Walking is the Best Way to Enjoy Tokyo: Check out the Top-10 Tokyo Walking Tours to Give You a Remarkable and Unforgettable Perspective of this Beautiful City (2023)

Walking is the Best Way to Enjoy Tokyo: Check out the Top-10 Tokyo Walking Tours to Give You a Remarkable and Unforgettable Perspective of this Beautiful City (2023)

Tokyo, the world's most populous city and Japan's capital is a tourist's delight. It has so much to offer to tourists from shopping, culture, fine dining, ultra-modern skyscrapers, videogames, anime to ancient temples and much more. If you really want to enjoy your forthcoming visit to Tokyo you should seriously consider taking a walking tour in the city which will enable you to really enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of this top tourist destination. This BP Guide has curated the top-10 Tokyo walking tours for you to take your pick. Read on to know more.

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Tokyo Walking Tours: Exceptional Experiences Authenticity

Tokyo attracts a lot of visitors from around the world because this mesmerizing city offers a fascinating blend of well-known cultural hubs, historical sites, temples, futuristic skyscrapers and parks.

Walking tours are a fantastic way to learn about Tokyo. In contrast to bus tours, walking tours in Tokyo tend to be more interactive and engaging. You will be able to take advantage of the guide's local knowledge and personal attention to truly get a sense of what you are seeing and experiencing in the city. As you walk around, you will get a brief look into typical Japanese life, pass local stores and build a closer relationship with the city you are visiting.

This BP Guide will take you through the best 10 Tokyo walking tours to explore this city - some of them focus on specific areas or experiences, while others are longer and provide an overview of the city's key attractions. Make your choice depending on your interest and walking capabilities.

Top 10 Tokyo Walking Tours (Free Tokyo Walking Tours Also Included)

Tokyo's medley of attractions means you have tons to uncover and discover! You can pick out walking tours that explore food districts, shrines, parks or historical sites. Without any further ado, let’s dive straight into the top 10 Tokyo walking tours as mentioned below:

Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku

In the centre of Tokyo, the Shinjuku district is a busy metropolis. The area's skyscraper district lies to the left of Shinjuku station. Some of Tokyo's highest skyscrapers can be found here. You won't go hungry in Shinjuku, so don't worry if dining in a skyscraper isn't your thing. Exquisite restaurants with a wide variety of meals to satisfy every taste can be found all across the neighbourhood.

Keeping in mind all these factors, Magical Trip has curated this small, 3-hour bar hopping night tour. It exclusively includes hidden bars that tourists won’t be able to discover, especially on self-guided tours. Local food and drinks are also included in this tour which costs just US$ 94 (about ₹ 7,700.00). On this Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku, you may explore the backstreets of Tokyo while consuming genuine local fare including Yakitori, Fried Tofu, Gyoza, grilled vegetables, local beer and a Japanese sake experience.

Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo

Young people congregate in Shibuya, a bustling neighbourhood, to play, shop, drink and dance! Shibuya, the name of the Fujiwara clan ancestors who lived there up until the start of the Meiji movement, literally translates as "bitter valley." Every two minutes, a swarm of people floods the crossroads outside Shibuya station, making it difficult to navigate. Fashion trends continue to be dictated by the streets of Shibuya.

As seasoned Japanese tour experts, Magical Trip comes up with another option of Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo where you can taste and experience all types of Japanese meats. It is be a small group, 3-hour tour that you can book now at US$ 94 (about ₹ 7,700.00). This is a must-try bar tour if you’re staying at a hotel in Shibuya. Your local tour guide will be waiting for you outside Shibuya station the night of the tour, just like a real local! Then, you'll go on a pub crawl to 3 undiscovered Japanese izakaya bars; one of them is in a secret meat alley, and the other two are in the Dogen zaka neighbourhood.

Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour

The district's electronics stores are home to a wide variety of establishments and institutions that specialise in anime and manga. Over the past few years, Akihabara has undergone substantial expansion, which has added some huge, contemporary structures to the mix of small to medium-sized shops and structures.

On this 3-hour Akihabara tour by Magical Trip, you will explore Akihabara Anime and Adventure Gaming Tour. With guaranteed seats in the busiest maid café in Akihabara, you can experience an authentic Japanese maid café right here. You will be taken to gaming centers and stores to fulfill your gaming fantasies. This tour costs just US$ 61 (about ₹ 5,000.00) which includes Akidearest's recommended anime place Map, entrance fee of the maid café, one drink at the maid café, Polaroid photo shoot with a maid, and a Japanese photo booth experience (Purikura).

