Kanpai! On our Tokyo food tour at an izakaya

Are food tours worth it?

Tokyo is a city that is renowned for its delicious and diverse food culture. There are many available options, so choosing where to begin can be difficult. That's why taking a small group food tour in Tokyo can be a great way to sample a wide variety of dishes and learn about the city's culinary culture.

Not only does it give you a great introduction to Tokyo while trying many foods, but it can also help you understand the etiquette and food scene a little better.

Our small group food tour: A Journey Through Time Through Food is one of our most popular tours for a reason. Not only do you eat ALOT, but you also learn a lot about Japanese food and history. You’ll end up feeling like you filled your stomach and your brain!

Five reasons why you should take a Tokyo food tour:

1. Try a wide variety of dishes: We try over 10 different foods!

2. Learn about the culture and history revolving around Japanese food: We break our food tour into 3 districts: one for the past, one for the present, and one for the future

3. Support local businesses: We go to many locally owned shops - some over 300 years old

4. Hidden gems: Find places not included in guide books

5. Meet other foodies: If you are on a small group food tour, chances are there are other foodies. Who knows you might become great friends with them

Read more about our Tokyo food tour: A Journey Through Time Through Food below!

Guests on our private food tour, visiting a locally owned sweets shop from 1877.

Our Tokyo Food Tour

Our Tokyo food tour: A Journey Through Time Through Food is one of our most popular food tours in Tokyo. We visit 3 geographical districts. One for the past, one for the present, and one for the future.

Starting in the past, we explore the Nihonbashi district, a non-touristy highlight, and arguably our most popular district. Here, we learn about the foundations of Japanese food and learn about foods that have been around for hundreds of years. We even get to visit some local shops that have been generationally owned!

Then, we head into the present day around the Yurakucho and Tokyo Station area. Here we learn about what modern eating and drinking is like. We learn about the gift-giving culture through food and explore how modern salarymen drink!

Finally, in the Akihabara district, or the future foods, we learn about fusion foods, and how food is changing to target younger people.

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What is a sake-tasting class?

Tokyo is home to a vibrant food and drinks culture, and sake-tasting classes are a fantastic way to experience the city's rich culinary heritage. Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, is a staple of the Japanese diet and has a rich history and culture behind it. If you're interested in learning more about sake and experiencing the unique flavours and aromas of different varieties, then sake-tasting classes in Tokyo are a must-do.

Sake-tasting classes in Tokyo typically take place in specialized sake shops or in breweries. These classes offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the history, production, and different types of sake while sampling various sakes. Oftentimes, the sake will be paired with different foods to understand how food can change sake. Sake classes are a great way to experience the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the traditional Japanese drink.

This past week, we took Lisa, on a sake-tasting experience as a part of her Hello! Tokyo private tours experience.

Lisa (left) enjoying tasting sake on her sake-tasting experience in Tokyo!

To begin, we had our sake expert explain the history, and production methods of sake. Just with the introduction and story of sake, it got Lisa hyped up to try some delicious sake.

After our mini sake lesson, we were given a paper with all the sake we were about to try. We were also told to rate it on the chart to the right. Our sake expert explained to us that each person will have a different-looking chart at the end, because there is no definitive answer to how it should taste, rather every person has their own unique tasting experience, especially while pairing it with different foods.

The eight different sakes we tried came from different prefectures around Japan. Our sake expert told us that, the menu changes almost daily depending on whats good that day. That day, we were able to try sakes from Hiroshima, Yamagata, Gifu, Chiba, Gunma, and Tochigi. Our sake expert explained to us that depending on the smoothness or harshness of the sake, the food pairing will differ. A lighter, smooth sake might be paired with something heavy and vice versa.

We had ordered a full course meal with the sake, so we were served a lot of food, to pair with our sakes. There was an option to pair with no course meal, only with small food pairings, but we were glad we got the full course meal, as it gave us the full sake experience!

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Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a city full of history, culture, and modernity. With so much to see and explore, it can be overwhelming to plan a visit to the city. That's why self-guided audio tours in Tokyo are a great option for visitors looking to discover the city at their own pace.

