Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Description
In the modern city of Tokyo, it is easy to forget that things were once very different. Join our tour guides on a tour of Tokyo’s history and culture. Learn what it was like before the city became one of the biggest in the world. Your guide can take you to fascinating sights like: Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum: Be transported back in time in this collection of Edo period buildings that are in a beautiful outdoor museum. National Showa Memorial Museum: A look into the life of those in during and post-war Tokyo. Ryogoku Area: Learn about the capital of Sumo in Japan. Try Chanko Nabe, the Sumo wrestler hotpot! If you want to enrich your experience in Tokyo with some history, be sure to join us on this tour! Once you place your reservation, a guide will be in touch with you directly. Choose the top sights you would like to see and your guide will plan your private itinerary! If you need more time, please contact us for hourly extension fees. We hope to guide you soon!
Tour Options
Itinerary
**This tour does not include access to the inside of the Imperial Palace** The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.
Ryogoku (両国, Ryōgoku) is a district of Tokyo where the sumo stadium, many sumo stables, chanko restaurants and other sumo related attractions can be found. It is the center of the sumo world. Sumo events have been staged in this area for a long time, but until the beginning of the 20th century, sumo tournaments were held outdoors at shrines and temples. In 1909, the first permanent sumo hall was built in the Ryogoku area. Today's sumo stadium, the current Kokugikan, is the fourth built in Tokyo and has been in use since 1985. It seats over 10,000 visitors and hosts three of the six annual sumo tournaments (in January, May and September).
The Sumida Hokusai Museum (すみだ北斎美術館, Sumida Hokusai Bijutsukan) is a museum dedicated to the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, commonly referred to as Hokusai. His most well-known works include The Great Wave off Kanagawa and Red Fuji, which are a couple of prints from the collection Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. The museum was opened in November 2016 in Tokyo's Sumida Ward where Hokusai was born and where he spent most of his life.
Learn about the Great Kanto earthquake and how to city of Tokyo rebuilt.
Enjoy some Tokyo style dishes in this food court that is styled to look like Edo period Japan.
Nihonbashi was once the starting point of five main roads that ran through and across Japan and prospered as the center of Edo, the present-day Tokyo. Nihonbashi still has an old and traditional Japan's feel to it while continues to develop as a modern town. One of its charms is an easy access from Tokyo station; it only takes less than 10-minute walk to get to Nihonbashi.
The Sumida River (Sumidagawa) is one of Tokyo's main rivers, and the most familiar Tokyo river to visitors. The Sumida River starts directly north of Tokyo, then out eastward through eastern Tokyo.
Located in western Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum offers an off-the-beaten-track look at Japanese culture. The museum was established in 1993 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Despite its young age, the architectural park serves as a cultural center with centuries-old buildings relocated and preserved on its grounds. Spend hours exploring historical buildings and discover the cultural heritage behind their walls.
The Fukagawa Edo Museum in Tokyo offers a unique glimpse into life during the Edo period (1603–1868). Unlike traditional museums, it recreates an entire Edo-era neighborhood with streets, houses, shops, and a canal, allowing visitors to walk through history. Interiors are furnished with period-appropriate items, and staff sometimes dressed in Edo-style clothing provide explanations and demonstrations. Exhibits showcase traditional crafts, festivals, and daily life, from samurai residences to commoners’ homes. Interactive elements let visitors explore and experience history firsthand. This immersive museum is perfect for families, students, and anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Reviews(25)
Season Kaminto is an excellent guide. The Tokyo subway is a maze and without him I would have lost a lot of time, we visited the highlights and Seizo knew something to tell everywhere. The pace was high and it was hot but Seizo also knew where we could have a fresh pint. Overall I am very satisfied.
Thank you very much for your very valuable and favorable comments on my guiding. It was a great honor for me to have the opportunity to guide you in Tokyo. I myself enjoyed visiting popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo with you. I wish you the very best for the future. Best Regards Seizo Kamiuto
A lovelly walking tour trough history of Japan, shrines and Temples. I strongly recomand it. Thank you Lance, I have learned a lot from you.
