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Best Tokyo Free Walking Tours

• Lucy Dayman

Tokyo is a labyrinth of a city made up from what feels like hundreds of other tinier cities, and there's always something new to discover in every corner. This makes walking around on foot one of the best ways to explore the metropolis! If you're looking for a little guidance and don't have a lot of money to spend on a tour guide, here are some of Tokyo's best free, volunteer-run walking tour companies, run by locals who are more than happy to show you around.

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Tokyo Free Guide

Tokyo Free Guide is one of the most popular of all the free tour options. It's popular because it offers custom tours, but you do have to reserve. The company has over 500 volunteer guides on their books and every single one of them is at least bilingual with Spanish, Italian, and French being the most common languages after English. TFG is best suited to those who may have a specific niche or interest and want to learn about it further. Whether it's anime, fashion, food, Japanese history or something else within Japan, there's undoubtedly a TFG volunteer that's more than eager to show you around. While the service of the guide is free, guests are expected to pick up the bill if there are any admission, food, or transport fees during the tour. The company often receives more requests than they have available guides. So if you don't want to miss out, book via the website around four to six weeks before arriving in Tokyo .

Tokyo Localized

For a tour that’s a little more structured, Tokyo Localized’s walking tours are an option. These tours, run by Tokyo locals, cover all the tourist-centric bases and are an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the city. Tokyo Localized’s flagship tour takes guests around Tokyo’s geek center Akihabara, the historic and museum populated neighborhood of Ueno, Tokyo’s old black market Ameyoko Shopping Arcade, and to Kanda Myojin Shrine, where you can pray for good luck, prosperity, and marriage. The company currently offers four other tour packages, covering youth fashion hubs Shibuya and Harajuku, the vibrant inner-city neighborhood of Shinjuku, and the historic streets of Asakusa. They also offer night walking tours too. Tours are only run in English, and because they’ve all been pre-designed, there’s no room for customizations. To join one, sign up via the booking form online around two weeks in advance.

Go Tokyo Guides

Go Tokyo, run by the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau is a tourist service. It not only has one of the most detailed Tokyo travel websites out there, but they also offer pre-planned free tours. There are 13 tour routes available, but not all of them are free. The Shinjuku Walking Tour is one of the free options, and it’s a perfect way to catch all the action happening in this fast-paced corner of the city. The tour route takes guests from the busy shopping district to the undergrounds department stores, to Shinjuku’s Hanazono Shrine, and finally stops at Kabuki-cho to say hello to Godzilla. Group maximum is five people per tour, so book as far in advance as you can to avoid missing out.

Shinagawa SGG Goodwill Guide

If you’re looking to see a different side of the city, then exploring Shinagawa is a great way to do it. The area isn’t known for being a tourist destination, but it has plenty of hidden attractions, like the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, the lush Gotenyama Gardens, and for photography fans the Nikon Museum. For more secretive Shinagawa gems, be sure to read our feature on the 20 places to visit in the area . The Shinagawa SGG Goodwill Guide is a volunteer group of Shinagawa locals eager to showcase the best-hidden gems this corner of the city has to offer. While the company does have Shinagawa in the name, they also offer custom style tours for visitors on the hunt for something a little more specific. The tour is free, but guests are expected to cover the expenses, including food, admission fees, and travel. To secure a guide, visit the website, click ‘how to apply’ then download the application form, fill it out and email it to [email protected] .

Tokyo Free Walking Tour

The team at Tokyo Free Walking Tour offer three tour packages: The Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine and Harajuku. One of the main benefits of this company is that guests don’t have to book in advance. Check out the tour calendar on the website and turn up to the site in time for the tour, and you’ll be able to join the crew. The company’s flagship tour is the Imperial Palace East Gardens tour. It runs every Saturday and meets at Tokyo Station before cruising around the Imperial Palace before stopping off at the remains of the Edo Castle. For more information on previous tours or what to expect, visit the company’s Facebook page.

