Tokyo is a fascinating tourist destination that blends traditional and modern Japanese culture.
For foreign visitors in particular, the city is popular for its diverse experiences, from historical shrines and temples to cutting-edge pop culture and gastronomy, The city is especially popular among foreigners for its diverse experiences, from historical shrines and temples to cutting-edge pop culture and gastronomy.
This article details the following three points.
-Tokyo Sightseeing Model Course for Foreigners
-Tokyo Sightseeing Course by Purpose
-Systems and Hacks Useful for Travel
If you would like to entertain guests from abroad for sightseeing in Tokyo, whether for friends or business, please take a look at this article.
Points to keep in mind when sightseeing in Tokyo with foreign guests
Making a plan is important to have a fulfilling sightseeing tour of Tokyo in a short period of time!
Here we will explain some points to keep in mind to help you make a plan for sightseeing in Tokyo with foreign guests.
Selecting a sightseeing area according to the number of visits to Japan
Since the area is a popular tourist destination, many people have already been here many times.
Guests who have already visited Japan multiple times tend to have a higher need for facilities that allow them to experience rather than visit the main tourist attractions and places that offer a deeper taste of Tokyo.
Conversely, for those who have never been to Japan before, classic places such as Asakusa and Tokyo Tower are still popular.
Ask your guests about the number of times they have visited Japan and their preferences before coming to Japan so that you can show them spots that they will appreciate.
Choose according to the season
Tokyo has many areas where you can enjoy completely different scenery depending on the season.
For example, Ueno Park, Sotobori Street, and the Meguro River are famous during the cherry blossom season in spring. In summer, Todoroki Gorge is popular for its coolness, indoor spots, and unique Japanese fireworks displays.
It is also a good idea to recommend a spot you recommend at the time, saying, “This is beautiful in the current season.
Model Tokyo Sightseeing Course in Half a Day
Here are two model courses that allow you to see the sights of Tokyo in half a day.
A course where you can feel the history of Edo
Although Tokyo is undergoing redevelopment and the cityscape is getting newer and newer, Tokyo is a city where redevelopment is progressing and the cityscape is becoming newer and newer, but there are still many facilities where you can feel the atmosphere and history of the old days.
For those who want to learn about Tokyo’s history, we recommend the “Edo Period Enjoyment Course” that takes you from the Imperial Palace to the Fukagawa Edo Shiryokan.
9:00～｜Let’s feel like a feudal lord of those days in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
Today, the Imperial Palace is the residence of the Emperor, but during the Edo period, the area was home to Edo Castle, which was ruled by the Tokugawa family.
There are various facilities, parks, and running courses around the Imperial Palace, but I would like to recommend the following East Gardens East Gardens.
The course leads from the Ote-mon gate to the castle tower ruins, which is actually the same route that the feudal lords used to take to Edo Castle in those days.
Although it is quite a distance from the castle tower, history buffs will surely enjoy the many spots that remind them of the old days of Edo, such as the Ote-mon gate, the Hyakunin-bansho (guard post), the Fujimiyagura (Fujimi Tower), and the stone walls.
11:00～｜Imagine life at Edo Castle in the ruins of the castle keep
In fact, the Edo Castle keep was destroyed by a major fire in 1657, the Mereki Fire, and since then only the stone walls of the castle keep have remained.
There are benches on the stone walls where you can sit and rest, so it may be interesting to imagine what life was like in Edo Castle while taking a relaxing break.
In recent years, the Edo Castle Keep can be enjoyed in AR using an AR application developed by the “NPO Hōjin: Society to Rebuild the Edo Castle Keep”.
There is also a model exhibition hall near the ruins of the castle tower, where visitors can enjoy elaborately made models and documents of the period.
Exiting the Imperial Palace, the Marunouchi area has many commercial buildings in the vicinity.
It is not far from Tokyo Station, Tokyo Station, so there are many choices for lunch. There are also many cafes and restaurants in the area, so you can relax and rejuvenate before your next appointment. There are also many cafes, so you can relax and rejuvenate before your next appointment.
Name of facility: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8111
Hours of operation: 9:00-16:00
14:00-｜Learn about the life of common people at Fukagawa Edo History Museum
Fukagawa Edo Shiryokan visitors can enjoy exhibits that recreate the streetscape and lifestyle of Fukagawa Sagacho at the end of the Edo period.
The closest station to the Fukagawa Edo Shiryokan is Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, so it should be easy to get to and from Otemachi Station, one of the closest stations to the Imperial Palace, within 10 minutes by train.
Guests from overseas will be delighted to learn about a day in the life of common people in the Edo period, from dawn to dusk, through the use of sound and light in this valuable exhibit.
