From the Imperial Palace to Odaiba : Time travel to Tokyo
Description
Discover Tokyo as a great tale that unfolds chapter after chapter. In just a few hours, we will cross centuries of history: from the gardens of the Tokugawa, where Edo Castle once stood, to the surprising modernity of the Tokyo International Forum, to the futuristic artificial islands of Odaiba. This itinerary stems from my readings on Japanese literature and urbanism, which inspired me to build a unique itinerary: not only a sequence of iconic places, but a narrative that interweaves architecture, history and everyday life. At the end of the tour you will no longer see Tokyo as just a charming and tidy metropolis, but as a living, layered and complex city, where each building and each neighborhood tells a piece of its true identity.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will start the tour by walking in the Eastern Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Here once stood the shōgun castle. It is a perfect place to tell how Tokyo became the city we know today.
One of the most important stations in Japan, with its red brick facade in European style. A good point to observe how the history and modernity of the city coexist.
A modern glass and steel building, with a particular shape. A quiet and spacious place to stop for a moment and observe the contemporary architecture of Tokyo.
An artificial island on Tokyo Bay, between panoramic views, open spaces and modern architecture. A nice place to relax and see a different side of the city
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Meeting also available at other hotels located in central Tokyo such as those near the Yamanote Line or Tokyo Station. If you have any doubts about the location of your hotel, please contact me. Meeting at the hotel is approximately 30 minutes before the start time of the tour. The exact time will be confirmed based on the hotel location after the Reservation. After pick up, we will travel together by public transport to the starting point of the tour.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for people with reduced mobility, mobility difficulties or special needs related to prams, walkers or strollers.
Reviews(5)
I really enjoyed this unique experience, Matteo was an indispensable guide in catapulting us among the beauties and history of a city like Tokyo, he answered all our questions and curiosities about Japanese history and culture. It was a really beautiful day and time flew, thanks Matteo.
Matteo was a perfect guide! Available, prepared and provided us with a lot of both historical and cultural Japanese notions. It allowed us to discover glimpses of Tokyo that we would never have seen alone! All the premises under the train station frequented by salary-men on their lunch break or after work Trust him and don't worry about anything Matteo was an outstanding guide! Friendly and well-prepared, he gave us tons of historical and cultural insight about Japan. He let us discover corners of Tokyo we would never have found on our own, like the tiny bars and eateries under the train station that are full of salarymen at lunch or after work. Trust him, you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Fantastic tour to get to know the city, both from a historical and social point of view, over the ages up to today. The host was really priceless, very kind and super engaging, answering any of our questions or curiosity. Along the way, he illustrated the deeper aspects of the city and its development. It also made us discover so many aspects of Japanese society and lifestyle. Highly recommended tour!
It was my first time in Tokyo and this tour was perfect to orient myself and understand the city. Each stage, from the gardens of the ancient Edo Castle to the modernity of Odaiba, follows a common historical and geographical thread that tells the urban evolution of Tokyo in a clear and engaging way. It is a route that lets you discover the authentic face of the city, between past and future, and that I highly recommend to those who want to experience Tokyo with a deeper look.
I had already been to Tokyo years ago and had visited the most famous areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku. This time, however, I was looking for something deeper to better understand the city, and honestly I could not ask for anything better. The host is really passionate about telling this megacity and has been able to narrate the history and urban structure of Tokyo in an engaging way. Thanks to him I understood many aspects of Japan that I previously ignored and I feel really enriched by this experience. I highly recommend this tour both to those visiting Tokyo for the first time, and to those who have already been there and want to discover hidden sides and better understand its urban development.