Self-guided audio tours in Tokyo offer visitors a convenient and flexible way to explore the city. With an audio guide in hand, you can set your own schedule and itinerary, and make the most of your time in Tokyo.

Check out two different self-guided audio tours in Tokyo below!

Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History

During the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) Nihonbashi was at the center of all trade and commerce. It was home to the most powerful people in all of Japan.

This sightseeing tour of Tokyo will transport you back to a time when Samurais and Shoguns walked these streets.

Follow their footsteps and discover the best of Tokyo’s living history. This district is packed with age-old snack shops and traditional Japanese crafts. Yes they are still standing, hundreds of year later! Nihonbashi is Tokyo’s best kept secret, a treasure trove of a district overflowing with cultural and historical gems.

Highlights include:

• Nihonbashi Bridge where the zero-mile-marker is located.

• The Bank of Japan.

• Mitsukoshi, Japans oldest department store.

• Our top picks of Japans must-try local snacks.

• Authentic souvenir shopping at a 400 years old fan shop and Washi Paper shop.

….and much more!

https://hellotokyotours.com/self-guided-tours#nihonbashi-tour

Use this self-guided audio tour in Tokyo to guide yourself through the streets of Nihonbashi!

Secrets of Sensoji Temple: A Tour of Asakusa’s History, Art and Culture

In the year 628 AD, two fishermen hauled a statue of the Buddhist goddess Kannon out of the Sumida River in the Asakusa district of Taitō. The statue was enshrined in 645 AD, marking the opening of Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo.

This sightseeing tour of Tokyo will take you on a journey of discovery through the small streets and laneways surrounding Sensoji Temple. Packed full of history, art, handicrafts, and traditional snack shops there is much more to this popular tourist district than you might have first imagined.

We’ll guide you down Japan’s oldest shopping street, Nakamise, and show you Kimuraya, the sweet shop that has been open since 1867 that sells Ningyo-yaki (a sweet baked into the shape of a doll). You’ll hear about post-WW2 architectural resurrections and visit the Hozomon Gate. There, we’ll show you the Owaraji, the giant shoes worn by the Buddha’s guardian spirits. You’ll also learn why five-story pagodas are surprisingly earthquake-resistant!

On this tour, you can look forward to:
• Discovering my top picks of Asakusa’s must-try traditional snacks.
• Learning the difference between geishas and prostitutes at the Asakusa KagekiJo Theater.
• Seeing Japan’s first roller coaster at Hanayashiki, an amusement park that started as a botanical garden.
• Visiting Kamiya Bar, the first ever western-style bar to open in Japan.
• Shopping for authentic souvenirs at a 300-year-old wooden comb shop.
...and much more!

https://hellotokyotours.com/self-guided-tours#asakusa-tour

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Haneda Airport to Tokyo is a simple short ride!

The two airports in Tokyo are Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Haneda is within Tokyo while Narita is outside Tokyo, making the journey a bit farther from Haneda. Below we will discuss 2 different methods of getting into Tokyo from Haneda. The two methods to get from Haneda to Tokyo include the train or taxi. Hopefully, these Japan travel tips will ensure a smooth journey to Tokyo!

Best ways from Haneda to Tokyo - Table of Contents

1. TLDR: Narita to Tokyo Methods

2. Train

3. Bus

4. Taxi

TLDR: Haneda to Tokyo Methods

1. Train

One of the best methods is to use the various trains that Haneda Airport has.

You can use either the Monorail or the Keikyu Line.

The Monorail is only a 15-minute ride from the airport to Hamamatsucho Station. The Keikyu Line is a 20-minute ride from the airport to Shinagawa Station. Both stations are major hubs to transfer onto other lines to help get to your destination.

However, this method is only recommended for those who are light travelers and traveling cheaper.

