Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours 5
(90)

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

Don't forget to carry your passport with you to enjoy tax free shopping at many participating establishments!

What makes this experience special

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 to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

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)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What 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 most

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!

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
Kanpai from the coziest izakaya

Kanpai from the coziest izakaya

 A peaceful moment at Kanda Shrine

A peaceful moment at Kanda Shrine

 Flying high for Children's Day!

Flying high for Children's Day!

 New friendships over late-night ramen

New friendships over late-night ramen

Shared plates, shared smiles

Shared plates, shared smiles

 Takeshita Street, where quirky fashion, sweet treats, and pop culture collide

Takeshita Street, where quirky fashion, sweet treats, and pop culture collide

History meets gold at Ueno Toshogu Shrine

History meets gold at Ueno Toshogu Shrine

From navigating to sharing hidden stops

From navigating to sharing hidden stops

Press start on an Akihabara adventure!

Press start on an Akihabara adventure!

Night out, Tokyo-style

Night out, Tokyo-style

Neon Nights, New Friends

Neon Nights, New Friends

Layover Magic at Tokyo Station

Layover Magic at Tokyo Station

Quirky Café Moments

Quirky Café Moments

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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
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What travelers think of our Tokyo experiences

July 2025

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!!

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May 2025

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.

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Lucy Mar 2025
Virginia Apr 2024

Very conscientious and prepared. Helpful and knows Tokyo very well

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Tiziana Sep 2023

Patrick, my host, organized a perfect tour, I couldn't ask for better choices.

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Przemysław Aug 2023

Realny Hood Guide show us exactly what we.want.

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