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
Often called Tokyo’s ‘French Quarter,’ Kagurazaka is a neighborhood where old and new coexist. Once a residential area for high-ranking samurai, it remains known for its atmospheric cobblestone alleyways and hidden lanes. Among them is one of Tokyo’s few surviving geisha districts, preserving a tradition that has shaped the area for generations. Explore Kagurazaka’s fascinating history, visit a shrine redesigned by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and discover the neighborhood’s finest shops, cafés, 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.
MEGURO HIGHLIGHTS
Just steps from Meguro Station lies one of Tokyo’s most fascinating cultural treasures: Meguro Gajoen, a historic luxury hotel celebrated for its lavish interiors and seasonal exhibitions. Beyond its doors, a quieter side of Tokyo unfolds among historic temples such as Rakanji, home to more than 300 expressive Buddhist statues, and Meguro Fudoson, the temple that gave the area its name centuries ago. The neighborhood also features the lush greenery of Rinshi-no-Mori Park and Tokyo’s longest covered shopping street, offering a fascinating blend of history, culture, and everyday local life.
TOKYO OASIS – SENZOKUIKE
Escape the city without leaving Tokyo. Surrounded by unexpected greenery, Senzokuike offers a peaceful retreat just a short train ride from central Tokyo. The lake has long been associated with the Buddhist priest Nichiren, who is said to have stopped here during his travels, giving the area a lasting spiritual significance. Today, its scenic paths, temples, shrines, and quiet waterside views provide a glimpse of a calmer, more contemplative side of the city.
An optional visit to nearby Togoshi Ginza, one of Tokyo’s longest traditional shopping streets, adds another layer of local culture and everyday life to the experience.
SHIODOME EXPLORATION
Shiodome is where cutting-edge Tokyo meets echoes of its past. This waterfront district is dominated by 13 majestic skyscrapers and holds surprising gems hidden within. Discover unique museums, admire sweeping views from a 46th-floor observatory, and stand before a giant Ghibli clock designed by animation master Hayao Miyazaki. Learn how Shiodome evolved from a tidal marsh into a modern hub of business, design, dining, and entertainment.
TREASURES OF SHINAGAWA
Shinagawa is far more than a busy transportation hub—it has long served as one of Tokyo’s historic gateways. Hidden among its modern streets are a tiny European-style village, a tranquil Japanese garden, and a fascinating private museum. Stroll along a surviving section of the old Tokaido Highway, where centuries-old temples, traditional floating restaurants, and a charming shopping street offer glimpses of the area’s past. Then cross one of Tokyo Bay’s canals to Tennoz Isle, a former warehouse district transformed into a vibrant waterfront community of galleries, creative spaces, and contemporary art.
SHIROKANEDAI UNCOVERED
Shirokanedai is an elegant residential district where tradition and modern luxury blend seamlessly. Its famous Platinum-dori, lined with leafy trees, stylish boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants, is a favorite destination for those seeking a more refined Tokyo. Beyond the avenue lie some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces, including the tranquil Institute for Nature Study and the beautifully landscaped Happo-en, along with fascinating museums and distinctive cultural landmarks. Tucked away in Minato Ward, Shirokanedai offers a rare combination of sophistication, history, and peaceful charm.
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 island’s 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 specialty that originated here.