If you're looking for a tour guide who has local knowledge and who is fluent in French & English, Mr. Kazu H. is the right one for you. Kazu-san was engaging and fun to talk to, and made us feel welcome and safe. He even helped me go to the post office to buy some postcards and postage stamps so I can send them to my friends back home. We visited the Imperial Palace Gardens and I had an enjoyable time taking photos of the scenery and saw some very colorful koi fish. Kazu-san was also very patient with me asking about the Samurai class, Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu and my questions about the big business conglomerates of Japan (i.e. Mitsui, Mitsubishi, etc). One memorable part of the tour is when Kazu-san took us to Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Nihombashi area, and explained how it is a symbol of luxury in Japanese Culture. I was very happy to get beautiful Japanese Sweets by Kasho Hanami, and Mitsukoshi-exclusive macarons by Laduree. My sister was very happy to get herself a Laduree macaron set featuring the Mitsukoshi Lion (only available at the Laduree counter in Mitsukoshi's depa-chika). Another memorable experience is when Kazu-san also took us to Sushizanmai at Tsukiji Market for an authentic sushi lunch experience. We sat at the counter and watched our sushi chef prepare us delicious sushi. It was a lovely experience, especially for my sister because it was her first time to visit Japan. Since we requested to see the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium even though no Sumo Tournaments were happening, Kazu-san took us there and we were able to get souvenirs for ourselves at the giftshop. We also enjoyed the Sumida Hokusai Museum and spent some time viewing the exhibits and seeing high-quality replicas of famous wookblock prints. Just walking through the neighborhood where the Sumida Hokusai Museum was located was very enjoyable and memorable. Kazu-san was also very kind to take us to the Great Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum as this was our special request; we like to learn the reason why Tokyo has so many new buildings. My sister and I had an excellent time doing touristy stuff (sightseeing, picture-taking, shopping), while learning about the history of the Edo Period sites. Thank you Kazu-san for making our trip to Tokyo fun and memorable!
Thank you for your comments. If you and your sister are happy to find out interesting things ,I am more that happy. Keep continuing your study about Japan and Japanese language !! It was lucky to sit down at the counter . Have a nice return . KAZU
We had a wonderful, long day. Show was an excellent guide. Apart from yhe marvellous things we saw, we learned how to use the IC card and use the bewildering (at first) public transport system. I chose 3 place far from each other, but Show mapped a course that got us everywhere we went. For me the standout highlight was the Hokusai Museum, but also loved the Edo-Tokyo Outdoor Architectural Museum.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. I'm delighted that you found the culture of Japan's Edo period interesting. I apologize if there were any shortcomings in my explanations. Also, I'm sorry for the poor management of the itinerary this time, resulting in a significant overrun of time due to the distance of the tour spots. I hope this Japan tour becomes an unforgettable memory for you. Thank you for booking this tour. Show
We were guided by Shinji and he did an excellent job of communicating with us prior to the tour and tailored it to what we were looking for. Great day touring and seeing the sites and very worth the money. The guide’s English was excellent as well.
I have received your comments on my guiding tour on April 1st. I appreciate that you took time and gave such nice compliments and encouraging words. Likewise I did enjoy the great company and had a good time with your group. It was a very memorable tour of mine and a wonderful experience. I also enjoyed the casual conversation with each one of you as well as various questions asked during the tour. Your comments on my tour provides me more confidence and encourages me to offer more enjoyable tours to future guests. If you have another opportunity to visit Japan in near future, I would definitely be willing to serve you again. Thank you very much. Government Licensed Guide Shinji Higuchi
Hiro Chikata is very knowledgeable and friendly. He was a great guide for our family. We highly recommend him for anyone.
I am very grateful to you for your kind review. I hope you will be more interested in Japan and come back here in the future. Hiro
Very nice and knowledgeably guide! Michio took us to Meiji Jingu shrine Edo palace Shinjuko garden Shibuya and lots more.
Thank you very much for your positive review. I'm happy to know that you have enjoyed a trip in Tokyo. Japan has a lot more for you to explore and discover, so please come visit Japan again. Michio
Moto was the most amazing tour guide, I want him to take everyone around Kyoto. He knew places we had didn’t even have on our list see list, he was knowledgeable about not just local history but world current events & history. We learned so much! Thx Moto for a wonderful day! Highly recommend!
Nori was an amazing guide, incredibly kind and full of information! She took us to some beautiful places, told us so many things and little fun facts and for lunch, she brought us to an amazing location with the most delicious food we’ve had so far! It was also my boyfriend’s birthday and Nori arranged for a birthday treat to come out for him!! Nori was lovely, the tour was lovely - 10/10 recommend!! Plus you get to have a better understanding of the metro system!!
Thank you very much for your favorable and heartwarming comment. I really appreciate it and am glad to hear you enjoyed the tour. I myself had a great time with you. Again, Happy birthday! and I hope you will come back to Japan for your honeymoon in the near future. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan. I wish all the best for you and your family！ Nori
Kei-San is amazing! He has a wealth of knowledge about architecture, history, and philosophy. It was great to spend the day with him.
Thank you very much for your comment with praises. The honour is more than I deserve, I am afraid. I am glad the two of you were happy with the tour customized exclusively to you with a favourable sightseeing environment brought by the best season with coloured leaves in Tokyo. We enjoyed lunch at an appropriate restaurant to meet our food preferences. As a tour guide, I am delighted and satisfied with completing all our plans precisely on the schedule. We could listen to the music with the sound of Japanese ancient instruments, “Koto and Shakuhachi” while seeing falling coloured leaves in the garden. Kei
