Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge

What you'll do

Tokyo is famous for so much, from the wild dash across Shibuya Crossing to ancient temples like Sensō-ji, where tranquility reigns, to futuristic experiences like ordering sushi on an iPad. While it would be impossible to see everything in half a day, having a local insider show you the city is the perfect way to pack the most into your time.

You could be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of LED adverts and Fluro anime costumes worn by cosplayers (gaming superfans) in Akihabara, a district in central Tokyo known as Electric Town. Or perhaps stroll between nostalgic teahouses, ramshackle ramen shops, and leaning mid-20th-century Showa-era homes of laid-back Sangenjaya with your host to lead you through these labyrinthine alleyways.

Where you’ll go

In central Tokyo, you could dip between the futuristic skyscrapers of Shinjuku - it’s not called the ‘Skyscraper District’ for nothing - or explore neighboring Shibuya, another of Tokyo’s wildly fast-paced and enormous central districts. But no experience in the heart of Tokyo would be complete without witnessing the whirlwind of Fluro-colored wigs and outrageously-themed cafes in Harajuku, the epicenter of Tokyo’s youth culture.

Or perhaps you’d like to explore west Tokyo’s trendy neighborhoods like bohemian Sangenjaya and Shimokitazawa, where Tokyo’s punk movement began. In these districts, you’ll discover another side of Tokyo that you never knew existed as you meander between murals of vibrant street art and tiny thrift stores. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 4 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Spend half a day with a local who will create an exciting, personalized experience of Tokyo for you, built around what you’d most like to see, taste and experience
  • Iconic attractions as well as the more obscure hidden gems
  • Discover the highlights of the area or neighborhood that you explore
  • Instead of following a book, follow a person - your host will help you engage with the city in an authentic way
  • Absorb the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere of one of the world’s most modern, fast-paced and awe-inspiring cities
  • Get tips from your host on how best to explore the city after your experience ends

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 4 hours with a host
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

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

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    Excellent and well-informed friendly guide who was able to respond to all our questions and made the tour a highly enjoyable experience.

    May 2023

    Peter F

    We enjoyed a wonderful day with Saya, enjoying activities we requested, and others we wouldn’t have known about otherwise! She is personable and outgoing, and as an added benefit, Saya helped us learn how to navigate the subway system! (Btw, Saya, we took the subway many times after our tour, so again, thank you!) We highly recommend this tour, and Saya in particular. Thank you, Saya!

    May 2023

    Pam K

    We had a great time with Yuko on a recent layover tour between HND and NRT. She scoped out several potential luggage storage options and they were quite convenient—we had no issues getting a locker at Kesey Ueno. She was very flexible and crafted a good mix of things to see since I simply wanted to go to Asakusa; she took us there and explained the cultural aspects and style of worship; the fortunes, Buddhist and Shinto custom; we saw the kitchenware's street and I nabbed a wonderful little set of panda bear soy sauce dishes that color in the panda as the sauce fills the dish. She helped us navigate the subway, found a wonderful little snack/cake shop, and took us around Ueno—all in just four hours! We found her to be an excellent guide and a charming companion. He English was flawless. Truly had a great time and would seek out Yuko and city unscripted again on any other trip to Tokyo.

    May 2023

    Amy A

    We went on a 10 day cruise Tokyo to Tokyo. We hired City Unscripted for a Private Tour of Tokyo after we disembarked the ship. We were matched up with Apy and she was a delight. This is absolutely the best tour we had on our entire 2 week Japan trip. She was waiting for us in the hotel lobby at exactly the start time of the tour, even before. Apy spoke perfect English, took us everywhere we wanted to visit, showed us how to use the train system, etc. She never pushed us or rushed us for anything; she was also a sweetheart about taking pictures of us. She had an awesome personality and I felt like I knew her my whole life - we instantly hit it off. I wish I could have brought her home with me. She definitely made me want to book with City Unscripted the next time I need a local guide.

    May 2023

    Linda W

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Tokyo. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

Other experiences you may be interested in

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See all experiences in Tokyo

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

Other experiences you may be interested in

Child’s play: fun for all in Tokyo
Tokyo

Child’s play: fun for all in Tokyo

Discover the best of Tokyo to be enjoyed by the whole family on an experience tailored to you by a host who knows what the kids will love to explore

$158.03 per person

4 hours

Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Tokyo

Eat like a true Tokyoite

From quirky hole-in-a-wall yakitori skewers to sushi delivered by robot trains, you'll eat like a local on an experience tailored to your tastebuds

$194.60 per person

4 hours

Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Tokyo

Kickstart Tokyo: a three-hour crash course

The perfect 3-hour experience for your first day in Tokyo. Get oriented and gain tips from your host to make the most of the rest of your visit.

$109.73 per person

3 hours

See all experiences in Tokyo