9 Walking Tours In Tokyo, Japan - Updated 2024

Mich
Mich 
Updated
| 6 min read

Tokyo is Japan’s energetic capital. With its many things to do and see, a traveler won’t run out of things to experience while on holiday in this country. It features traditional and modern architecture that will make you swoon. Another thing you should learn about the place is its rich culture by visiting temples, shrines, and the historic district of Yanaka. You should also explore the local food scene of Tokyo for it is a delight. In case you don’t know where to start your tours and where to avail it, we have compiled a list to make it easier for you. Scroll down to check out the best walking tours In Tokyo, Japan.

1. Tokyo private custom walking tour (from USD 150.0)

This private walking tour brought to you by Viator will let you explore famous landmarks in Tokyo, accompanied by an experienced guide. It is a customizable tour where you can choose between a two-hour or four-hour activity. Here, you will learn about the Japanese traditions as well as their modern sides by visiting important attractions and popular youth hubs, including Tsukiji fish market, Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa, and the Meiji Shrine. As for the more trendy part of Tokyo, there is Takeshita Street in Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing, coined as the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world.

byFood experience

1) Food tour with the host of Japan byFood Youtube channel

You can also embark on a delectable Harajuku food journey through Takeshita Street. This adventure is a chance to explore Harajuku’s vibrant culinary scene, enjoy local flavors, and make memories in Tokyo with Shizuka, the host of Japan by Food.

Indulge in a variety of sweet and savory street foods. Capture playful comic-style ‘purikura’ photos for your Instagram, shop for souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Relish a meal at a popular okonomiyaki restaurant, where all-you-can-drink options complement these savory Japanese pancakes.

Visited this place?

Tokyo Highlights Private Customizable Tour

Duration: 4 to 8 hours

491 reviews

Harajuku Food Tour with Shizuka: Kawaii Sweets & Street Food

Duration: 3.5hours

11 reviews

2. Walking food tour in Yurakucho, Shimbashi and Ginza (from USD 245.0)

It is a walking food tour that will let you explore three neighborhoods in Tokyo, which are Yurakucho with its rustic charm, Shimbashi’s local eateries, and modern Ginza. You’ll be sampling the local street food, yakitori, accompanied by two drinks, and a chance to sample the dishes of six to eight traditional restaurants in the area. You’ll travel back in time as you navigate the streets of Gado Shita and its maze of eateries, where you’ll taste Japan’s culture. The neighborhood of Ginza is opulent compared to the two other neighborhoods, which you’ll see is often packed with office workers looking for cheap eats.

byFood experience

1) Indulge in the local flavors of Tokyo

You can also take the walking food tour of these three famous neighborhoods of Tokyo with byFood. Meet up at the location provided by your guide and follow him to experience the local cuisines of famous Tokyo restaurants. Apart from food, you also get to know about Japanese history and culture. Delight in regional Japanese flavors through tastings and wander through the streets showcasing classical and modern aesthetics. The tour also includes a visit to a revered community shrine.

Visited this place?

Tokyo Small-Group Food Tour

Duration: 3 hours

182 reviews

The All Star Tokyo Food Tour

Duration: 3hours

5 reviews

3. Explore the city with a local (from USD 120.0)

Are you one of those travelers who wonder how to be a local in a place you’re visiting? If so, you have to join this activity that will let you explore the city with a local, making you feel like one too. Understanding Tokyo can be a little difficult for tourists, most especially because of the language barrier. So why not make it easier by being with a local who can introduce you to the place and how they see it? This tour will also let you customize where you want to go and visit. Primarily, they will bring you to famous landmarks as well as explore local neighborhoods and hidden gems. They will also share insights and stories about local life, giving you more knowledge about Tokyo’s culture.

byFood experience

1) Bar hopping tour through Kichijoji

And while we’re on the topic of touring with locals, make sure to check out the local bar-hopping tour from byFood. Explore Kichijoji’s popular bars, guided by a trilingual expert. Immerse in local culture, clinking glasses with friendly residents. Harmonica Yokocho, once a post-war flea market, now houses 1950s-themed pubs, ideal for experiencing Tokyo’s charm while living the “Midnight Diners: Tokyo Stories” vibe. Delight in diverse Japanese cocktails and foods, from horse meat shumai to oolong shochu.

Visited this place?

