Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0 (6)

Explore Sangenjaya: an authentic Tokyoietes' favorite neighborhood

The Carrot Tower, eclectic Showa architecture, laid back, hippy vibes.

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 hipster Tokyo in all its glory, and explore its sights, tastes and sounds with a local.
  • Get recommendations on where to find the most delicious baked goodies and local delicacies from your host.
  • Take part in the Sangenjaya pastime of bar hopping, or chill out at cool little cafes.
  • Enjoy free access to the iconic Carrot Tower and its magnificent view of the city.
  • Immerse yourself in the area’s art scene at local galleries and theatres that celebrate Japanese creativity

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

What’s not included

Food & drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Starbucks Coffee - Sangen-jaya - The host will be waiting in front of the cafe

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 a host and head southwest of bustling Shibuya to Sangenjaya, a much more laid-back neighborhood where time slows down just enough to appreciate this different side of Tokyo. Your local host will lead you upward from the local station, where Carrot Tower offers incredible views of the cityscape that’ll give you the lay of the land.

Munch on local bites at places like Gyoza Shack, where delicious dumplings are served hot and cheap, or sip on some fine sake at Orbit, a live music joint packed with vintage arcade games. If it’s art you’re after, try to make sense of the exhibitions at the 233 Gallery and the performances at Setagaya Public Theatre, or spend your day sifting through record stores and thrift shops.

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

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
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What travelers think of this experience

Ann May 2023

Excellent short tour of the Shimokitazawa district in Tokyo. Our guide Gabriel showed us a side of Tokyo that most tourists don’t get to experience. Online signup worked well; meeting Gabriel was easy; he was very knowledgeable and made good suggestions for other activities in the area.

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Simon Jan 2023

I had a great time at the restaurant we went to, without Tarek it was somewhere I would have never found on my own and I feel I got to experience a side of Tokyo I would have missed out on otherwise.

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Robin Apr 2025

Marek was our guide and he was great! Gave a very good insight into the history and culture which was at the right level for us. He was engaging and took us to places we wouldn’t have thought to go.

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Samir Apr 2025

What a fabulous day touring Tokyo with our guide, Megumi. A native of Tokyo, she took us all over town, hopping from place to place on the ubiquitous Tokyo Metro. (We are experienced international travelers, but without a guide we could not possibly have seen as much, or learned as much about Tokyo and Japanese culture.) She met us at our hotel, and we rode the metro to the Tokyo Outer Market/ Fish market - from there to a lively shopping area. Now it was lunch time - Meggy took us to an area with many small restaurants and we enjoyed interesting Japanese fare made in front of us on a teppan. Along the way we also visited a number of temples and gardens, and learned about the proper way to approach a temple, to pray, and leave a request for good fortune. Along our walks and over lunch we spent a lot of time learning about life in Tokyo and for Japanese youth. Megumi was so knowledgeable and personable. We had a fantastic day. Highly recommended!!

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Samir Apr 2025

We did a day trip to Hakone and Fuji with our guide Mari. What a wonderful experience! We met Mari at the Shinjuku station just west of our hotel, and hopped on the 2 hour train to Fuji. Visitors to Fuji don't always see the peak but we knew we had a good chance as it was a bright sunshine filled day. Mari seated us on the right of the train and on the ride up, Fuji burst into view in all its glory. We then transferred to a special railcar that climbs the mountain switchbacks to Hakone. We were there mid April and cherry blossoms in Tokyo were starting to fade, but at the higher altitude and cooler temps of Hakone they were in full bloom! We took a break and Mari walked us around some cherry blossom stands near the Hakone station, then next, a short ride up the steep hill on a funicular. At the top we disembark to transfer to cable car gondola for the final ascent to Fuji - Mari knew just where to stand and sit for the best views - and mid way along the Ropeway, Fuji appeared from behind a ridgeline - huge and snow covered. The ropeway ends at a large viewing station - we spent awhile walking around, admiring the unobstructed views of Fuji and taking plenty of pics. Despite the warm temps of Tokyo, and the sun, at Hakone it was cool and very windy - so if you are going be prepared and bring down jackets or raincoats against the wind. The winds built up to point that the Ropeway was shut down, resulting in a huge line for busses - but with Mari's help, we called a cab and got back home at a reasonable time. A great day with lots of memories.

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Jim Apr 2025

Kay was wonderful! From our first contact he was very helpful guiding and creating a customized tour of Tokyo. He communicated exceptionally well, was friendly and knowledgeable. We truly enjoyed our day with him.

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