Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is a significant tourist destination. This metropolis seamlessly integrates modernity with rich historical traditions. From towering skyscrapers and renowned observation points to ancient streets and temples showcasing the city’s cultural and spiritual legacy, Tokyo appeals to travelers of all kinds.

It is an ideal location for those seeking a diverse array of activities within a single city in Japan.

Here are the 15 premier tours to consider during your visit to Tokyo, allowing you to maximize your experience.

1. Mount Fuji Day Tour including visits to Kawaguchiko Lake and Gotemba Outlets

Discover the iconic Mount Fuji as you ascend to the 5th station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while navigating through stunning landscapes.

This comprehensive 10-hour tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, initiates from the Shinjuku Subaru building. It includes highlights such as Kawaguchiko Lake, the ascent to Mount Fuji’s 5th station, and shopping at the Gotemba Outlets, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

These destinations are renowned for their remarkable natural beauty and are well worth a visit.

Experience an array of souvenirs, delightful cuisines, and capture beautiful photographs while learning about the cultural and historical significance of the temple at Fuji; this tour encapsulates the best of Tokyo.

2. MORI Building Digital Art Museum Tour

Experience the world’s first entirely digital art museum. This tour includes one-way private transportation and an entrance ticket, allowing you easy access to this innovative venue directly from your hotel.

The MORI Building Digital Art Museum is a spectacular site featuring cutting-edge technology, such as mesmerizing LEDs and interactive lighting, which you can control via your smartphone. Additionally, there is a café where vibrant floral displays come to life around your beverage.

3. Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Discover Tokyo at your leisure aboard an open-top double-decker bus for a full 24 hours, allowing you to disembark and reboard at your convenience to tailor your sightseeing experience.

This tour is enhanced with audio commentary and provides informative booklets. Complimentary shuttle and Wi-Fi services are also included, making it easy to navigate the city.

4. Shinjuku Samurai Museum Admission

The Shinjuku Samurai Museum, a prominent tourist site, illustrates the profound history and cultural significance of samurai in Japan, chronicling their evolution over an 800-year span.

An admission ticket grants access to this remarkable museum, allowing visitors to delve into the rich history at their own pace.

Exhibits include intricate weaponry and artistic depictions of historic battles, enriching visitors’ understanding of samurai heritage.

5. Akihabara Go-kart Tour

Explore Tokyo from an exhilarating perspective on a go-kart tour in Akihabara. Choose between a guided tour led by a local guide or renting a go-kart to navigate the city independently.

This adventure spans 1 to 2 hours and is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Tokyo. The thrill of driving a go-kart through the streets offers a unique and exciting exploration.

6. Tokyo Pub Crawl

Join the Tokyo Pub Crawl for an unforgettable nightlife experience. This tour showcases various bars and clubs, providing enticing discounts and an opportunity to socialize.

Lasting approximately 4.5 hours, this guided tour includes visits to multiple bars where lively activities, including dancing and socializing, take center stage.

7. Cultural Curiosities Tour

The Cultural Curiosities tour is ideal for visitors interested in exploring the historical aspects of Tokyo. This guided tour provides insights into traditional crafts, unique artworks, and hidden antique shops not commonly found in modern Japan.

Engage in hands-on learning while visiting various sites that reflect the city’s rich cultural tapestry. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

8. Tokyo Tower and One Piece Tower Combo Admission

Experience breathtaking views of Tokyo from the iconic Tokyo Tower, often referred to as the ‘Eiffel Tower of Japan.’ Standing atop the tower, you can enjoy panoramic vistas that make your visit to Tokyo truly memorable.

Moreover, this admission ticket includes access to the One Piece Tower, an amusement park celebrating popular anime culture, offering a vibrant experience for fans.

9. Harajuku Owl Café Tour

Engage in a unique experience at a café in Harajuku, where you can enjoy a beverage in the company of owls and falcons. This hour-long tour offers a delightful opportunity to interact with these birds in a serene garden-like setting.

This venue is especially popular among children and provides a chance to capture memorable photos with these fascinating creatures.

10. Nightlife Shibuya Tour

This walking tour, accompanied by a local guide, presents an excellent opportunity to explore Shibuya’s vibrant nightlife. Spanning approximately one hour, this tour unveils the dynamic activities available in the city after dark.

The local guide will lead you to notable nightlife spots and help you navigate through your entertainment options.

Additionally, participants receive a T-shirt and a digital photo to commemorate the experience.

11. Shibuya Food Tour

Embark on a culinary adventure through Shibuya’s vibrant streets with a knowledgeable local guide. This three-hour tour is perfect for food enthusiasts who wish to relish various dishes.

From contemporary fare to traditional recipes, this experience allows you to sample unique flavors while discovering hidden eateries off the beaten path. The tour includes one drink, ten dishes at five different locations, and a dessert, making it an excellent outing for all ages.

12. Tsukiji Fish Market Tour

If you are passionate about food, particularly seafood, then the Tsukiji Fish Market tour is an essential experience. Recognized as one of the largest and busiest fish markets globally, this guided 3.5-hour tour provides insights into the vibrant seafood trade.

Visit various vendors, sample delectable seafood, and learn about its cultural significance in Japanese traditions. The tour includes a complimentary bottle of water, ensuring a comfortable experience.

13. Personalized Tour by Booking a Local Guide

For a tailored exploration of Tokyo, consider opting for a personalized tour with a local guide. You can schedule the guide for any duration from two to eight hours.

This option allows you to arrange tickets for attractions of your choosing and provides transportation from your accommodation within a reasonable distance. While the tour primarily involves walking, transportation can be arranged for farther sites at an additional charge.

14. Ghibli Museum & Hayao Miyazaki’s Movies Themed Tours

Explore the enchanting world of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli with a visit to the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. This guided tour lasts approximately seven hours and provides a comprehensive insight into Miyazaki’s cinematic creations.

Discover the behind-the-scenes processes of animation and capture memorable photos with iconic characters such as the Robot Soldier from ‘Castle in the Sky Laputa.’ The experience also includes a buffet lunch at a nearby hotel.

15. Sumo Wrestling Demonstration & Chanko Nabe Lunch

This two-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to observe a sumo wrestling demonstration while gaining insights into the lives of sumo wrestlers. An English-speaking local guide is available to provide additional context and information.

The tour concludes with a traditional Chanko Nabe lunch, a hearty dish often consumed by sumo wrestlers to maintain their physique.