Private Tokyo Tour with a Local Guide: Tailored to Your Interests

Duration: 3 to 8 hours

503 reviews

The Midnight Diners: Tokyo Experience

Duration: 4hours

24 reviews

4. Tsukiji Market walking tour & rolled sushi class (from USD 145.11)

Are you in love with Japanese food and does your heart leap at the mention of the word sushi? If so, the Tsukiji Market Walking Tour & Rolled Sushi Class is a must-try activity for you. Your first stop will be in the Namiyoke Shrine to learn proper Shinto etiquette and get a fortune slip to know what’s in store for you. Then, you’ll be exploring the Tsukiji Market and hunting for ingredients that you’ll later use. For your last activity, you’ll be learning how to cook traditional Japanese food like rolled sushi, Temari sushi, egg omelet, and miso soup. A professional instructor will teach you different cooking techniques. To complete your experience, you will be having a meal paired with five different Japanese spirits.

byFood experience

1) Savor sushi and sake at Tsukiji Market

Go for this four-hour Tsukiji Market food tour and savor Tokyo’s culinary delights. Meet your guide at Tsukiji Hongaji Temple and spend the day indulging in local Japanese flavors. Witness the bustling Tsukiji Uogashi wholesale market. You will get to traverse the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market and relish fresh seafood and other delicacies. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a sushi feast at an authentic restaurant, accompanied by fine Japanese sake, as your English-speaking guide offers cultural insights.

Visited this place?
tsukiji market walking tour & rolled sushi class

Tokyo: Tsukiji Market Walking Tour & Rolled Sushi Class

Duration: 3.0 hour

94 reviews

Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Tour

Duration: 3hours

18 reviews

5. Walking food tour of Shibuya at night (from USD 233.0)

Dining like a local is easy in Japan, most especially if you know the ins and out in Shibuya. There’s no better way to know more about the town’s culture than by trying their local delicacies. Book the walking food tour of Shibuya at night to have a taste of the must-try street food; you’ll surely never regret going. You’ll not be going to the usual tourist route so expect fewer crowds, but, more authentic Japanese dishes. You’ll be trying out ‘takoyaki’ (octopus balls), ‘okonomiyaki’ (savory egg pancakes), Kobe beef skewers, and a local dessert. You will also get to try their local beer called ‘shochu’ (rice liquor).

Visited this place?

Shibuya Food Tour With Tastings

Duration: 3 hours

458 reviews

6. Yanaka walking tour (from USD 57.0)

If you’re a history buff, you’ll surely love the Yanaka walking tour by Viator. Here, you’ll be transported back in time, specifically to the Edo period of the 16th through 19th centuries. You’ll be exploring the preserved district of Yanaka and be amazed by the elegant mix of temples, display of cherry blossoms, and their traditional cemetery called reien. Also, there will be an expert guide that will tell you fun facts and inside information about the historic district. This is the best way to know about Japan’s history and culture, so make sure to book this tour while you’re in the country.

Visited this place?

Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

356 reviews

7. Japanese new year food tour in Shibuya (from USD 215.0)

free walking tours in tokyo | japanese new year food tour in shibuya

New Year is the most important holiday in Japan, and before this time, you’ll get to know their traditions, food, and symbols when you avail of the Japanese new year food tour in Shibuya via the Get Your Guide website. The tour will start at iconic Hachiko crossing and taste your first lucky dish called Soba. Then you’ll be exploring a hidden shrine and gain knowledge of the customs of Hatsumode. And for the dinner, you’ll be dining at a favorite local spot and experience table-side cooking and make hot-pot dishes like Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki. You’ll be ending the tour by eating dessert at the busiest crossing in the world, the Shibuya Scramble.

Visited this place?

Tokyo: Japanese New Year Food Tour in Shibuya

Duration: 3 hour

1 review

8. Half-day Tokyo architecture walking tour (from USD 82.0)

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a good structure, then this walking tour in the heart of Tokyo is an ideal activity for you while in town. Aside from sightseeing of the city’s prominent architecture, you’ll also learn about its design, form, and history from the narration of your expert guide. Here, you’ll see traditional and contemporary buildings designed by excellent Japanese and international architects. You’ll also walk by the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, a famous landmark in Tokyo. It is a three-hour tour which you can opt for a day or afternoon schedule. The tour will only be composed of a small group, for a more personal approach.

Visited this place?

Tokyotecture: a unique architecture experience

Duration: 3 hours

18 reviews

9. Shinjuku and Kabukicho evening walking tour (from USD 57.0)

Are you one of those travelers who is intrigued by Japan’s neon-lit alleys and red-light district? If so, you have to avail of the Shinjuku and Kabukicho evening walking tour in Viator and learn about these must-visit areas in Tokyo. It is a nocturnal adventure with a guide that will bring you to Japan’s capital and busiest neighborhood, in terms of food and nightlife. It will let you dine in hole-in-the-wall restaurants, have a drink at the quirky bars of Golden Gai, and experience the Kabuchiko’s red-light district and hear risque stories about the place from your experienced guide.

Visited this place?

Evening Tour of Kabukicho and Shinjuku Golden Gai with Bar Experience

Duration: 2 hours

10 reviews

Make the most of your trip

With the things to do and explore in Tokyo, one wouldn’t be bored while here. So make the most of your time by following our list of the best walking tours in Tokyo and have fun exploring the area and getting to know about the place and its culture.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Michelle, a devoted writer and travel enthusiast, endeavors to make a living through her love for words. Her objective is to explore the world, connect with diverse individuals, and motivate others...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Tokyo
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.