Tokyo is steeped in rich centuries old tradition, yet has all the nuance of a bustling modern city. There is so much to experience and take in with a city like this, one wonders where to begin. Look no further because in these eight tours you’ll experience the scenery, nightlife, food, traditions, history, landmarks, and best of all you’ll learn from the local people.
1. See a national park, a shrine, and enjoy a Japanese lunch (from USD 132)
Spend the day with a group and a knowledgeable local guide taking in Japan’s breathtaking countryside as you take a bus ride to Nikko National Park. A protected park since the early 20th-century, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site to Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples. The firs, maples, sugi, and cedar trees are sure to provide year round interest and gorgeous backdrops for your vacation photos.
While there, you’ll be able to see Toshogu Shrine with its impressive carvings and historical significance. You’ll be able to opt for a Japanese lunch in the middle of the tour, followed by a viewing of one of the park’s most magnificent waterfalls. The tour is completed with shopping at Ginza or Shinjuku station where you can peruse shops, eateries, or entertainment of your choosing then ride back to your hotel.
Nikko 1-Day Bus Tour :World Heritage of Nikko Toshogu,Lake Chuzenji,Kegon Falls
Duration: 11 hours
2. View Mt. Fuji, dip in an Onsen, and go outlet shopping (from USD 59)
For captivating views of Mt. Fuji and an authentic cultural experience, this tour delivers. You’ll travel to Mt. Fuji’s 5th station, a popular destination that can be reached by car or bus, which is especially scenic on a clear day. If the weather disappoints, you’ll be glad this tour includes a trip to an Onsen (Hot Spring, public bath) near Lake Yamanakako at the base of the mountain. Finish the day shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets! Doreen writes, “I am glad we made it for this tour trip! Highly recommended if you want to see Mount Fuji, experience Hot Spring Bath and Outlets shopping all in one day. Even my kids, 14 and 9 enjoyed the entire day!”
Mt Fuji and Outlet Shopping in One Day from Tokyo
Duration: 12 hours
3. Visit a fish market and learn how to make sushi (from USD 136)
Visiting a foreign country is much more fun and memorable when you can experience their local niches such as visiting the world famous Tsukiji fish market and learning how to make sushi from a local sushi master! Cam Carter writes, “The Tsukiji was one of the highlights of our stay in Tokyo! Our tour guide had fantastic insights into the inner workings of the fish markets, and all the weird and wonderful things we saw in the fish market. The sushi making class was a great way to finish off a tour of the markets!” You’ll be able to interact with the locals and learn new skills from them with this fun tour!
Tsukiji Fish Market Visit with Sushi Making Experience
Duration: 4 hours
4. Go on a biking tour (from USD 90)
Want to get moving and see the city up close and personal? This 6.5 hour small group biking tour will allow you to do just that! You’ll be able to visit famous landmarks and attractions and view the city from the top of a 48-story high building, while your guide gives you the inside scoop. Bring some currency to get a lunchtime Bento Box at the market the way a busy local would!
Tokyo Bike Tour with Meiji-jingu Shrine, Aoyama Cemetery
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
5. Experience a traditional tea ceremony (from 81.51 USD)
Participating in a tea ceremony is more than a mere tea tasting. Tea Ceremonies were a Samurai custom in which everyone in the tea room enters as an equal. Join a small group and learn from a Sensei all about tea ceremony customs, history, culture, and traditional dress in an abbreviated ceremony (a full ceremony lasts several hours, this one is 90 minutes). Take it from me, you’ll treasure your photos and memories of this unique experience for a lifetime!
Tea Ceremony Experience
Price: from 81.51 USD
Website:
6. Take an evening food tour (from USD 134)
You don’t want to leave Tokyo without trying local favorites such as yakisoba, moniayaki, and wagashi and tasting Japanese beer or sake. This evening walking tour will give you a chance to visit three eateries with a small group and knowledgeable guide. Duane writes, *“This Food Tour was one of the best things we did during our 8-day trip to Japan. Our tour guide, Meg, was absolutely outstanding and took us to places we never would have found on our own. To top it off, our son totally enjoyed the Japanese vegetables that we cooked table side even though he doesn’t usually like vegetables. We would highly recommend this tour to all!”
Tokyo by Night: Japanese Food Tour
Duration: 3 hours
7. Catch a bullet train to Kyoto (from USD 315)
A google search of Kyoto will swiftly convince you that while in Tokyo you won’t want to miss a chance to see this picturesque city. The bullet train will get you there fast and it’s another chance to view Mt. Fuji along the way. From breathtaking natural scenery to vibrantly colored temples, you’ll certainly have many glorious photo ops! Be sure you have your walking shoes and bring some currency for lunch!
1-Day Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes
8. Learn history on a river cruise and visit street vendors (from USD 57)
Experience areal views, take pictures in front of an imperial palace, tour a temple, visit high end shops and small street venders, and enjoy an enlightening cruise on the Sumida River all in about 3 ½ hours one afternoon. This tour will deliver a lot of bang for your buck as you experience many of Tokyo’s highlights! You’ll enjoy learning history from a knowledgeable local expert guide and the convenience of hotel pick up! This tour would be an easy place to start or finish a Tokyo vacation!
Tokyo Afternoon : Asakuasa, Sumida River Cruise Half Day Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Make the most of your Japanese adventure
Tokyo is a big city that merges old history and modern busy culture. To experience as much of Tokyo as possible, try these eight tours that have received rave reviews from their visitors! You’re sure to have a memorable trip full of diverse cultural and touristy experiences while learning about Japan’s rich heritage and modern lifestyles!
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