Traditions & Heritage • 4 hours 5.0 (6)

The "Real Heart of Tokyo" explored

Explore a different side of Tokyo with your local host! Discover my favorite hidden gems in Central Tokyo

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

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Discover one of Tokyo’s best hidden shrines as you venture off the beaten path to Hanabusa Inari Shrine.
  • Be prepared to be amazed with the sights, sounds and plenty of flashing neon lights as you explore Akihabara Electric District -well known for its anime and manga scene.
  • Step back into the Edo period as you visit the peaceful Yushima Seido Temple, a Confucian temple.
  • Highlighted in the Anime Movie “Weathering With You”, visit the Hijiribashi Bridge at Ochanomizu Station.
  • Experience one of the oldest book towns in the world when you stop by Jimbocho Book area in Tokyo
  • Time for some peace and tranquility at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace which is a former site of the Edo Castle
  • Architectural beauty awaits at the Tokyo Station, a famous red brick station that stands out from the rest of the city.
  • Finally, end your experience at the Kitte Mall, a former post office turned into an upscale mall with amazing views of the Tokyo Station.

What to know before you go

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

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 4 hours.

Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive walking experience between stops
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Akihabara Station, 1 Chome Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0028, 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

What you’ll do

I’ve carefully curated this experience based on the places I absolutely adore in Tokyo! You can expect to step off the beaten path and discover places other travelers like you don’t even know about and discover the real heart of Tokyo as a local would.. 

 

Be prepared to join the elite explorer club as you explore one of Tokyo’s most hidden but beautiful shrines, the Hanabusa Inari Shrine, trust me when I say that it is a real hidden gem that you need to see! Surrounded by high-rise skyscrapers and nestled in a tiny side alley, this shrine was left intact as a reminder of Tokyo’s fast post war growth. When I first visited it, it was so hidden in fact, that it took me three tries to find it. Your host will make sure you get there first time though so you maximize the rest of your experience time.

 

Experience the future as you explore the neighborhood of Akihabara Electric Town which is famous for its anime and manga scene but what amazes me the most is the wide variety of related shops! Life sized figures, impressive art and larger than life characters means this is a stop with great stories and even better photo opportunities.

 

Discover one of my favorite hidden gems in Tokyo, (I know I say that a lot, I have a lot of favorites) the Yushima Seido, a Chinese Confucian temple tucked away in the busy backstreets of Akihabara. Despite being so beautiful and centrally located, this temple sees very few visitors. Each time I come here, I expect it to become more popular with tourists and to see it full of people, but each time it is quiet but it is still a nice hidden gem when it's busy in Tokyo. A special secret I am sharing with you!

 

Remember that Anime Movie called “Weathering With You”? Visit the amazing Hijiribashi Bridge at Ochanomizu Station. A beautiful location immortalized thanks to the movie and really popular for photographers. From the unique viewpoint, you can see up to 6 different trains run through the Tokyo scenery, try to catch them all in one photo for ultimate bragging rights! Although you could probably just spend hours watching the scenery over Tokyo (trust me I did that before). As a challenge, make sure to get a photo with at least 4 trains in the same frame; I am sure you can do it!

 

Find serenity in an unexpected place, the Jimbocho Book Town, one of the oldest book towns in the world! This area of Tokyo managed to withstand fires and wars while maintaining its old school charm. A must see store is Kitzawa Shoten, its atmosphere and selection of English books it’s amazing. What I love about this bookstore is this cute and cozy cafe there! It is so peaceful to enjoy a cup of coffee while reading one of my favorite books. Expect to see people reading right on the sidewalks, they take reading pretty seriously here! Your host will share with you all the special magic this area holds.

 

Wander through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle and the only publicly accessible part of the Imperial Palace. These gardens are especially beautiful during the Sakura Season. This is probably one of the few places in the city where you can see wide open spaces. If you’re lucky you may even spot some turtles, koi fish and of course you can expect to see some beautiful birds, probably my favorite thing about the East Gardens. There are many great photo opportunities here, make sure to share your favorites with me.

 

Just a short walk away you will find one of the most iconic buildings in Tokyo, the Tokyo Station. This famous red brick station stands out from the rest of the city with its unique architecture and appearance. Definitely one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. While Tokyo Station doesnt look big from the outside, it’s nothing compared to what is underneath it: the incredible maze of train stations is so massive, it once took me almost an hour to find the right exit! You’ll have more luck with your host though.

 

While it's unfortunate that you’ve reached the end of your journey, you have to experience the Kitte Mall as our final stop. This is a former post office turned into an upscale mall which makes it completely unique to other malls in Tokyo. Check out  the big open-air rooftop garden with amazing views out on Tokyo Station, including train watching. I could honestly spend days just watching the trains go by from this spot.

 

I really hope you enjoy this experience I have created, highlighting some hidden gems that only a local would know. With your talented local host by your side, you’re almost guaranteed a wonderful experience. 

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Cecily Jul 2024

After a disastrous first tour with city unscripted I was very anxious about what today would be like. Ayaka was punctual, knowledgeable and efficient. We loved seeing Tokyo with her. We realised just how bad our previous experience was by having a good guide today. Cecily

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Neroli Apr 2025

Tomo was the most lovely tour guide you could ask for. She was so well organised before and during the tour. We covered so many areas we were interested in, and that we never would have found without her. We give Tomo 10/10!

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Alice Mar 2025

We had a wonderful time walking and seeing so many different areas of the city. I highly recommend it.

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Terry Mar 2025

I had a wonder time with Amir on a solo tour. He was as accommodating as could be, starting with picking me up at my hotel and explaining how to use the train and subway system during the rest of my stay in Tokyo. At my request, we started off my sight-seeing in Yanaka, which is one of the oldest parts of the city. The pedestrian streets were wonderful and I was impressed with how Amir knew all the little shops and alleys and even showed me his favorite hidden gem of a place for coffee. I was lucky enough to be in Tokyo for Sakura, the peak time for cherry blossoms. Amir knew the best spots to see them without being overwhelmed by too many tourists trying to see them at the same time. Although Amir is not born and bred Japanese, he is married to a Japanese woman and understands the culture very well. We chattered so much about all sorts of topics during my tour that by the end I felt I had not only learned a great deal about Japan but also had gained a new friend.

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Julia Mar 2025

Two days ago, we went on a walking city tour with Chiara. Despite the heavy rain, she made the experience truly exceptional. We managed to complete our list of things we wanted to see and even added some suggestions from Chiara along the way. She is professional, fun, and an all-around wonderful person. Book a day tour with her now; you won’t regret it.

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Leslie Mar 2025

My tour with Veronica was wonderful. She walked me to so many wonderful sights, showed me how to take the trains around town and where to buy goodies to take home. She was full of information. Not only did she educate me on the proper way to enter and leave a shrine but she explained why. It was 4 hours worth every minute! Highly recommend her as a guide!

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