10 Tours in Bunkyo That You Shouldn't Miss

What’s the Story? Find tranquility amidst the more hidden shrines and temples of the city. Focus on the details to tell the story of man and nature coming together in the form of Shinto. Slow down and embrace the Zen-like atmosphere of Tokyo’s less traveled shrines and temples. What We’ll Shoot Take a different approach to shooting—focus on the details. On this workshop we will learn to zone in on the small things that together will convey the narrative of the shrines and temples which we will explore. Learn about composition techniques that emphasize the minutiae and capture the true feeling of the place. Where We’ll Explore We meet in Akasaka in front of Hie Shrine. We will explore its environs—a calm and tranquil refuge amidst the bustling city. From there, we head to Shin-Ochanomizu and explore a Confucian shrine called Yushima-Seido, its black lacquered wood a stark contrast to the vivid Shinto shrines. Finally, we end up at Kanda-Myojin, a colorful Shinto shrine known for its flamboyant architecture.

Inclusions: Professional Photography Instructor

Exclusions: Bus fare, Gratuities

Harajuku is the city that created Japan's "Kawaii" culture. Kawaii translates directly into lovely, cute, and pretty, but "kawaii" born in Harajuku has a unique worldview that doesn't fit in these. The concept of “kawaii” cannot be described in one word, but in general, it may be understood as a weird one using flashy patterns and frills, primary colors, and pastel colors. The origin of kawaii culture is said to have started in the 1980s when young people purchased the strange fashion that was found in a store in Harajuku. In Harajuku, there are many clothing stores and cafes where you can enjoy a unique world of cuteness!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pickup and drop-off, The use of private van

Nihonbashi became the castle town of the Edo period, which opened in the early 17th century as a shopping district. In the late 19th century, Tokyo became the capital city, and from that time onwards, Japan adopted Western culture and technology to modernize. Today, the city is undergoing redevelopment and has been transformed into a fashionable and traditional shopping district where you can experience something new every time you visit. On this tour, you will learn about the changes in people's lives and Japan's ongoing economic development. Get a taste of the history of Tokyo's development in a city of commerce that mixes the new and the old culture!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Dress up appropriately and visit the recreated Edo townscape. Boso no Mura is an Open Air Museum with a recreation of the townscape of Tokyo from 200 years ago. To help the time slip feel as real as possible, the museum offers costumes of ninja, samurai and town girls etc, for visitors to try on. Feel free to walk around the recreated Edo town, dressed as people from the Edo period, and take lots of photographs! You can also try candle making, washi painting and experience the traditional sado tea ceremony. Your otomo tour guide will always be there to translate for you. At the end of the tour, you will visit the famous gourmet location; Naritasan Omotesando Street, where you can try the local speciality; eel, a dish long loved by the locals.

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Enjoy a tour in the heart of Edo (one of the former names of Tokyo) The Imperial Palace has been located in the center of the great metropolice since the Edo (1603-1868) period. You may have seen photos of its exterior; the moat, bridges, stone walls and gates, but did you know that you could go inside, too? In this tour, you will visit the art gallery with displays of Japanese art and craft, the ruins of the Edo Castle and a beautiful park full of greenery, all within the grounds of the palace. You can also enjoy the views of the contrast between the modern Marunouchi office buildings and the traditional and historic grounds of the Imperial Palace. Learn about the history behind all the locations you visit at the Imperieal Palace and its surrounding area.

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private Tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Visit Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Ginza in one day! Visit Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world, which has prospered as the center of economic, social and cultural growth. Each area has unique features that attract tourists; Shinjuku is Japan's top entertainment district; Harajuku is a city for young people; Shibuya is an ever-changing city; Akihabara is an Otaku city; and Ginza is an upmarket city. In this tour, we will visit five popular areas around Tokyo. Use Tokyo's amazing transit system and visit many sightseeing spots with your private guide. Perfect Tokyo visit plan for those who want to utilize their time efficiently!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Train ticket fee

This tour will give you a chance to enjoy good Japanese food and experience Japanese culture. The Kanda area is surrounded by old buildings with long histories. You can eat soba noodles and traditional sweets inside these buildings, nominated as Tokyo's Selected Historic Buildings. In the Ochanomizu area you can pray at the Kanda Myojin Shrine, also known as the place the anime Love Live! was based, and take a sneak peak at the workshops in the Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan Hall. At the final location of the tour, you will get a chance to do a sake tasting from a selection of over 150 types of branded sake from all over Japan. This is a tour that will give you a great taste of Japan.

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private Tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs, and extra activities for your own, Hotel pickup and drop-off, The use of private van

Leave Tokyo's skyscrapers behind for a taste of daily life in historic Japan on this 3.5-hour walking tour through the Yanaka district. Developed as a temple town during the Edo period, people have long visited Yanaka for worship and sightseeing. Together with a small group of no more than 10 people, follow in their footsteps and admire the area's charming temples and cherry blossom trees.

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks（100-500 yen depending on what you want to try）, Transportation expenses, Hotel pickup and drop-off

This 2.5 hour Adventurous Food Tour (Private) is not for the faint of heart. Instead of your usual sushi, ramen and curry, taste some of Japan's most notorious delicacies, such as blowfish (fugu), horse sashimi, and other foods you may not be able to try outside of Japan.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Japanese food tasting, Local guide, Private tour, Dinner

Exclusions: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions

The perfect tour for first-time visitors to Tokyo where you visit all the must-see sites in one day! Travel around Japan's capital, Tokyo, which has prospered as the center of economic, social, and cultural growth since the Edo era, 400 years ago. Tokyo is replete with fabulous sites. The imperial household stands where the Edo castle used to be; Tokyo is full of temples and shrines, fish markets, a radio tower and much more. A fun-filled plan with a variety of categories: history, culture, and food! The guide will take you around and provide interesting explanations. Just relax even if you're new to Tokyo. At the end of this tour, you will be just as familiar with Tokyo as the Japanese!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private Tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van