Facility name: Fukagawa Edo Shiryokan
Address: 1-3-28 Shirakawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0021
Hours of operation: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pop Culture Course
The next course we will introduce is a Japanese-style pop culture course.
10:00～｜Immerse yourself in art at TeamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
TeamLab Planets is an immersive museum by the internationally renowned art collective TeamLab.
The facility consists of four different themed art spaces and a garden, where visitors can enjoy the world of art with their bare feet and feel the art with their whole body.
It is an unprecedented art space that will surely make you lose track of time and immerse yourself in it.
Facility name: TeamLabo Planets TOKYO DMM
Address: 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0061
Business hours: 9:00-22:00
14:00-｜Enjoy the world of miniatures at Small Worlds
Small Worlds is the largest miniature museum in Asia (total area: 7,000 m2). The museum is the largest of its kind in Asia (total area of 7,000 square meters).
The miniatures are successfully made of actual scenery from Japan and other parts of the world, such as the space center and Kansai International Airport.
Other booths are also available to entertain guests who are anime fans, as they bring the world of Evangelion to life!
Facility Name: Small Worlds
Address: Ariake Logistics Center, 1-3-33 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Business hours: 9:00-19:00
17:00～｜SHIBUYA SKY
SHIBUYA SKY is an observation facility that offers a panoramic view of Shibuya and Tokyo from a height of 229 meters.
The 14th to 45th floors are the “SKY GATE” mobile space, the 46th floor is the “SKY GALLERY” indoor observation corridor, and the rooftop is the “SKY STAGE” observation space.
It is a popular spot not only for its view, but also for shopping, art appreciation, etc. It is a popular spot because of its easy access to other areas of the city.
The SKY STAGE on the rooftop has a music bar where DJ events and music sessions are held.
Facility name：SHIBUYA SKY
Address: Scramble Square, 24-12, Shibuya 2-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-6145, Japan 14F, 45F, 46F, Rooftop
Business hours: 10:00-22:30
3-day/2-night model course for first-time visitors to Japan
Here is a model course of sightseeing in Tokyo for first-time visitors to Japan.
Downtown Course
The Asakusa-Skytree area, which retains a traditional downtown atmosphere, is a popular course as a standard sightseeing tour of Tokyo.
Day 1
Senso-ji Temple, a landmark of Asakusa, is well known even overseas Senso-ji Temple, a landmark of Asakusa, is well known overseas and crowded with guests from many different countries.
Visitors can enjoy the temple’s uniquely austere atmosphere while drawing omikuji, or walk along Nakamise-dori and look for Japanese souvenirs.
Enjoy the Japanese atmosphere as you look at traditional Japanese crafts on Nakamise-dori and taste Japanese sweets such as dumplings and rice crackers.
Head from Asakusa to the Sumida River and enjoy a Sumida River cruise. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy sightseeing while enjoying the Tokyo cityscape from the water.
After the cruise, travel to Tokyo Sky Tree and enjoy the panoramic view of Tokyo from the observation deck.
At the Tokyo Sky Tree TEMBO Kairo, you can enjoy the view of Tokyo from 450 meters above the ground. The Tokyo Skytree TEMBO KAIRO offers a panoramic view of Tokyo from 450 meters above ground. After dark, you can enjoy the lights of the Sky Tree from Tokyo Solamachi.
Facility name: Tokyo Sky Tree
Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045
Business hours: 10:00-22:00
2nd day
On the second day, visit the Ueno area with its many attractions.
Why not start by experiencing Japanese history and culture at the Tokyo National Museum?
The Tokyo National Museum is one of the largest museums in Japan. and is highly recommended for its extensive exhibits!
There are always multiple themed exhibits on display at any given time, so guests can enjoy exhibits that interest them.
Name: Tokyo National Museum
Address: 13-9 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8712
Hours: 9:30 – 17:30 (open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays only)
After viewing the National Museum, you can go to the nearby Ueno Zoo is another popular sightseeing course.
Enjoy a relaxing moment as you stroll through the park and see the animals.
If you are guiding someone who does not like zoos, a walk in Ueno Onshi Park is also recommended.
Facility name: Ueno Zoo
Address: 9-83 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8711
Hours of operation: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3rd day
On the last day, let’s go a little further and head for the historical city of Kamakura.
Kamakura, which can be reached by train from Tokyo in about an hour, is a beautiful old city where history and nature are in harmony.
The symbol of Kamakura The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotokuin Temple) Visitors can see the majestic form of this 11.4-meter-high statue of Buddha.
Another popular sightseeing course is to stroll through the grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, located in the center of Kamakura, and enjoy the elegant streets of Kamakura.
