Ancient meets ultra-modern - Tokyo history experience

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!

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 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

  • 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

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 3 hours with a host
  • Walking experience
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

  • Food and drink
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • 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

    Yohei was a great guide. He helped plan the itinerary according to my wishes prior to the tour and was accommodating throughout. He was knowledgeable throughout and answered all of my queries. We visited several locations including two shrines, the Imperial Palace, and gardens.

    April 2023

    Nuray I

    Fantastic to see a part of Tokyo we didn’t know about and never would have found. Really enjoyed the company of our guide Sergio and his insights into Japanese culture. Ate lots of delicious things at lots of different and interesting places.

    December 2018

    Colin R

    beautiful experience. our guide Edris Rahimi was very helpful and friendly, willing, informed on places, traditions, means of transport and very skilled in speaking the Japanese language. unfortunately it was the last day in Tokyo, otherwise we would have liked to have more toured the city with him

    July 2018

    Vanda C

    From Honmonji Temple to Kappabashi Street to the Imperial Palace, we have seen and heard many great things about Tokyo, its history and attractions. Even the spiritual side was not too short! Marcus has a lot of knowledge about temples and religious customs, as well as history in the area of Tokyo and gave us unforgettable insights into the culture of Japan.

    May 2018

    Michael D

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.

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