Tokyo

Essential Tokyo: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours 4.9 (155)

Essential Tokyo: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

See Tokyo’s must-sees—Shibuya, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine—but with smart local detours to experience them beyond the tourist crowds.

Don't forget to carry your passport with you to enjoy tax free shopping at many participating establishments!

What makes this experience special

See Tokyo’s biggest sights—without the tourist gimmicks. While some places will be busy, we take smarter routes, skip the overhyped spots, and add hidden gems for a more local feel.

Key highlights

See the Shibuya Scramble, but from a little-known rooftop view, avoiding crowded observation decks.
Explore Omotesando’s stylish backstreets skipping tourist-packed Takeshita Street.
Enter Meiji Shrine through a peaceful forest path and spot quiet corners most visitors miss.
Stroll through Ningyocho, a historic neighborhood untouched by mass tourism.
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, but take a hidden Edo-era alleyway to escape the crowds.
Walk Yanaka’s nostalgic streets, stopping at mom-and-pop shops and a century-old café.
Discover Nakano Broadway, Tokyo’s real hub for retro anime and subculture, without the tourists.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

8 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Hachikō Memorial Statue, 2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Hachikō Memorial Statue, 2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Feel the Energy in Shibuya

Cross Shibuya Scramble, see a hidden rooftop view, and explore retro alleyways.

Start at Hachiko Statue (quick photo, then move on—locals don’t linger). Walk across Shibuya Scramble, then skip the crowded Shibuya Sky for a free, little-known rooftop view. Step into Nonbei Yokocho, a post-war alleyway of tiny izakayas that feels like old Tokyo.

Explore the Stylish Backstreets of Omotesando

Skip Takeshita Street for quiet lanes, indie boutiques, and a hidden café.

Instead of the chaotic Takeshita Street, explore Ura-Harajuku, a stylish, quiet neighborhood where Tokyoites actually shop. Stop at Koffee Mameya, a hidden minimalist café where expert baristas craft your perfect cup.

Find Serenity at Meiji Shrine

Enter Tokyo’s famous shrine through a peaceful, less crowded forest path.

One of Tokyo’s most peaceful spots—if you know where to go. Enter through a forested side path, avoid the busiest walkways, and, if lucky, witness a Shinto wedding procession.

Step Back in Time in Ningyocho

A historic district with traditional sweet shops and hidden Edo-era alleys.

Few tourists make it to Ningyocho, where Tokyo’s past is still alive. Walk through Amazake Yokocho, lined with century-old sweet shops, and try a taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry) from a 100-year-old local favorite.

Experience Asakusa’s History Without the Crowds

See Senso-ji Temple via a quiet alley, avoiding the busiest tourist spots.

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, but the main entrance is a sea of selfie sticks. Instead, enter through Denboin Street, a quiet Edo-era alleyway. Explore Asakusa’s backstreets, full of family-run shops and old izakayas.

Taste Tradition at Tokyo’s Oldest Onigiri Shop

Enjoy handmade rice balls at a family-run shop loved by locals.

Snack like a local at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku, Tokyo’s oldest rice ball shop, where handmade onigiri have been served the same way for decades.

Wander the Nostalgic Streets of Yanaka

Explore a quiet district with retro cafés, artisan shops, and local sweets.

Yanaka feels like stepping back in time. Stroll along Yanaka Ginza, visit a 100-year-old café with tatami seating and try Neko-manju (cat-shaped sweets) from a tiny bakery.

Dive into Retro Tokyo in Nakano

Visit Nakano Broadway, Tokyo’s top spot for vintage anime and collectibles.

Forget Akihabara—Nakano is where locals go for anime, manga, and collectibles. Walk through Nakano Sun Mall, explore Nakano Broadway’s retro shops, and grab an 8-layer soft-serve ice cream at Daily Chico.

End the Day with a View in Shibuya

Relax at a hidden rooftop bar with craft beer, sake, and city views.

Rather than ending at Tokyo Station, relax at a hidden rooftop bar in Shibuya, where locals gather for drinks and city views without the tourist crowds.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Beth, Oct 2024

We aren’t the typical tourists. Nobu easily ( at least to us) was able to make our tour one of both the major highlights and the “real” Tokyo with extensive visits of food markets, knife and ceramic vendors.

Karen, Oct 2024

We didn’t give her much knowledge of our interests but she listened well enough to understand what we liked with an extensive tour.

Estuardo, Sep 2024

What an amazing experience! I think it only became amazing because Tomo is amazing! Since I booked the tour, I was contacted by her. We had great communication and what made it even more outstanding was her follow ups and suggestions. Clearly, I have never been in Tokyo before, and I only had a few ideas to suggest. Tomo basically DRAFTED my entire 11-hour itinerary with visits, food (out of this world), events, etc. I have never experienced this approach before … meaning… Tomo really took to the time to tailor my visit based on all my suggestions and she also added more ideas. Before I left LA, I contacted Tomo and asked her the best way to go from Narita Airport to my hotel. In no time, she replied with information from a bus shuttle. It was perfect and way less expensive than a taxi. I took the tour the day after I arrived. Tomo was on time at the lobby of my hotel… we took the first train and hit it off. I was basically touring Tokyo for the first time in my life with a friend. Everything was very casual, and we really had a great time. She knew all details of all places we visited. We also took a few train rides and let me tell you… Tomo is a complete expert... all I did was follow her… and there I was in a new amazing place. She suggested a “futuristic museum” called “teamLab Borderless” (this place is a complete must). Of course I agreed. We had to make reservations, and she sent me the link. For some reason, I couldn’t complete it on my end. Luckily, she was on-line the entire time with me (please keep in mind the 16-hours’ time difference from Tokyo to California.) She then re-started the reservation process. I received the email confirmation and finalized it. I can probably write a complete essay here… but let me just summarize it… Tomo is really the “one and only person you need in Tokyo.” I have been in many countries throughout the world with many outstanding tour guides… but Tomo is just on her own classification. If you ever plan to visit Tokyo… I can assure you… you will not be disappointed at all! Thanks so much again Tomo for such an amazing time in Tokyo. As I shared with you … you were the only person I knew in Japan and now the only great friend I have in Japan as well.

Stephen, Sep 2024

Wonderful day out exploring Tokyo. Marek was a superb guide. Thank you.

Lynne, Sep 2024

He tailored the tour to our interests. He was patient with all my curious questions. He helped us navigate the Tokyo train system and taught us about some Japanese customs that will help us through the next five weeks in Japan.

Stephen, Sep 2024

Wonderful comprehensive introduction to Tokyo

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Will we enter attractions, or just explore from the outside?

That’s up to you! Some experiences include visits inside attractions, while others focus on the city's culture and atmosphere, which can be hard to truly experience without someone who knows the city inside out.

Are food and drinks included, or do I need to pay separately?

Unless stated otherwise, food and drinks are not included. Your host will take you to great spots where you can order what you like and pay as you go.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.