Tokyo SGG Club

The Tokyo SGG Club launched back in 1983 and since then has continued to offer the best and warmest hospitality Tokyo has to offer. The company offers tours through the city’s more traditional tourist spots like Asakusa, Ueno Park Area, The Imperial Palace East Gardens Area Tour and the Yanaka area. The locations of choice make it a great option for those wanting to learn more about the history of the city and traditional Japanese culture. The way to book a tour is by visiting one of the service centers listed on the company’s website. From there you can chat with one of the volunteers at the front desk and gather some valuable travel information while you book a tour.

Tour Guides: The Key to the City's Secret Side

Tokyo is so full of hidden delights, under-the-radar attractions, and fascinating stories to learn. But to really go beyond the regular tourist attractions and see just how this city works, there's nothing more valuable than speaking to a local tour guide. Tokyo tour guides know the city's secret sides better than everyone else, and they're more than happy to let you in. All these tours are free, but experiencing the city like a regular Tokyoite is truly priceless.

Header image credit: icosha/Shutterstock.com

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Plan ahead by booking your shinkansen, airport train, and express train tickets online in English. Have the tickets sent to you by mail or collect them at the station once you're in Japan.

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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Tokyo Free Walking Tour

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Tokyo Free Walking Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

9 Free Tokyo Walking Tours To Take A Fresh Look At Well-known Tourist Areas

Free Tokyo walking tours

Tokyo is a bustling city and the world’s most populous one at that. People are constantly on the move, rushing on and off trains. But while rushing, we often miss out on the hidden alleys that will only be discovered on foot. If you’re up for a new way to experience Tokyo, we’ve compiled a list of 9 free Tokyo walking tours so you can discover something new about Tokyo , no matter how many times you’ve visited.

Asakusa suffered extensive damage from the World War II bombings , but it was rebuilt and is now a historical shitamachi (downtown area) that draws in tourists from all over the world.

This tour by a group of volunteers from Tokyo Free Walking Tour starts from the Kaminarimon Gate near Asakusa station and takes you through the main attractions in the area. The Kaminarimon Gate is easily identifiable by the 3.9m by 3.3m red lantern that hangs at the gate.

From the Kaminarimon Gate, which is the outer gate of Senso-ji Temple, you’ll enter a 200m-long shopping street called Nakamise . Along this street, you can find traditional craft items, old-school local snacks, and typical Japanese souvenirs.

At the end of the shopping street is the Hozomon Gate of the Senso-ji Temple. Senso-ji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo and arguably the most popular one. It is a must-see if it’s your first time in Asakusa.

The temple has a main hall and a 5-storey pagoda, both of which were reconstructed after the war. The Asakusa Shrine stands on the left of the main hall.

This 1.5-hour Asakusa walking tour happens every other Sunday at 10AM and 1PM. No reservations are required – you just have to turn up at the meeting location on the specified date and time. The volunteer tour guides are well-rated on Tripadvisor and Facebook for being informative and providing a local perspective on the tourists attractions.

Note: Due to COVID-19, all tours are currently suspended. Refer to the Tokyo Free Walking Tours website and tour calendar for the latest updates.

Ueno is a well-known sightseeing spot in Tokyo and it’s especially popular for the cherry blossoms that fill Ueno Park in spring. Other attractions in the area include the Tokyo National Museum , the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art , and the Ueno Zoo .

The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) has compiled a brochure with a list of walking routes for tourists who want to explore the city. It includes the Ueno route , which starts and ends at Ueno Station , and includes stops at Ameyoko Street and the Shitamachi Museum . This is an unguided walking tour so you can explore the area at your own pace . If something outside of the route catches your eye , you can always take a detour. 

Ameyoko Street used to be a black market during World War II but is now a bustling shopping area especially on the weekends. Along this 500m-long shopping street, you’ll find heavily discounted prices for a wide variety of goods such as clothing, cosmetics, and even fresh groceries. The Ameyoko Center Building has an extensive selection of herbs and spices as well.

The Shitamachi Museum is a 2-storey museum that was established to preserve tradition and history and to showcase how life was in the Taisho era (1910s-1920s). Look out for the red postbox and the red-and-green banner when you’re in the area so you don’t miss this small and unassuming museum.

The 1st floor reproduces the landscape of the old town with a traditional sweet s shop, a coppersmith’s workshop, and a communal well. The 2nd floor displays various objects like old household items, traditional children’s toys, and artefacts from World War II.