Keikyu Line Gate

Tokyo Monorail

2. Haneda Airport Limousine

The Haneda Airport Limousine runs from Haneda to major areas in Tokyo and some major hotels. It’s essentially a comfy coach that allows luggage storage options and is an alternative to the trains. You can make advanced reservations, but you can also buy tickets on the day of at the airport counter.

3. Taxi

Taxis are by far the easiest and most convenient options out of the three methods. However, it is a bit pricier than the other two. However, compared to Narita, a taxi ride from Haneda into Tokyo is much cheaper. Depending on where you are in Tokyo, it can cost anywhere from 4000-10,000 Yen. So if you have an extra budget for a taxi, then this is by far the best way to get to where you need to go!

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

Visiting a shrine or temple is one of the biggest events to attend to in Japan on New Years

New Year's, or Omisoka, is a special time in Japan and is celebrated with many traditional customs and activities. Because it’s the biggest holiday of the year for Japan, many shops and attractions shut down around Jan 1 - 3. If you're wondering what to do in Japan on New Year, here are four things to do in Japan on New Years!

4 things to do in Japan on New Year - Table of Contents

1. Visit a shrine or temple

2. Shopping “Fukubukuro”

3. Watch the sunrise

4. Countdown parties

Visit a Shrine or Temple

One of the most popular New Year's traditions in Japan is visiting a temple or shrine to pray for good luck in the coming year. Many temples and shrines are open late on New Year's Eve and offer special services, such as bell ringing ceremonies, to mark the occasion. Popular ones such as the Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, and Zojoji Temple will be packed with a lot of people!

Meiji Shrine during New Years

1. Shopping Fukubukuro

Fukubukuro, or "lucky bags," are a popular tradition in Japan during the New Year holiday season. These bags are filled with a variety of items and are sold at a discounted price, with the contents of the bag usually a surprise until it is purchased.

Fukubukuro can vary in price and contents, with some bags costing a few hundred yen and others costing several thousand yen. The contents of the bags can include a variety of items, such as clothes, accessories, beauty products, and household goods. Some fukubukuro are themed, with the contents of the bag related to a particular brand or product line.

While the contents of fukubukuro are generally a surprise, many retailers provide a general idea of the types of items that will be included in the bags. Some retailers also offer fukubukuro with a specific theme or focus, such as beauty products or home goods.

Popular department stores such as Mitsukoshi or Takashimaya will begin selling on Jan. 2!

2. Watch the Sunrise

In Japan, it is believed that the first sunrise of the new year brings good luck. As a result, many people stay up all night to watch the sunrise and greet the new year with a special prayer or ritual. If you're planning to be in Japan on New Year's Eve and would like to experience this tradition, here are a few things to consider:

1. Choose a good location: There are many beautiful spots in Japan where you can watch the sunrise on New Year's Eve. Some popular options include mountain peaks, seaside cliffs, and observation decks. Do some research beforehand to find a location that will offer a clear view of the sunrise on the day you plan to visit.

2. Dress warmly: New Year's Eve in Japan can be quite cold, so be sure to dress warmly to stay comfortable during your sunrise-watching adventure.

3. Arrive early: If you want to get a good spot to watch the sunrise, be sure to arrive at your chosen location early. Many people visit popular sunrise-watching spots on New Year's Eve, so you'll want to get there ahead of time to secure a good spot.

Sunrise from a plane on New Years

3. Countdown Parties

There are many countdown events hosted by clubs, lounges, and restaurants throughout Tokyo during New Years. While some have been cancelled for a 3 years due to COVID (such as the popular Shibuya Crossing Countdown), many have opened up again such as the countdown event at the Womb and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Event hotel loungers will host a countdown event! Make sure to look it up in advanced as many of them can be ticket based that needs reservations.

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

Narita Airport to Tokyo might seem daunting given that Narita is not in Tokyo

The two airports in Tokyo are Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Haneda is within Tokyo while Narita is outside Tokyo, making the journey a bit farther from Haneda. Below we will discuss 3 different methods of getting into Tokyo from Narita. The three methods to get from Narita to Tokyo include: the train, bus, or taxi. Hopefully, these Japan travel tips will ensure a smooth journey to Tokyo!

