Ancient meets ultra-modern - Tokyo history experience
From visiting Edo-period neighborhoods to learning about Imperial Japan, a history-loving host will tailor this experience to what you want to explore
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Match with one of our local hosts
Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.
100% Flexible: Adapt in real time
Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.
Experience Overview
Time:
3 hoursWhat to expect:
Fully tailored to your preferencesLanguage:
Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)Meeting point:
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation:
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.
What’s Included:
What’s Excluded:
Key Highlights:
- Discover Tokyo’s heritage with a host eager to share their city’s history and cultural influences
- Learn more about the periods of Japan’s history that fascinate you, or let your host share with you what they think are unique moments in history
- Discover hidden historic spots and hear stories from locals that you wouldn't find in a guidebook - those things are heavy anyway
- See how traditional heritage still plays an important role in modern Japan
- Get recommendations from your host for other historic areas to visit during your stay in Tokyo
What travelers think of our Tokyo experiences
Wonderful tour with an excellent guide. Toshi is bilingual (Japanese and English), knowledgeable, interesting, flexible, and fun. We very much appreciated his willingness and ease in changing the plan as we walked, and enjoyed the morning very much.
Show moreMe, my wife and our 14 year old son did a private tour of Tokyo with Toshi. It was our first time in Japan. We were interested in its history, culture and in how and why Tokyo became such a huge and modern global city. Toshi did not disappoint!!! He tailored the tour and his presentation to our interests and made the city's past and present come alive for us. He gave us an expert and nuanced understanding about work, religion and culture in Tokyo and Japan. I think his personal background - having lived both in Japan and outside the country - gives him a unique perspective on Japanese culture. He seemed to be able to explain things both as a native and an outsider: a perspective that really helped him convey concepts, history and ideas in way that we could understand as first time visitors from the US. He had lunch with us after the tour and gave us great restaurant and shopping recommendations. Our time with Toshi was a highlight of our first trip to Japan! We hope to get back to Tokyo and book another tour with Toshi!!
Show moreLauren really showed us some hidden gems off the beaten tracks of Tokyo’s touristy areas. She also head impressive knowledge about Japanese history and culture and was able to answer all our questions.
Show moreVery conscientious and prepared. Helpful and knows Tokyo very well
Show morePatrick, my host, organized a perfect tour, I couldn't ask for better choices.
Show moreWonderful tour with an excellent guide. Toshi is bilingual (Japanese and English), knowledgeable, interesting, flexible, and fun. We very much appreciated his willingness and ease in changing the plan as we walked, and enjoyed the morning very much.
Me, my wife and our 14 year old son did a private tour of Tokyo with Toshi. It was our first time in Japan. We were interested in its history, culture and in how and why Tokyo became such a huge and modern global city. Toshi did not disappoint!!! He tailored the tour and his presentation to our interests and made the city's past and present come alive for us. He gave us an expert and nuanced understanding about work, religion and culture in Tokyo and Japan. I think his personal background - having lived both in Japan and outside the country - gives him a unique perspective on Japanese culture. He seemed to be able to explain things both as a native and an outsider: a perspective that really helped him convey concepts, history and ideas in way that we could understand as first time visitors from the US. He had lunch with us after the tour and gave us great restaurant and shopping recommendations. Our time with Toshi was a highlight of our first trip to Japan! We hope to get back to Tokyo and book another tour with Toshi!!
Lauren really showed us some hidden gems off the beaten tracks of Tokyo’s touristy areas. She also head impressive knowledge about Japanese history and culture and was able to answer all our questions.
Very conscientious and prepared. Helpful and knows Tokyo very well
Patrick, my host, organized a perfect tour, I couldn't ask for better choices.
What you’ll do
You'll join one of our local Tokyo hosts to decipher the history of this futuristic city together - it had to start somewhere, right? Akihabara or Shinjuku might feel like you've skipped 100 years into the future, but historic neighborhoods still contain relics of days gone.
Whether you want to go far back (we're talking ancient) and discover the most historic shrines and temples, or your vibe is more of a pre-war yokocho (alleyway) where you can get a feel for the old Tokyo, all you need to do is let us know.
Tokyo's cultural history is rich, from buildings that capture the different Japanese imperial eras to alleys dotted with traditional tea houses. Marvel at neighborhoods like Koenji, untouched by Japan's 1980s boom of modernity, while confronting sleek, towering skyscrapers around the next corner.
Tokyo combines extremes in an effortless embrace, and your host can't wait to show you how this extraordinary coexistence is precisely what makes their city so unique!
Real Stories, Real Connections
Embracing Adventure Under Tokyo's Skyscrapers
Smiles and Sunshine at the Sacred Archway
Serene Swan Lake Adventures
Sunny Smiles and City Escapades
Cleansing Rituals: Guests in Harmony
Traveler's Passage Under Vibrant Torii
Under the Torii: A Journey Begins
Captivated Under the Temple's Guardian
Embracing the Legacy of Loyalty: Hachiko's Tale
Winter Smiles in a Shrine's Embrace
Skyline Smiles: A Family's Adventure Over Tokyo
Serene Smiles Under Tokyo Skies
Sunlit Smiles: A Day Out with Friends
Luminescent Evening with Friends
Rainy Day Stroll at the Pagoda
Family Adventure at the Gate
Serenity Under the Watchful Eye of Buddha
Sunny Streets and Smiling Faces: A Joyful Gathering
Strolling Through a Historic Street Scene
A Playful High-Five with Pixel Magic
A Serene Moment at the Temple
Golden Glow: Illuminating Tokyo at Night
A Cozy Evening of Friendship and Feast
Upward perspective of Tokyo Skytree with a visible cable line.
Two people standing in front of Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan.
Woman looking at digital dinosaur in an interactive exhibit.
Individuals in a technologically themed room with curved glass and neon lights.
Blossoms and Gatherings: A Cherry Blossom Celebration
Crossroads of the World: The Buzz of Shibuya
Joyful Stroll in the Heart of Tokyo
Connecting Cultures: A Vibrant Day at the Temple Grounds
A Cozy Ramen Retreat
Sweet Moments: A Taste of Tradition
Capturing Memories at the Majestic Gate
Joyful Moments: A Warm Gathering
Colorful Smiles and Swirls of Delight
Blossoms of Joy: A Day Under Cherry Skies
Evening Laughter in a Cozy Eatery
Golden Reverence: A Moment at the Shrine
Embracing Moments by the Tokyo Station
Kanpai from the coziest izakaya
A peaceful moment at Kanda Shrine
Flying high for Children's Day!
New friendships over late-night ramen
Shared plates, shared smiles
Takeshita Street, where quirky fashion, sweet treats, and pop culture collide
History meets gold at Ueno Toshogu Shrine
From navigating to sharing hidden stops
Press start on an Akihabara adventure!
Night out, Tokyo-style
Neon Nights, New Friends
Layover Magic at Tokyo Station