Asakusa Cultural & Street-Food Walking Tour

One of Tokyo's Shitamachi, or old, low-rise neighbourhoods, is Asakusa. Because it's a little removed from the big tourist sites in Tokyo, Asakusa is an excellent place to stay if you're on a tight budget. The traditional town is next to Ueno, another Shitamachi, and is located on the Sumida River. Asakusa is the epitome of Japan: there are a tonne of temples, festivals, shops, rickshaws and kimonos there. So much so that it's presumably the city's most popular tourist destination.

This is another educational experience tour by Magical Trip where you can learn about Japanese religious culture at the Sensoji temple and other Tokyo’s traditional experiences. You can also look around a hub for Japanese chefs' cooking and shop for top-notch, genuine Japanese kitchenware here. Moreover, you will have a chance to cook Monja-yaki for lunch in Asakusa along with the tour photos at a cost of just US$ 87 (about ₹ 7,150.00).

Tokyo by Night Photography Tour

Although Tokyo is packed with attractions and enjoyable things to do during the day, there is also a thriving nightlife that has gained international renown. A night out in Tokyo is sure to offer unique experiences, from singing along with the locals in a karaoke booth to dancing the night away at internationally recognised high-tech nightclubs.

Even though this is a small, 1.5-hour tour by Magical Trip at a cost of US$ 75 (about ₹ 6,150.00), you have the chance to explore 10 local and urban areas around Shinjuku. You will be able to visit Shibuya's renowned Scramble Crossing and gain photography skills. Moreover, the tour includes 20 professionally edited photos of you taken during this tour.

Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town

During this 2.5-hour exploration of the city's historic Yanaka area, travel back in time to prehistoric Tokyo. Explore a distinct side of the expansive Japanese capital, which was home to the Edo period from the 17th to the 19th century. Take in the region's attractive assortment of temples, seasonal cherry blossoms, and classic "reien" (cemetery). You will also get a chance to visit the Nezu shrine in this tour which is one of the oldest shrines of Japan, set amidst huge flowering shrubs and trees. This tour will also give you the opportunity to browse a sizable, 1940s era locals-only market and try some of the most well-liked Japanese snacks and dishes as determined by the locals at a cost of US$ 45 (around ₹ 3,700.00) available for booking now on Magical Trip. What’s included more in the tour is a vegan menu lunch, food samplings and tour photos.

Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food Tour in Tokyo

You can tell you've arrived at Tsukiji Outer Market because there's something fishy in the air. This crowded open-air market is one of the top tourist destinations in Tokyo, and it offers something for everyone, not just seafood enthusiasts. The market area spans a few blocks, but Tsukiji Nishi-dri and Tsukiji Naka-dri are the two streets that are by far the busiest. Magical Trip is here to give you a unique tour experience for a 3-hour duration at a cost of US$ 64 (about ₹ 5,300.00). It also includes visiting the Japanese Buddhism Temple and the Shinto Shrine to explore Japanese religious culture. What’s more, the tour also includes a seafood lunch (with a vegan menu option available) and tour photos.

2-Day Guided Tokyo Tour

Source walkjapan.com

The itinerary for this two-day tour includes the major attractions of Tokyo such as the Imperial Palace, the iconic Tokyo Tower, the Meiji Shrine and the world-renowned Tsukiji Fish Market. You will also get to explore the bustling shopping districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku, stroll through the vibrant streets of Asakusa, visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum and take a boat ride on the Sumida River.

The tour also includes a full-day excursion to the beautiful Mount Fuji and the nearby Hakone National Park. You will get to marvel at the breathtaking views of the mountain and the five surrounding lakes, and explore the historic towns of Hakone, as well as take a ride on the iconic cable car and ropeway.

Overall, this 2-Day Guided Tokyo Tour by Walk Japan is an amazing way to experience the dynamic and vibrant culture of the city, and to get a taste of the many attractions that Japan has to offer at a cost of US$ 249 (about ₹ 20,400.00) approx. while allowing a group of maximum 12 persons.