Best ways from Narita to Tokyo - Table of Contents

1. TLDR: Narita to Tokyo Methods

2. Train

3. Bus

4. Taxi

TLDR: Narita to Tokyo Methods

1. Train

One of the best methods is to use the various trains that Narita Airport has.

The first is Narita Express. Narita Express runs directly to Tokyo Station with less frequent trains that also go to Shibuya and Shinjuku. It’s a straight shot from the airport, with nice seating (reserved seating) and can be purchased at the airport with ease. There’s also luggage space where you can store your large suitcases if necessary. You can check the prices and times above. You can find more info and book online here.

The Keisei Skyliner is similar to the Narita Express with reserved seating and luggage storage except it heads for Nippori Station, a JR Station with great access to the East Side of Tokyo. Book at the airport counter or online here for a discounted price.

The Keisei Line is just the regular train. This train is only recommended if you are on a tight budget and don’t have much luggage to carry. You can ride this with just buying an IC Card (Suica or Pasmo) at the airport. it will roughly cost a little over 1000 Yen, so it would be good to have about 2000 Yen charged onto it. This train also heads for Nippori Station.

Keisei Skyliner

Narita Express

Normal Keisei Line

2. Narita Airport Limousine

The Narita Airport Limousine runs from Narita to major areas in Tokyo and some major hotels. It’s essentially a comfy coach that allows luggage storage options and an alternative to the trains. They also have cheaper shuttle bus options that only costs 1300 Yen, but advanced reservations cannot be made and can only be purchased on the day of.

A rare scroll painting that you can find on our Nihonbashi tour.

3. Taxi

Taxis are by far the easiest and most convenient options out of the three methods. However, it comes with a price. It can cost you roughly 20,000-30,000 Yen. You can pre-book taxis, but taxis are also waiting outside the airport ready at any time making it very convenient. You also don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel from the station with transfers. So, if you have the money to do it, then it’ll be a nice and easy trip for you!

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

Row boats in Chidorigafuchi moat in Tokyo during cherry blossom season

Tokyo has an endless amount of things to experience. Some would even say that 1 month is not enough to see all of Tokyo! This blog will cover all the best walking routes to do in Tokyo. Travel in Tokyo can easily be done by walking or commuting by train. In fact, we highly recommend taking the train and walking around Tokyo compared to using a car/taxi. Check out our top 5 places to take a walk in Tokyo below.

Top 5 Walking Routes in Tokyo - Table of Contents

1. Yanaka Ginza

2. Sumida River

3. Shimokitazawa

4. Nihonbashi

5. Nakameguro

Map created using Wanderlog, a vacation planner app on iOS and Android

1. Yanaka Ginza

The Yanaka Ginza shopping street is a nice afternoon walk to take a look at small mom-and-pop shops. The old town ambience survives in this district and you can experience a nostalgic blast from the past. You can start at Nippori Station’s West Exit and continue straight down the road where you will be greeted for it’s famous arches. If you’re there in the afternoon, it’s a popular photogenic spot to take a nice photo!

The starting point of our self guided audio tour in Nihonbashi

2. Sumida River

Sumida river is one of Tokyo’s main rivers that run through the city. We highly recommend starting in Asakusa right by the Azuma Bridge where you can go in either direction for a nice walk. During cherry blossom season, you’ll be greeted with nice cherry blossoms. You can even take a boat ride up the river from the port on Azuma bridge!

A rare scroll painting that you can find on our Nihonbashi tour.

3. Shimokitazawa

If you’re looking for rare, vintage, and hip, Shimokitazawa is the perfect neighborhood for a nice stroll. Known for its funky, bohemian-style atmosphere, you’ll find dozens of vintage music shops, bookstores, second-hand clothing shops, cafes, and bars. You can access Shimokitazawa through the Shinmkitazawa station on the Odakyu, or Keio-Inokashira lines.

4. Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi is one of Tokyo’s oldest districts. Upon heading into the area, you’ll notice that it has fancy department stores and financial districts. But don’t let that turn you off. Hidden inside and in between these buildings are stores that are hundreds of years old, and some of the best food that Tokyo has to offer. The history hidden behind the entire area will definitely surprise you! You can take a stroll around this area through our self-guided audio tour app, or simply start at the Nihonbashi bridge.

A massive wooden sculpture inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store - one of the stops.

5. Nakameguro

Nakameguro is a bit similar to Shimokitazawa but with more of a city feel to it. It’s got cool bars, book stores, cafes, small shops, and much more. During the cherry blossom season, you can head over to the Meguro river to see one of Tokyo’s best places to see cherry blossoms.

Interested in getting a self-guided audio tour? Make sure to download Voice Map! Contact us below!

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

Try a self guided audio tour around Tokyo’s old downtown district, Nihonbashi.

Traditionally, people like to take guided tours or explore on their own. These are great options to learn and get immersed into a culture. However, you might not have the patience and time for a guided tour. Or maybe you’re a bit scared to explore on your own. Then why not go for the middle solution and try a self-guided audio tour? We’ve teamed up with our friends from Voicemap and have an immersive audio walking tour where your phone will guide you through the streets of Tokyo! This GPS-triggered audio tour is like a podcast that guides you. For a limited time, we are offering our Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History self-guided audio tour for FREE (September-October ONLY)!

How to download Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History for free!

1. Download the Voicemap App from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store

2. In the “explore” tab, search for “Tokyo”

3. Scroll to Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History

4. The tour should be for free in the app or the website!

   https://voicemap.me/tour/tokyo/everlasting-edo-a-guide-to-nihonbashi-s-history

   If you enjoyed the tour, please do give us a review as it helps us promote the tour to others!

Reasons to try a Self-Guided Audio Tour - Table of Contents

1. Go at your own pace

2. Listen to an insightful story from a professional voice artist

3. Free Download

4. Works Offline

1. Go at your own pace

The beauty of a self-guided audio tour is that you don’t have to follow the schedule of a tour or your friends. All you have to do is begin playing the audio tour, and pause it whenever you feel like you want to wander on your own or stop by an interesting location! Once you download it, it will be yours to keep forever.

The starting point of our self guided audio tour in Nihonbashi

2. Listen to an insightful story from a professional voice artist

Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History was written by Sid, a Tokyo local whose favourite city to bring tourists to is Nihonbashi. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Asian Languages. The tour is narrated by Kate, our resident war history buff, TV presenter, and professional voice artist! We guarantee you that the narration is clear and crisp!

A rare scroll painting that you can find on our Nihonbashi tour.

3. Free Download

For a limited time, we are offering this tour for free! See the directions above in the introduction on how to download our self-guided audio tour for free. Even if you don’t use it in the near future, why not download it so that you’ll already have an activity planned for when you come to Japan?

A massive wooden sculpture inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store - one of the stops.

4. Works Offline

Whether you are a tourist in Tokyo, or an ex-pat, having the tour accessible offline is a huge plus. All you need to do is download the audio files before you start and it’ll work! Because it’s GPS triggered, all you need to do is have your GPS turned on, and walk according to the narration of your tour.

Explore edo street, a small street designed after the old streets of edo!

Interested in getting a self-guided audio tour? Make sure to download Voice Map! Contact us below!

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

Mitsukoshi Department store is the highlight of Nihonbahi.

Japan is filled with unique items, foods, toys/gadgets, and much more. If you’re joining us on Tokyo tours, you could ask your Tokyo tour guide to take you to one of these places to get your souvenir shopping done. Here are 4 places for souvenir shopping in Tokyo!

Table of Contents

1. Asakusa Sensoji

2. Nakano Broadway

3. Nihonbashi

4. Tokyu Hands/Loft

1. Asakusa Sensoji

For the most traditional, and "Japanese" souvenirs, Asakusa's Sensoji Temple is a must. Particularly their Nakamise Shopping Street. Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple. Nakamise Shopping Street is one long road with shops on both sides of the road. It leads straight into the Temple's main hall. Along this shopping street you can find traditional arts and crafts, decorative katana swords, and woodblock prints or "ukiyo-e" art. Getting hungry? The shopping street has dozens of popular vendors that people love. On our Self Guided Audio Tour, we feature our favorite food stops such as Kibidango Azuma - delicious chewy mochi sticks, and Ningyoyaki - red bean cakes in the shape of Pagodas!

