How to Plan Your Best Family-Friendly Tour in Tokyo
Tokyo offers a lot of attractions suitable for everyone in your family, from historical places to amusement parks, and plenty of culturally enriching opportunities in between. But with so many choices, planning the perfect tour can be daunting. To help ensure that your family will have the best time visiting Tokyo, we’ve put together this guide on how to plan your best family-friendly tour in Tokyo.
Overview
The Best Family-Friendly Tour in Tokyo with Nationally Licensed Guide tour is a customizable private walking tour that lasts about six hours. You will be accompanied by a licensed local guide who will introduce you to various sights in Tokyo, and lead you through a fun-filled and informative tour that fits your family’s interests and needs.
What’s Included
- Licensed Local Guide
- Customizable private tour of 3-4 places of your choice
- Other personal expenses, such as food and beverages
- Entrance fees (for yourself)
- Transportation fees (for yourself and your guide)
Meeting and Pickup
The tour starts with pickup from your hotel or any specific location you choose in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Your guide will meet you at the specified time and location, and will customize your tour based on your interests and preferences. This private tour is a walking day tour, but public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized, and Japanese Yen should be on hand for transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact the tour operator directly. All private vehicles must be booked two days in advance, with a maximum of seven passengers.
What to Expect
The tour is customizable and includes three to four locations of your choice. However, the tour operator recommends the following itinerary:
- Tokyo Skytree: This is the world’s tallest free-standing broadcast tower, offering a panoramic view of Tokyo from its observation decks. Admission ticket not included. You can spend around 30 minutes here.
- Senso-ji Temple: This is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, and is located in the Asakusa district. Admission is free, and you can spend around 30 minutes here.
- Harajuku: This is a hub for Tokyo’s most extreme street styles and fashion, and is also home to many fashionable shops, cafes, and boutiques. You can spend around 1.5 hours here.
- Takeshita Street: This is a trendy shopping street in Harajuku that is popular among young people. You can spend around 30 minutes here.
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: This is the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, surrounded by department stores, shops, and restaurants. You can spend around 30 minutes here.
- Meiji Shrine: This is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and is surrounded by a lush forest. You can spend around 1 hour here.
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking, with infant seats available for the tour. Service animals are also welcome. Keep in mind that admission tickets for attractions are not included in the tour, so bring enough cash to cover any expenses not included in the tour fee.
Book the Tour Here
If you’re interested in booking this tour, simply click here, and take the first step towards the best family-friendly tour experience in Tokyo!
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Tokyo
Tokyo is a dynamic and modern city that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long stay, you may have many questions about Tokyo. Here are the most frequently asked questions about the city, answered.
1. What is the best time of year to visit Tokyo?
The best time to visit Tokyo is during the spring (March to May) and the autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. Spring is especially popular because of the cherry blossom season, which usually occurs in late March or early April.
2. Is the public transportation system in Tokyo convenient?
Yes, the public transportation system in Tokyo is very convenient, efficient, and affordable. The city has an extensive network of trains, subways, and buses that can take you anywhere you want to go. The signs and announcements are also in English, so it’s easy to navigate around the city.
3. What is the currency used in Tokyo?
The currency used in Tokyo is Japanese yen (JPY). You can exchange your currency at the airport or any bank in the city. Credit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger stores and restaurants.
4. Is it necessary to learn Japanese to visit Tokyo?
No, it’s not necessary to learn Japanese to visit Tokyo. While it’s always helpful to know some basic phrases, most people in Tokyo speak at least some English. The signs and menus are also often available in English, so you can easily get by without knowing Japanese.
5. What are the must-see attractions in Tokyo?
Tokyo has many must-see attractions, including:
- The Tokyo Tower
- The Imperial Palace
- The Meiji Shrine
- The Sensoji Temple
- The Tsukiji Fish Market
- The Harajuku neighborhood
6. What is the food like in Tokyo?
Tokyo is known for its amazing food. You can find anything from traditional Japanese cuisine to international cuisine in the city. Some of the must-try dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, and yakitori.
7. Is Tokyo a safe city?
Yes, Tokyo is a very safe city. The crime rate is relatively low, and the police are always patrolling the streets. However, like any big city, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions, such as not walking alone at night and keeping your valuables in a safe place.