Facility name: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa 248-8588
Courses for Anime Lovers
The Japanese anime fan base is very broad and passionate.
Here are some of the courses we recommend for entertaining overseas visitors who love anime.
Day 1
Let’s take a look at some of the first places anime fans and pop culture enthusiasts might want to visit.
The first day of sightseeing in Tokyo is a sacred place for world-famous anime! Let’s start from Akihabara.
Akihabara is home to many anime, manga, figure, and game-related stores. Exactly, the center of Japan’s subculture and the center of Japan’s subcultures.
Even just walking down the street, you will see huge advertisements depicting anime and video game characters.
You can also find the latest figures, cards, and other collectibles at electronics retailers and specialty video game and anime stores.
Akihabara’s attractions are not limited to goods and anime stores. You can enjoy eating and drinking at unique cafes such as maid cafes and ani-song cafes.
Facility name: Meidorimin Akihabara Honten
Address: Sumiyoshi Bldg. 6F, 3-16-17 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Business hours: 10:00 – 23:00
Located within walking distance of Akihabara, Kanda Myojin is an essential spot for anime fans.
Kanda Myojin is, Kanda Myojin is a very historic shrine that has been cherished in Tokyo since ancient times. but in recent years, it has been the focus of a lot of attention due to the Anime “Love Live! has been attracting attention as a sacred site has also been attracting attention as a sacred place for the anime “Love Live! It is a very attractive place to enjoy Japanese pop culture and feel the history of central Tokyo.
Within the precincts of Kanda Myojin, visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture through the seasonal Japanese atmosphere and the beautiful architecture of the main shrine and shrine pavilions.
A visit to Kanda Myojin, where anime and history come together, will make for a fulfilling day.
2nd day
On the second day, explore Harajuku and Shibuya, the center of Japanese youth culture.
The second day will start at Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a center of youth culture and trends.
Takeshita-dori is famous as a mecca for street fashion, It is a place overflowing with colorful fashions and the unique styles of Japanese youth.
It is also the location of various sweet stores and general stores, and Harajuku’s crepe stores and trendy sweet stores are so popular that people line up to get in.
The area is often featured in anime productions, and there are also stores selling large anime goods, making it a great area for anime fans.
After enjoying Harajuku, why not move on to Shibuya and enjoy Tokyo at night?
We recommend photographing the classic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, which has been depicted in various anime productions, or relaxing and playing in Miyashita Park in the late afternoon when the temperature is cooler.
The park portion of Miyashita Park includes a grassy area where you can relax and skate park where you can play with skateboards and roller blades, and a bouldering course and a bouldering course that is updated regularly.
Visitors can shop at the commercial facility attached to the building, and enjoy a variety of national specialties and gourmet foods in the drinking alley.
Facility Name: Miyashita Park
Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: Park 8:00-23:00, Sports facilities 9:00-22:00
3rd day
On the last day, you can enjoy Love Live! and guess who, why not enjoy the town of Odaiba, which has appeared in works popular overseas such as Digimon?
On the last day, move to Odaiba to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Bay and the amusement facilities.
In Odaiba, You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and other representative landmarks of Tokyo.
Especially from dusk to night, the night view of Tokyo Bay is very beautiful and popular as a photo spot. At Odaiba Seaside Park, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the cityscape and the ocean while strolling along the seashore with a refreshing sea breeze.
The Odaiba area is also home to many amusement facilities such as DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, Joypolis and Madame Tussauds, perfect for those who love pop Tokyo.
Overnight Model Course for Repeat Foreigners
For those who have already been to Japan, it is more of a “hands-on” type of experience, such as shopping and enjoying gourmet food, rather than seeing the standard spots. “hands-on” type of sightseeing There is a tendency for visitors who have already been to Japan to prefer “experience-based” tourism, such as shopping and dining, rather than seeing the standard tourist attractions.
Here we will introduce two such Tokyo sightseeing courses for repeat visitors.
Tokyo Gourmet Course
How about a gourmet indulgence course for guests from overseas who love Japanese food?
8:00～｜Tokyo’s kitchen, Toyosu Market
The first day of the gourmet tour, Toyosu Market, the “kitchen” of Tokyo the “kitchen” of Tokyo. Toyosu Market is one of Japan’s largest markets for fresh produce and delicious food.
A deck is available for visitors to observe the middle wholesale market and the auction, giving them a sense of the lively atmosphere of the market and the auctions.
You can see the fresh produce on the tare and in the market from the viewing deck. Inside the Toyosu Market are sushi restaurants and seafood restaurants where you can taste the freshest seafood. How about enjoying fresh sashimi or sushi for breakfast?
Sushi items are fresh and varied! You can also enjoy such high-end ingredients as sea urchin, toro, and ikura (salmon roe). The freshness that only a market can offer allows you to enjoy high quality ingredients that you would not normally be able to enjoy.
Facility name: Toyosu Market
Address: 6 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
Hours of operation: 5:00 – 15:00
11:00～｜Enjoy history and Japanese food, stroll around Asakusa
After experiencing Japanese food at Toyosu Market, Asakusa, where you can experience Tokyo’s traditions and gourmet food. Asakusa is famous for its historical sightseeing spots such as Sensoji Temple. Asakusa is famous for its historical sights such as Senso-ji Temple, but it is also an attractive gourmet spot.
First, pass through the Kaminarimon gate and stroll down Nakamise-dori. Nakamise-dori is lined with stores selling traditional Japanese sweets and Japanese tea.
Especially, “Thunder Okoshi” and “Ningyo-yaki” are traditional sweets popular among tourists. At lunch time, enjoy the taste of Edo at one of Asakusa’s long-established Japanese restaurants.
There are many long-established restaurants serving tempura, soba, and unagi (eel), and you can enjoy the flavors that have been passed down from generation to generation. Tempura, in particular, is a typical Japanese dish of lightly crispy fried shrimp and vegetables served in dashi broth.
Facility name: Nakamise-dori
Address: 1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Business hours: 9:00 – 20:00
18:00- Dine on fine Japanese cuisine in Ginza
End your gourmet indulgence course with a sumptuous dinner in Ginza.
Ginza is both an upscale shopping area in Tokyo and home to some of the world’s most acclaimed Japanese restaurants.
Dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or at a long-established restaurant that upholds a time-honored tradition will be a special memory.
Fine Japanese cuisine is not only about taste, Japanese food culture of enjoying food not only in taste but also visually. You can enjoy Japanese food culture to the fullest.
The long-established Japanese sweets store in Nihonbashi, the UNIQLO Ginza store, and the MUJI Ginza store are also recommended. It may also be a good idea to take a stroll in the rooftop garden of Ginza Six or walk along the sophisticated streets of Ginza to enjoy the atmosphere.
Shopping Course
We propose a shopping course for adults to fully enjoy shopping in the Omotesando to Daikanyama area.
10:00～｜Stroll along Omotesando
Omotesando is, Omotesando is an area lined with fashion brands and high-end stores that has a different charm from that of Harajuku. and is characterized by a mature and relaxed atmosphere. It is a perfect place to enjoy shopping, with world-famous brands and high-end fashion brands from Japan.
Omotesando is also lined with fashionable cafes and restaurants, making it an easy area to take a break if you get tired between shopping trips.
14:00-｜Enjoy the urban townscape of Daikanyama
Afternoon, Harajuku/Omotesando area to Daikanyama for a more sophisticated urban atmosphere. and enjoy a more sophisticated urban atmosphere.
Daikanyama is also known as an area of fashionable select stores and cafes.
In Daikanyama, it seems nice to relax and have tea in a cafe in a calm atmosphere.
Also, visit cultural spots such as the Daikanyama Tsutaya bookstore.
Daikanyama Tsutaya is one of the most famous bookstores in Japan, with 700,000 books on display in its vast 2,300 tsubo (1,860 square meters) store.
It is wonderful to purchase a book here, carefully selected by the concierge as a reminder of Japan. You can experience the urban lifestyle in this bookstore with its stylish atmosphere.
Establishment name: Daikanyama Tsutaya
Address: Daikanyama T-SITE, 17-5 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
Business hours: 9:00-22:00
18:00-｜Adult shopping at Azabudai Hills
Azabudai Hills is a great place to end an adult shopping trip.
The stores are more upscale and authentic than any other commercial facility in the city center, and include stores that are hard to find elsewhere, so repeat customers can enjoy them in a fresh and new way.
There are also a variety of art spaces and galleries, as well as an observation deck, making it perfect for guests who want to enjoy more than just shopping.
There is also a wide selection of restaurants, so at the end of your shopping trip, you can relax after a long day by indulging your taste buds at a fine restaurant.
Facility Name: Azabudai Hills
Address: 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
Hours: Shop 11:00 – 20:00, Restaurant 11:00 – 23:00
Tokyo Model Course for VIP Guests
We will introduce two model courses of Tokyo sightseeing for VIP guests.
A course with a panoramic view of Tokyo’s nightscape
A helicopter charter course with a panoramic view of Tokyo’s nightscape is also popular among VIP guests.
Many VIP guests enjoy shopping and amusement facilities in Tokyo during the day, and when the sun goes down, they depart from the airport to enjoy the night view of Tokyo and dine in the area.
Not only helicopters, but also cruise ships and yakatabune (houseboats) are popular to enjoy the night view from Tokyo Bay.
A course of play in a tatami room
Even in Asakusa, Kagurazaka, and other parts of Tokyo In the historic hanamachi districts, you can still enjoy ozashiki (Japanese-style tatami room) entertainment today.
The ozashiki room features dances and kouta (short songs) performed by geisha, as well as traditional ozashiki games. In recent years, the number of English-speaking geisha has been increasing to accommodate foreign guests.
Asakusa also has abenma (male entertainers), who can entertain VIP guests while they enjoy the arts.
VIP guests often prefer tailor-made hospitality to a fixed plan.
At Motenas Japan, we can create an original plan to suit your needs, and we have a wealth of experience in entertaining VIP guests, so please feel free to contact us if you are unsure of what your guests from overseas will appreciate.
Recommended hacks & transportation system for foreigners to visit in Tokyo.
When traveling in Tokyo, there will be many opportunities to use public transportation such as buses and trains.
Here are some recommended public transportation systems and hacks to use when traveling.
Tokyo Subway Ticket
Tokyo Subway Ticket is a convenient ticket that allows unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Tokyo Subway Ticket is a convenient ticket that allows unlimited travel on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
It is more reasonably priced than the one-day pass and is recommended for foreign tourists touring Tokyo.
| Ticket Type | Charge |
| Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Ticket” valid for 24 hours | Adults 800 yen (children 400 yen) |
| Tokyo Subway 48-Hour Ticket” valid for 48 hours | Adults 1,200 yen (children 600 yen) |
| Tokyo Subway 72-Hour Ticket” valid for 72 hours | Adults 1,500 yen (children 750 yen) |
Tokyo Subway Ticket is a ticket for travelers. Some tickets are combined with admission tickets to tourist facilities such as the Tokyo Sky Tree TEMBO Kairo and TEMBO DECK, Sunshine Aquarium/Sunshine 60 Observation Deck TEMBO PARK, etc.
In addition to online, the product is also available at Seven-Eleven, Lawson, Ministop, and FamilyMart stores nationwide.
Tokyo Subway Ticket – Top | Tokyo Metro
JR TOKYO Wide Pass (300)
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass is a convenient pass that allows unlimited travel on JR East’s JR lines in the Tokyo and surrounding areas.
It can also be used for day trips to Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, Nikko, and other tourist destinations a short distance from Tokyo.
The validity of the pass includes Shinkansen and limited express trains, allowing passengers to enjoy comfortable travel while reducing travel time.
You can purchase tickets at JR-EAST Train Reservation, at Travel Service Center counters in Japan, and at major train stations.
| Ticket Type | Charge |
| Adults (12 years and older) | 15,000 yen |
| Children (6-11 years old) | 7,500 yen |
JR TOKYO Wide Pass| Find Your Pass | JR-EAST
Wi-Fi and mobile batteries should be available.
When sightseeing in Tokyo or inviting guests from overseas, We recommend that you prepare a mobile router with Wi-Fi and a mobile battery that can be used to charge your smartphone to charge your mobile phone.
Tokyo has many places where free Wi-Fi is available, including major restaurants, commercial facilities, train stations, and public facilities.
There are places where local Wi-Fi is available, such as the central area of Shibuya, but since sightseeing involves moving from one place to another, switching Wi-Fi frequently can be a hassle, and free Wi-Fi may not be available in some places.
So it is a good idea to have a mobile router that can be set up once and used forever.
Also, running out of battery power for your phone while traveling seems to be a universal occurrence. If you have a high-capacity mobile battery, you can enjoy sightseeing all day long.
Enhance your Tokyo sightseeing experience by setting up a course according to your objectives!
In this issue, we have proposed a model course of sightseeing in Tokyo for tourists from overseas.
Tokyo is a city where traditional Japanese culture and modern culture merge, offering diverse experiences such as food, pop culture, Japanese traditions and history.
It is also a place that can answer the needs of various guests, so make the most of your trip by listening to your guests’ preferences and sightseeing objectives and then build a course for them.
Motenas Japan offers tailor-made sightseeing courses.
Whenever you want to create your own sightseeing course or entertain special guests, please contact us!
カメラとピアノが趣味のライターです。某有名バンドの大ファンで遠征がてら観光するのが好き…地方の工芸品や歴史にも興味があります。
自宅ではゴールデンレトリバーとインコ、猫に囲まれてコーヒーを片手に執筆しています。様々な角度から日本の魅力をお伝えします。