Nakamise Shopping Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations both domestically and internationally.

2. Nakano Broadway

This is a niche shopping place. If you aren't into animation, manga, games, collectables or looking for a gift for someone who is into it, this might not be your spot. Akihabara is often known to be "the spot" for this niche. While this is true, and we highly recommend stopping by Akihabara too, Nakano Broadway is the TRUE treasure trove for this. It's a multilevel building dedicated to this craft. Even if you aren't into it, it's a unique visit just to see all the "otaku" goods. Some of our favorite finds were old game consoles, anime figurines, and the 8-scoop ice cream cone in the basement of the building.

You’ll find the most unique and rare items in Nakano Broadway

3. Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi is home to Mitsukoshi, the first ever department store in Japan. The main road, Chuo Dori is lined up with Mitsukoshi buildings, Coredo (another department franchise) and Takashimaya (a luxury department store). What will surprise you are the stores hidden within the department store or even next to them. Nihonbashi used to be the center of Tokyo. It’s where Tokyo’s biggest fish market used to be. So naturally, some of the stores from the Edo period (1603-1868) stuck around. Our favourites include a 500-year-old Japanese paper shop, a dashi shop operated by the store owners’ 9th generation, and Mitsukoshi’s “depachika” or basement floor where you will find hundreds of small booths selling luxury Japanese sweets and snacks for souvenirs.

A massive wooden sculpture inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store

4. Tokyo Hands/Loft

Tokyu Hands and Loft is a franchise store specializing as a “one-stop shop”. You can find almost anything here ranging from unique DIY goods, kitchenware, cosmetics, stationaries, travel accessories, toys/gadgets, and much more. Tokyu Hands and Loft can be a bit different, and depending on which one you visit they can differ quite a bit. But, they are both cool stores to find a unique gift for someone back home! Their stores in Shibuya are one of the largest ones and offer endless amounts of cool and trendy items. We recommend visiting just to browse!

Tokyu Hands is a green colored store while Loft (not pictured) is a yellow colored store.

Interested in visiting one of these places? Make sure to join us on our food tour! Contact us below!

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

You’ll eat at Gad-Shita on our Tokyo food tour. All the restaurants are underneath the railroad tracks!

Japan is often known for their sushi and ramen. Besides those main foods, how many other Japanese dishes can you name? If you’re unfamiliar with many other Japanese foods, we got you covered. Here are some of the top picks to eat on our Tokyo food tour!

1. Curry Udon

Japanese curry might be a popular food amongst tourists in Japan. But, have you heard of curry udon? Rather than rice, you top off udon (noodles) with curry soup! Our top spot is at Gado Shita where you can eat curry udon at a small one-man stand, underneath the railroad tracks!

Our friendly chef Kikuchi-san at the Gado Shita curry udon stall.

2. Imo Kenpi

This is quite possibly one of the more underrated foods on our Tokyo food tour. Most people have never heard of Imo Kenpi before, but end up falling in love with it! It’s a deep-fried, sweet, sugar-glazed sweet potato! Once you try one, you won’t be able to stop. Our top spot in Nihonbashi is made fresh every day. Beware, you will become addicted…

Entrance of the Yanaka Shopping Street in Tokyo

3. Fruits sandwich

The fruit sandwich is one of the most popular foods on our Tokyo food tour. To westerners, a sandwich is often thought of as savoury. In Japan, sandwiches can be a dessert too! You’ll have the chance to try a sweet and juicy fruit sandwich from a popular shop inside the Tokyo Station!

Popular fruit sandwich shop in Tokyo.

Interested in visiting one of these places? Make sure to join us on our food tour! Contact us below!

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel