Tokyo
Essential Tokyo: Famous Sights & Local Secrets
Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours
4.9
(171)
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.
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.
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, JapanCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 mostHere’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.
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Explore the Stylish Backstreets of Omotesando
Skip Takeshita Street for quiet lanes, indie boutiques, and a hidden café.
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Find Serenity at Meiji Shrine
Enter Tokyo’s famous shrine through a peaceful, less crowded forest path.
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Step Back in Time in Ningyocho
A historic district with traditional sweet shops and hidden Edo-era alleys.
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Experience Asakusa’s History Without the Crowds
See Senso-ji Temple via a quiet alley, avoiding the busiest tourist spots.
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Taste Tradition at Tokyo’s Oldest Onigiri Shop
Enjoy handmade rice balls at a family-run shop loved by locals.
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Wander the Nostalgic Streets of Yanaka
Explore a quiet district with retro cafés, artisan shops, and local sweets.
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Dive into Retro Tokyo in Nakano
Visit Nakano Broadway, Tokyo’s top spot for vintage anime and collectibles.
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End the Day with a View in Shibuya
Relax at a hidden rooftop bar with craft beer, sake, and city views.
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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
Tradition & Tranquility: A Family Visit to a Shrine!
Tokyo’s Hidden Temples: A Moment of Peace & History!
Festival Vibes & Flying Koi!
Takeshita Street: Tokyo’s Most Playful Fashion Hub!
Lost in the Energy of Shibuya Crossing!
Neon Nights & Hidden Eats in Shinjuku!
A Night in Golden Gai!
Exploring Tokyo’s Imperial Palace!
Discovering Tokyo’s Sacred Side!
Discovering a Hidden Shrine!
Lantern-Lit Alleyways & Izakaya Vibes in Tokyo!
Omoide Yokocho: Tiny Alley, Big Flavors!
Essential Tokyo: Famous Sights & Local Secrets
Tokyo’s Oldest & Most Vibrant Shrine!
Walking Through Torii Gates!
Neon Lights & Late-Night Eats in Shinjuku!
A Futuristic Tokyo View!
17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
Ginger
Oct 2025
Toshi is such a great tour guide, highly recommend. Toshi was thoughtful and pleasant to spend time with. He personalized our tour to reflect our interests. He really made sure we got to know and see things beyond the usual tourist sights. Would gladly spend another day seeing Toyko with him - so knowledgeable! Thanks Toshi!!
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M
Oct 2025
Nobu was an amazing host. He was engaging, flexible , communicative, sociable , knowledgeable, kind , gentle and companionable. Took us to the local hideouts and knew how to get there efficiently.
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Emma
Sep 2025
Emir had wonderful knowledge and engaged wonderfully with our family. It was a great experience.
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Sue
Jun 2025
Guide was very personable. Comfortable to chat with
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Ralph
May 2025
Good but expensive
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Antony
May 2025
A great day out with Ciara a very knowledgeable host
Show moreFAQs
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.