TOKYO ‘DEEP DIVE’ NEIGHBOURHOOD TOURS
Unless otherwise noted, all are half-day tours that last around 3 hours and include a moderate amount of walking over relatively flat ground.
Optional add-on: a stop for coffee/tea, dessert, lunch or dinner.
HIDDEN ALLEYS OF KAGURAZAKA
Considered Tokyo’s ‘French Quarter’, Kagurazaka was once home to high-ranking samurai. Just beyond its lively main street, you’ll discover historic cobblestone alleyways that are home to one of Tokyo’s few remaining geisha communities. Explore the neighborhood’s history, visit a shrine redesigned by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, while learning about the area’s best shops and restaurants.
BEST OF MARUNOUCHI
Marunouchi, Tokyo’s prestigious financial district, has transformed in recent years into a vibrant hub of culture, dining, and design. Just outside Tokyo Station, explore the striking Tokyo International Forum, an architectural gem of glass and steel, and the newly renovated Central Post Office building, which houses stylish boutiques and a fascinating museum. A tucked away garden, sleek underground shopping streets, and art installations await those who know where to look.
BEST OF MEGURO
Just steps from Meguro Station lies one of Tokyo’s most fascinating cultural treasures: Meguro Gajoen, a historic luxury hotel known for its lavish interiors and seasonal exhibitions. From there, wander into a quiet neighborhood filled with temples like Rakanji, home to over 300 expressive Buddhist statues and Meguro Fudoson, the temple that inspired the name “Meguro,” or “black eyes,” centuries ago. Continue through the lush greenery of Rinshi-no-mori Park before arriving at the longest covered shopping street in Tokyo.
NATURAL OASIS: SENZOKUIKE
Escape the city without leaving Tokyo. A short train ride from Gotanda is Senzokuike, a peaceful lake surrounded by unexpected greenery. Once the ‘footbath’ of the great Buddhist priest Nichiren (1222–1282), the lake is steeped in history and spirituality. Take a leisurely walk along its shoreline, visiting temples, shrines, and quiet corners that reveal a gentler side of Tokyo life.
CITY EXPLORATIONS: SHIODOME
Shiodome is where cutting-edge Tokyo meets echoes of its past. This waterfront district is dominated by 13 majestic skyscrapers, yet hidden within are surprising gems. Step into lesser-known museums, admire sweeping views from a 46th-floor observatory, and stand before the whimsical Ghibli clock designed by animation master Hayao Miyazaki. Along the way, you’ll learn how Shiodome evolved from a feudal daimyo estate into a modern hub of business, design, dining, and entertainment.
TREASURES OF SHINAGAWA
Shinagawa is far more than a busy transportation hub—it’s one of Tokyo’s most historic gateways. Wander through a tiny European ‘village’ before strolling through the leafy Gotenyama area, once the site of a shogun’s villa. Discover an intimate garden and learn about a couple of wonderful local museums. Walk a stretch of the historic Tokaido Highway, where travelers once made their way between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. From tucked-away temples to floating restaurants and charming shopping streets, Shinagawa’s contrasts make for a memorable journey. We’ll finish on Tennoz Isle, where art spaces, canals, and modern architecture showcase Tokyo’s contemporary flair.
BEST OF SHIROKANEDAI
Tucked between Meguro and Azabu, Shirokanedai is a refined residential district where tradition and luxury meet. The elegant ‘Platinum-dori’, a tree-lined avenue, is home to stylish boutiques and acclaimed restaurants. But Shirokanedai’s quieter corners are just as captivating: three celebrated gardens (including the serene Institute for Nature Study and the classical Happo-en), impressive museums, and unique cultural landmarks. This hidden gem of Minato Ward offers a perfect balance of sophistication and tranquility.
ISLAND OF TOKYO: TSUKUDA & TSUKISHIMA
Step into a world where old Tokyo meets the modern skyline. On an island in the bay, narrow lanes lined with traditional homes and shrines sit in the shadow of giant tower condominiums. Trace the islands’ fascinating history—from fishermen’s village to B-gourmet hotspot—while strolling along a cherry tree-lined promenade, where seasonal blossoms often brighten the view. A highlight is sampling monjayaki, the savory pancake specialty that originated right here