Tickets are priced at ¥300 (~USD2.83) for adults and ¥200 (~USD1.89) for elementary to high school students. When you purchase your tickets, it is highly recommended that you ask for an English speaking guide. The guide will take you through the 1st floor of the museum and leave you to explore the 2nd floor on your own. There is no extra charge for the guide.

The JNTO brochure recommends setting aside about 3.5 hours for this Ueno route , but you can adjust this according to your fancy . Another place you can visit is the Yokoyama Taikan Memorial Hall which displays art in a Japanese-style residence. It isn’t included in this particular route but it’s a recommended attraction listed in the brochure as well.

Yanaka district is within walking distance of Ueno Park, so it’s possible to combine this walking tour with the Ueno route and complete it within a day. This area was spared from the bombings of World War II so most of the old buildings retain their old world charm.

The Tokyo Systematized Goodwill Guide Club (Tokyo SSG Club) offers a 1.5-hour Yanaka area tour every Saturday and Sunday at 10.30AM and 1PM. No registration is required for this tour but you have to be at the meeting point – the front yard of the Asakura Museum of Sculpture – 10 minutes before the start of the tour.

The tour will bring you to attractions in the Yanaka area, including the Tennoji Temple . The Tennoji temple has a peaceful atmosphere. A big statue of Buddha sits on the left of its main building. 

Beside the Tennoji Temple lies the Yanaka cemetery, which has also become an attraction thanks to the Sakura-dori street. During the cherry blossom season , the street is lined with large cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Yanaka cemetery is also the largest and most famous cemetery in Tokyo.

A must-visit in Yanaka is the Yanaka Ginza shopping street . Yanaka Ginza is a favourite among the locals. If you visit on a weekday, you’ll see locals buying necessities and hanging out with their neighbours.

Along this 175m-long traditional shopping street, there are unique items such as Yanaka Shipoya (cat-tail doughnuts) and Yanaka shoga jelly (ginger-flavoured jelly sweets) that you might not be able to find elsewhere. Items such as chopsticks, foldable fans, and unique Japanese sweets are priced reasonably as they cater to the locals as well. There are also many stores selling food items so it’s a good idea to come here on an empty stomach. English translations might not be available in stores so just go with your gut or follow what the locals eat.

The meeting point of the tour, the Asakura Museum of Sculpture, doubles as one of the service centre locations of the Tokyo SSG Club. If you need more information regarding the walking tours, you can approach the museum or other service centre locations such as the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre and the Ueno Park Desk . At the service centres, you can also get free brochures and maps .

Note: Due to COVID-19, the walking tours have been suspended until further notice. Refer to the Tokyo SSG Club’s website for more updates.

4. East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Part of the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace is open to visitors and is free of charge. There’s a wide lawn where you can have a picnic. History buffs can also check out the statues, moats, walls and gates of the former Edo Castle .

The volunteers from Tokyo Free Walking Tour conduct a tour of the East Gardens every Saturday at 1PM. The tour lasts for approximately 2.5 hours and you just have to show up at Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi Central Gate on the ground floor to join.

The remaining foundation of the former castle tower is found within the East Gardens. This castle tower used to be the tallest in Japan’s history but was destroyed by citywide fires in 1657 and never rebuilt.

While you’re there, enjoy the serenity of this Japanese style garden. The best time to visit is during the cherry blossom season or in autumn, but dozens of different flowers line the walkways so plants are blooming all year round.

5. Meiji shrine and Harajuku

Tokyo Localized organises a free walking tour around the Meiji Shrine and Harajuku area. The tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours and bookings must be made 10-14 days before the tour date . Their tour schedule is available on their website so you can make bookings accordingly. Be sure to book early as slots are limited due to the cap on the number of guests per group.

The Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. There is a 70-hectare forest that surrounds the main shrine building , and the trees were planted by volunteers in honour of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. This is one of the most popular shrines in Japan, especially during the first few days of the new year.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to see a wedding procession in progress at the Meiji Shrine.

These sake barrels found on the shrine grounds are another symbol of Meiji Shrine. The barrels are decorated with the names and locations of the sake producers who contribute to the shrine annually. They are stacked 6 rows high, forming a wall of sake barrels.

This walking tour also brings you to Takeshita Street, also known as Takeshita-dori , the focal point of Harajuku. Along this street, you can find everything trendy and wacky. The stores lining this street are mainly small and independent so it is likely you’ll find unique trendsetting items. There are also many oshare (fashionable) food stores selling cute monster-themed food, crepes, rainbow-coloured cotton candy, and over-the-top milkshakes.

Keep a lookout for shoppers dressed in interesting costumes and approach them politely if you’d like a photo.

6. Akihabara

Although you can no longer visit the iconic 7-storey SEGA arcade since it closed on 30th August 2020, there’s still lots to do at Akihabara. This self-guided walking tour by Go Tokyo brings you around the must-see spots in the area.

This bright yellow and red signboard belongs to the 12-storey Akihabara Radio Kaikan . Previously, most of the stores in Radio Kaikan sold electrical parts and wireless devices. Now, the stores feature anime-related figurines and goods, and some electronics.

This gashapon (capsule machines) speciality store is slightly off the main street but worth a visit because of the 500 gashapon congregated here. Gashapon are found all over Japan and they carry a wide variety of items including functional items like hats for your pets, or cute display items.

You’ll be spoilt for choice here as you enter the store with gashapon machines stacked from floor to ceiling.

The final stop along this self-guided walking tour is the famous Gundam Cafe . If you’re a huge fan of the mecha series, pay this place a visit to get your hands on exclusive Gundam items.

Akihabara is also known for maid cafes, so there’s also something for those who aren’t into Gundam . There are many maid cafes in Akihabara , and you can find one just a 2-minute walk from the gashapon speciality store. It is one of the outlets of the M aidreamin chain of maid cafes. You’ll be served by waitresses dressed in maid uniforms while you dine in a cute and lively atmosphere.

Odaiba is a popular shopping and entertainment destination on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. A half-day self-guided walking route suggested by Japan Guide covers the popular attractions to visit. 

This giant Ferris wheel is an unmissable attraction located near Palette Town. It is the second-largest Ferris wheel in Japan and you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of the Tokyo metropolitan skyline from up there.

Within Palette Town , you’ll also find the well-known MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM teamLab Borderless . It is an interactive digital art museum where some installations react and transform when touched .

If your legs are sore after all that sightseeing around Odaiba, pay a visit to Oedo Onsen Monogatari . Oedo Onsen Monogatari is known as a hot spring theme park where you can enjoy various types of indoor and outdoor baths, dine in restaurants, play games, and have a massage.

You do have to pay an entrance fee – check out their website for a full list of ticket prices. Once you’re in, you can come and go between the hall, footbath area, and onsen as you like. 

The atmosphere in the hall is lively and festival-like. There are stalls selling festival favourites such as takoyaki , okonomiyaki , and crepes. You can wander around in your yukata while playing games and eating with your friends. If you’d like, you can even spend the night here for an extra ¥2,160 (~USD20.68) .

8. Shibuya night walk

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s busiest districts, packed with shops , restaurants , and nightclubs. Many of the newest fashion and entertainment trends also originate from the streets of Shibuya.

Tokyo Localized organises a night walk tour around Shibuya that lasts for approximately 1.5 hours. You have to make a booking at least 10-14 days before the day of the tour so check out their tour schedule and plan your itinerary accordingly if you want to participate.

One of the most prominent landmarks is the large intersection, also known as the Shibuya Crossing . The intersection is surrounded by bright, vivid neon lights from billboard advertisements and screens. It is a popular photo spot that reflects the hustle and bustle of Shibuya and its vibrancy.

The Hachiko statue, a key landmark of Shibuya, was put up in honour of this dog’s unwavering loyalty to his master. Every evening, Hachiko would go to Shibuya station to greet his owner. Even after his master died, he continued to do this for another 10 years, until his own death. It is now recognised as a landmark and a common meeting place as it is one of Shibuya Station’s exits.

9. Shinjuku night walk

Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest railway station and it handles more than 2 million passengers every single day. The area is also known for Japan’s largest and wildest red-light district – Kabukicho .

Kabukicho is one of the stops on Tokyo Localized’s Shinjuku night walking tour . The tour runs for approximately 2 hours and you can book a slot by checking out their tour schedule . You can roam around Kabukicho and Shinjuku on your own but the benefit of having a guide is that you won’t fall prey to the street hawkers and restaurant promoters that try to bring you to their stores. An innocent visit to one of these stores often comes with a hefty price tag.

Even though you have to be on your guard while in Kabukicho, this place is brimming with nightlife and it is worth exploring. One of the stops on the walking tour is Golden Gai . Golden Gai features many small cosy bars, seating about 8 people each – maximum. The tour might not allocate time for you to chill at one of these bars but you can always come back on another evening.

On this tour, you’ll also get to visit Godzilla Street , where a giant Godzilla looms over the Toho Cinema building . It can be spotted easily from afar and lights up and roars several times a day. On the 8th floor of the Toho Cinema building, you’ll find a rooftop terrace and a Godzilla cafe where you can see Godzilla up close during the day. 

Bonus: Virtual tour of Tokyo

As many of us can’t travel to Tokyo and explore on foot right now, Tokyo Localized is offering a free virtual tour of Tokyo. The virtual tour covers the history and food of the area , and shares travel tips using a combination of presentation slides and videos.

You can also ask questions about Tokyo to help you plan for your next trip there. Currently, the tour runs almost every single day . Check out their tour schedule here.

Regardless of how many times you’ve visited Tokyo, these free walking tours are a great way to explore the city and its attractions on foot. Whether the tours are guided or not, going on a walking tour is a different experience. The tours with volunteer guides offer a local perspective on the attractions while the main draw of the self-guided tours is flexibility. Plus, all the tours on our list are free, although you can choose to give your tour guides a tip at the end of the tour.

Check out other Tokyo travel guides here:

• Daikanyama guide
• Japanese pancakes in Tokyo
• Minimalist hotels in Tokyo
• Speciality coffee shops in Tokyo
• Cafes in Tokyo

Cover image adapted from: @paolochvz  and @chris_sssu

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Tokyo Localized - Free Walking Tour in Tokyo & More

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The Old Quarter of Tokyo - Yanaka Walking Tour

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The Dark Side of Tokyo - Night Walking Tour Shinjuku Kabukicho

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Tuna Cutting Show in Tokyo & Unlimited Sushi & Sake

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tokyo Localized - Free Walking Tour in Tokyo & More - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Tokyo Localized Free Walking Tour

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tokyo Localized Free Walking Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Our Picks for the Best Tokyo Walking Tours

A walking tour in the land of high speed bullet trains? Hear us out: walking tours are a great way to get to know Tokyo — it’s local side, that is. And unlike bus tours , walking tours tend to be smaller, meaning a more personal experience.

As you pound the pavement you’ll catch glimpses of everyday Japanese life, pass cute little shops, and get a more intimate feel for the city. Sold? What if we told you that there are all kinds of tours — from culture explorations to Tokyo food tours and fully customizable options. Excellent, now you’re on board. Read on for a curated list of the best Tokyo walking tours, arranged by interest.

Most of these tours are small group tours, so you might even make some friends or travel buddies while you’re at it.

Tokyo history and culture tours

Tokyo has a fascinating history , and a deeper understanding can enrich the experience of being here. You’re also sure to learn a thing or two about Japanese culture .

These walking tours hit up some of the most interesting historic districts in Tokyo. Your expert guides will soon be filling your head with knowledge that you can use to impress everyone back home.

Yanaka neighborhood walking tour

¥ 11,000 per person (for two people booking together) 3.5 hours in the morning or afternoon Book here

If you want a taste of old school Tokyo, this is the tour for you. Yanaka is a neighborhood in central Tokyo near Ueno Park . It’s rarely on tourists’ radars, which is unfortunate because it’s such a charming area.

This walking tour will take you through the neighborhood, visiting temples and even a famous cemetery. Your guide will share information about Yanaka and its history, which stretches back to the Edo Period (1603 to 1867).

Yanaka walking tour details

• Maximum tour size: 10 people
• Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 18,000

There are also discounts for groups, as the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 10,000 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 9,500 , and so on.

Asakusa history walking tour

¥ 14,000 per adult (for groups of 2–8 people) 3.5 hours in the morning Book here

Asakusa is on everyone’s bucketlist when they visit Tokyo — and for a good reason. This area has the traditional (though commercialized) vibes that you might expect to find in Kyoto .

Exploring the area as part of a tour means that you’ll really come to understand the history of Sensōji , Asakusa’s famous temple, and Nakamise , the historic shopping street at the temple’s entrance.

And of course, you’ll learn how to visit a Japanese temple so you can be respectful during your visit.

Asakusa walking tour details

• Maximum tour size: 8 people
• Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 14,000
• Group discounts? No, the price per person is same for groups of 2–8 people

Shinagawa and Old Tōkaidō Road walking tour

¥ 10,000 per adult (for two people booking together) 3 hours in the morning or afternoon Book here

This is another part of Tokyo you might not know about, but that is also steeped in history. Shinagawa is in the southern part of central Tokyo and — as you’ll learn on your tour — was an important place on the Old Tōkaidō Road .

This tour will take you through the back streets to historical sites, and some really local places. It also includes complementary hot drinks.

Shinagawa walking tour details

• Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 15,000

There are also discounts for groups, as the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 9,500 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 8,500 , and so on.

Tokyo food and drink tours

Foodies love Tokyo and for good reason — it’s the city with the most Michelin Star restaurants in the world afterall. But with all the hype comes the problem of choosing where to eat. That’s where these food and drink tours come in. No more falling for tourist trap restaurants and bars, these walking tours will take you to where the locals eat and drink.

Tsukiji Fish Market food and culture walking tour

¥ 13,525 per adult 3 hours in the morning Book here

If you’re a fan of seafood this one’s for you. Tsukiji Fish Market was once the home of the world famous tuna auctions, and while the auction has moved to Toyosu Fish Market , Tsukiji still has the charm and liveliness that made it so popular.

This tour will hit up all the best places, and of course all food on the tour is included!

Tsukiji Market walking tour details

• Maximum tour size: 20 people
• The price is the same no matter your party size

Bar hopping night tour in Shinjuku

¥ 14,500 per adult 3 hours in the evening Book here

Want to check out Tokyo’s bar scene instead? This tour takes place in Shinjuku , a westside Tokyo district that’s a popular shopping and entertainment district.

But you’re here for the bars. You’ll visit some real hole-in-the-wall type places tucked in narrow alleys called yokochō .

You’ll visit three izakaya and like any good food tour, food and drinks are included. And don’t worry: izakaya are just as known for their food as for their drinks, so you won’t go hungry.

Shinjuku night tour tour details

• The price is the same no matter your party size.

Special interest tours: Anime, architecture, and ghosts

Tokyo really has something for everyone, as these special interest tours can attest. We’ve got a tour of Akihabara for the anime fans, Ueno Park for architecture aficionados, and Shitamachi if you like a good ghost tour.

Akihabara anime and games tour

¥ 1,200 per adult 3 hours in the morning or afternoon Book here

Gamers and anime fans will have heard of Akihabara — the Tokyo neighborhood that is the go-to destination for all things geeky and nerdy. This tour will take you to all the best spots, including a retro game arcade, a photo booth, and even a maid café .

Akihabara anime tour details

• Includes maid café entry fee and one drink
• Also included: purikura (photo booth) photo session

Ueno Park architecture tour

¥ 17,000 per adult (for two people booking together) 3 hours in the morning or afternoon Book here

Any architecture nerds out there? There are lots of things to do in Ueno Park , but it’s also an architectural hotspot. Throughout the park are fantastic works of 20th century architecture, and on this private tour you won’t miss a single one.

The tour finishes at the Tokyo National Museum , which is also interesting from an architectural standpoint. After the tour, you’re free to explore the museum.

Ueno Park architecture tour details

• Includes admission to the Tokyo National Museum (a value of ¥ 1,000 )
• Private tour (only your party)
• Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 24,000 .

There are also discounts for groups, as the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 13,000 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 12,000 , and so on.

Shitamachi ghost tour

¥ 21,000 per adult (for two people booking together) 3 hours in the evening Book here

Is Halloween your favourite time of the year? Then you might want to check out this spooky Tokyo ghost tour.

Your guide will take you to spots in three neighborhoods: Ōtemachi , Minami Senju , and Asakusa — all while regaling you with stories of ghosts and spirits that are sure to give you goosebumps. You’ll even learn about some Japanese folklore and monsters while you’re at it.

Shitamachi ghost tour details

• Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 40,000 .
• Group discounts? Yes, the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 16,000 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 13,000 , and so on.

There are also discounts for groups, as the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 16,000 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 13,500 , and so on.

Customizable tours

None of the above tours quite doing it for you? Maybe you have a few very specific locations in mind. Then you might want to consider a customized tour instead.

This way you have full control over where you go but still get the knowledge of an expert guide. You also won’t have to share your guide with other travelers.

Full-day private tour: Choice of 3–4 sites

¥ 42,000 per group (up to five adults) 8 hours Book here

This full day tour allows you to choose three to four sites to visit from a list of recommendations. However, depending on the attractions you choose, it might not be a “walking tour” in the purest sense. Instead, you may have to use public transport or taxis to move between locations, and the cost is not covered in the tour price, so keep this in mind.

Full-day or half-day private tour: Fully customizable

¥ 25,700 / ¥ 36,500 per adult (for two people booking together) half-day/full day 4 hours (half-day)/8 hours (full day) Book here

If you’d prefer full control over your tour, then this is the one for you. Not only can you choose between a half- or full-day tour, but you can discuss your perfect day with the operator. They will then arrange an itinerary for you, which can even include entry fees to your chosen attractions and lunch if you choose the full-day tour.

The prices quoted above are for tours that use public transport option traveling between sights. There is also a pricier option that includes private vehicle transfers between attractions, but this is much more expensive.

The price for all options does scale down as group size increases. For example, if you can pull together 8 people, you can do a full-day customizable tour using public transport for just ¥ 15,300 per person.

Completely custom tours with Anytimes

From ¥ 1,500 /hour From 1 hour Book here

Another option is to get a completely customized tour through Japan skill-sharing app Anytimes . Rather than choose from limited options, you can choose your guide, the length, and the locations that you’d like to check out. If you don’t know where to go, you can also give the provider your criteria and they’ll create a tour for you.

Free Tokyo walking tours

If you’d rather save your hard-earned cash for bowls of ramen and souvenir shopping, fear not. There are a number of groups offering free (or free-ish) walking tours of Tokyo. Read on to see what’s on offer.

Tokyo Free Walking Tour

Tokyo Free Walking Tour , an organization of licensed local guides and interpreters, offers free tours around Tokyo. The guides are English speaking volunteers who want to build positive relationships between Japan and foreign countries by sharing their knowledge of Japanese history and culture with visitors.

Explore any of these areas under their expert guidance:

• Imperial Palace East Gardens, for learning about the days of the Shōgun in Tokyo .
• Asakusa , to see the famous temple, Senso-ji, and other local spots.
• Harajuku along with the shrine, Meiji Jingū .
• Ueno Park , including the park’s historic shrines and temples.

The length of the tours vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours. To join, reserve your spot on their website.

Tokyo SGG Club Tours

Tokyo SGG Club is another volunteer group running walking tours in a number of Tokyo neighborhoods. SGG stands for “Systematic Goodwill Guide,” and volunters hold regularly scheduled walking tours at the following:

They also offer English guided tours of Shitamachi Museum and ASAKURA Museum of Sculpture .

Tokyo Localized

Started by a traveler with a love for tour guiding, this site has various free and paid tours that visit different Tokyo neighborhoods including night tours. They also have a private tour option that allows you to personalize your itinerary.

The most interesting option, however, is probably the Shinjuku Night Tour, which takes you through Kabukichō , Omoide-Yokochō , and Godzilla Road before winding up in Golden Gai . An ideal way to explore a sketchy part of town, this tour meets up at the Shinjuku Tourist Information Center.

Reservations for all tours can be made via their website. Also know that unlike some of the other groups on this list, Tokyo Localized encourages you to tip your guides.

Frequently asked questions

How much do walking tours in Tokyo cost?

The price of a guided walking tour in Tokyo can vary a lot. There are free options, run by volunteers. Meanwhile, a specialist tour might cost something like ¥ 20,000 per person.

On average, expect to pay about ¥ 10,000 per person (for two people booking together). While most tours will accept booking from solo travelers, unfortunately you’ll be paying almost the same as two people booking together. Groups, on the other hand, can take advantage of sliding scale rates that bring down the per person cost.

Expect to pay more like ¥ 12,000 – ¥ 15,000 if food and drink is included. Private and customized tours will be more expensive.

Are walking tours worth it?

Yes. Despite its size, Tokyo is a very pedestrian friendly city. And wandering around neighborhoods on foot is one of the best ways to experience it. By joining a tour, you’re guaranteed an experience with a knowledgeable local guide — who can point out things you might have missed by yourself.

Are walking tours a good way to avoid crowds?

In short, it depends. During peak tourist seasons, basically everywhere will be crowded — there’s almost no way to avoid it. But, there are tours that are more niche and therefore take you to place away from the main tourist spots.

Should you tip your guides?

Tipping is not common practice in Japan — guides will generally not expect it. However, some tour companies (especially the free ones) might encourage you to tip the guides, so follow their guidelines on this.

Do Tokyo tour guides speak English?

All the tours we’ve recommended have English speaking guides. In some cases, there are also options to request guides who speak other languages too.

We do our best to make sure all the information in this post is correct, but, like everything in life, it’s subject to change. Originally published in May, 2014. Last updated in March 2023 by Maria Danuco.

• Guided tours
• Sightseeing
• Walking guide
• Walking Tour

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See Tokyo From A Local Perspective

Free day and night walking tours in tokyo, > book a free walking tour.

Flagship Walking Tour of Tokyo

During the Free Walking Tour of Tokyo, you will get to experience both New and Old Tokyo; its food, culture, history and religion. This tour covers all that...

Language: English

Shinjuku Night Walking Tour

During the Shinjuku Night Free Walking Tour, you will experience the craziest part of Tokyo nightlife and the Japanese drinking culture - see the Red Light...

Asakusa Walking Tour

During this Asakusa Walking Tour of Tokyo, you will get to experience the story of the oldest temple in Tokyo, and the people of Japan. This tour covers the must...

Imperial Palace Walking Tour

During the Free Walking Tour of Imperial Palace, you will get to experience both Old & New Tokyo. The historical place where the Shogun was...

Daily: 09:30, 13:30

2 Hours 30 Minutes

Harajuku Tokyo Walking Tour

During the Harajuku Meiji Shrine Free Walking Tour of Tokyo, you will get to experience the stories of beginning of Tokyo and its street culture. This tour...

Shibuya Night Walking Tour

During this Shibuya Night Walking Tour of Tokyo, you will get to experience the story of the famous Shibuya crossing and the faithful dog Hachiko. This tour...

Shibuya Free Walking Tour

During this Shibuya Free Walking Tour of Tokyo, you will get to experience the story of the famous Shibuya crossing and the faithful dog Hachiko. This tour...

Asakusa Night Walking Tour

During the Asakua Night Walking of Tokyo, you will get to experience the tradition of Tokyo and the story of the oldest temple in Tokyo. Also, you will enjoy the...

Nightly: 19:00

1 Hour 30 Minutes

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TOKYO FREE WALKING TOUR (Marunouchi) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Tokyo Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours for foreign tourists and residents

• Private: Welcome to Tokyo Free Walking Tour!

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Explore the downtown district in and around Senso-ji temple and find something really unique among the temples and shrines!

• Tour Time The tour is usually conducted every other Sunday, and occasionally on other days. [Please make your reservations from our Tour Calendar] Duration: 1.5 hours
• Meeting Place Beside the police box by the Kaminarimon Gate of the Senso-ji temple [Google Maps]
• Other Terms and Conditions Please also see our terms and conditions