Tokyo 1-Day Highlights Private Walking Tour

The tour will take you to some of Tokyo’s most iconic spots, and its itinerary can be customised to your preferences. You will get to explore the history and culture of the ancient city, starting from the Tsukiji Fish Market, with its lively atmosphere and numerous shops and stalls to browse. As you walk through the streets of Asakusa, you’ll come across the ancient Meiji Jingu Shrine and take in the unique vibes of Takeshita Street, full of the latest fashions and trends. This tour might offer you an unforgettable experience at US$ 270 (about ₹ 22,000.00) approx. via bookings through Japan World Travel.

Highlights & Hidden Gems of Tokyo: The Best of Tokyo Private Tour

During this tour, you’ll have the chance to visit some of Tokyo’s highlights, such as the Imperial Palace, the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and the Rainbow Bridge, as well as lesser-known spots like the Nakamise Shopping Street and the Statue of Hachiko with the local guide. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to taste some of Tokyo’s delicious cuisine, as well as observe some of the city’s famously quirky culture, plus chit-chats with your own local guide! Whatever your interests, this private walking tour of Tokyo is sure to leave you with fascinating insights and unforgettable memories at a cost of US$ 129.17 (about ₹ 10,600.00) approx. for the 3-hour duration. You can book the tour on Withlocals.

Some Things to Know Before You Visit Tokyo

Tokyo is the largest city in the world, and even residents may not be able to comprehend the entirety of the city in their lifetime. As the Greeks did with Athens, it is a metropolis that is best described in the plural. But no matter where you live in the city, there are some general guidelines to follow. These are some suggestions for taking pleasure in the size of the megalopolis of Tokyo, no matter which part of the city you are visting:

  • Prefer Arriving at Haneda Airport:

    Though Narita may be the larger and more well-known airport in Tokyo, Haneda is situated right in the middle of the city. Narita is situated on the eastern outskirts of the capital in the Chiba prefecture. You'll save time and money by travelling to the city centre from Haneda.

  • Learn That Tokyo is a Cash Country!

    No matter how futuristic your vision of Japan may be, it is still a nation with a strong foundation in the tangible, and to some extent, the sensory. Find the closest convenience store if you require more cash; these establishments typically have an ATM on-site.

  • Everything May be Small in Tokyo!

    Your hotel room, and frequently the size of the bed and bathroom, may be the first small thing you will notice. The majority of eateries are also compact and are designed to serve small groups of 2-4 individuals. Finding a table for a group larger than 4 individuals is typically difficult unless you go to a family restaurant or a well-known izakaya.

  • Explore Otaku Culture in Akihabara:

    There's no doubting that anime and videogames culture are among the reasons why many people are drawn to Japan. For nerds, Akihabara in Tokyo tends to be their first stop when visiting the country. Explore themed cafes, videogame pubs, and big department stores filled with memorabilia from anime, plush toys, and vintage games. Akihabara is your paradise if you're a proud Otaku like us and searching for accommodations in Tokyo.

  • Etiquettes are a Big Deal Here!

    You should make an effort to respect the strict etiquettes observed by the polite and hospitable Japanese people. Tokyo has maintained its civility, unlike most places where people tend to grow a little more tense. The manners are the same among Tokyo residents. It is customary to use both hands when presenting and receiving gifts, and to bow when saying hello and thank you. You should always put your money in the plastic tray that is supplied when paying since it is where the clerk will put your change.

  • Pedestrian Walkways are Colossal:

    Not only do pedestrian walkways exist in Tokyo, but they are also very large. Tokyo prefers to build an aesthetic image of beautiful chaos on its highways rather than footbridges and quirky walkways like Hong Kong and Bangkok. Consider the well-known Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, where hundreds of people can cross at once in a calm and orderly manner. Some uniformed men assist in easing traffic flow in areas like Shinjuku on the several roadways out here that are lined with broad, white lines.

  • Tokyo Architecture is Compact, Neat and Functional:

    The majority of the residential structures in Tokyo, and throughout Japan, are small and well-kept. They come in different tones of coffee, caramel, and grey, are carefully arranged, either small and quite square or tall and thinly rectangular. Tokyo has its share of skyscrapers and modern architecture, but overall the notion is that design should be plain and practical rather than a display.
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Evaluate Your Limitations Before Booking a Walking Tour

It is prudent to evaluate your limitations before booking a walking tour e.g. if you are travelling with senior citizens or very small children, then long duration walking tours may not be advisable. We hope this BP Guide would have helped you decide which walking tour (or tours) you would like to take during your forthcoming trip to Tokyo. Share your experiences with us and stay connected for more such engaging content.

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