, comfortably enjoy Tokyo in just 6 hours. When I participated with friends, the guide came to pick us up at our hotel by car, and we were able to visit more destinations than expected.
The car was equipped with air conditioning and water, making it very comfortable with smooth driving. While driving, the guide also provided entertaining explanations about buildings and historic spots visible from the car.
Those visiting Tokyo during hot summer periods or families with children can enjoy half a day in Tokyo without getting tired. For those looking for an efficient private car tour, definitely consider using this tour.
・ Meeting point: Pick-up available at your hotel or airport (please contact us in advance)
・ Tour area: Tokyo
・ Start times: Every 30 minutes from 8:00 to 13:00