8. What is the weather like in Tokyo?
The weather in Tokyo is quite mild, with four distinct seasons. During the summer (June to August), the temperature can be very hot and humid, while during the winter (December to February), it can be quite cold. The spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery.
9. What is the dress code in Tokyo?
There is no strict dress code in Tokyo, but it’s important to dress appropriately for the occasion. In general, Tokyo is a fairly conservative city, so modest dress is always a good idea. Shorts and skirts should be knee-length, and tank tops should have straps that are at least one inch wide.
10. What is the nightlife like in Tokyo?
Tokyo is a bustling city with a vibrant nightlife. There are countless bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from, and the city is especially popular for its karaoke scene. However, it’s important to note that the drinking age in Japan is 20, and smoking is generally not allowed in public places.
Conclusion
Tokyo is a fascinating city with a lot to offer. By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to have provided you with some helpful information for your trip. Remember to plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy all that Tokyo has to offer.
How to spend your time as a tourist in Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is full of bustling streets, delicious food, and rich culture. As a tourist, there’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city. To get the most out of your trip to Tokyo, follow these step-by-step instructions on how to spend your time.
Step 1: Explore the Popular Neighborhoods
Tokyo has many different neighborhoods to explore. You can easily spend a whole day in each one. Here are a few popular ones to start with:
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is known for its bright lights and busy streets. It’s the perfect place to experience Tokyo’s nightlife. Some must-see attractions in Shinjuku include the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai.
Harajuku
Harajuku is a quirky and trendy neighborhood known for its fashion and street art. Takeshita Street is a popular spot to see the latest fashion trends, and Yoyogi Park is a lovely place to relax and people-watch.
Asakusa
Asakusa is known for its traditional Japanese atmosphere. The area is home to Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and Nakamise shopping street, where you can find traditional souvenirs and snacks.
Step 2: Try Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is known to be some of the best in the world. From sushi to ramen, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few dishes to try:
Sushi
Sushi is a classic Japanese dish made with vinegar rice and usually topped with raw fish. You can find sushi everywhere in Tokyo, from high-end restaurants to conveyor belt sushi joints.
Ramen
Ramen is a noodle soup dish that originated in Japan. It typically comes with a rich, flavorful broth and various toppings like pork, egg, and seaweed. Some popular ramen spots in Tokyo include Ichiran and Afuri.
Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a breaded and fried pork cutlet that’s commonly eaten with rice and miso soup. You can find tonkatsu restaurants all over Tokyo, but Tonki in Meguro is a famous spot.
Step 3: Experience Japanese Culture
Tokyo is full of traditional and modern Japanese culture. Here are a few activities to experience:
Visit a Shrine or Temple
Shrines and temples are an essential part of Japanese culture, and Tokyo has many of them. Meiji Shrine in Harajuku and Sensoji Temple in Asakusa are must-visit spots.
Watch a Sumo Match
Sumo wrestling is a popular sport in Japan. You can watch a match at the Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium in Tokyo. Matches are typically held in January, May, and September.
Visit a Manga Café
Manga and anime are a huge part of Japanese culture. You can experience it firsthand by visiting a manga café like Mandarake or Animate. You can read books, watch anime, and even rent a private booth to relax in.
Step 4: Enjoy the City’s Views
Tokyo has a lot of stunning views to offer. Here are a few of the best spots:
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world and offers panoramic views of the city. You can go up to the observation deck on the top floor for a fee.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world. You can get a great view of the hustle and bustle from the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building.
Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills is a shopping and entertainment complex in Tokyo. From the top floor, you can get a 360-degree view of the city.
Step 5: Get Around Using Public Transportation
Getting around Tokyo can be overwhelming, but the city’s public transportation is efficient and easy to use. Here are a few tips:
Buy a Suica or Pasmo Card
Suica and Pasmo cards are rechargeable smart cards that you can use on all forms of public transportation. You can buy them at any train station.
Use Google Maps
Google Maps is a great tool for navigating Tokyo’s public transportation system. It will give you the best routes and tell you exactly which train or bus to take.
Avoid Rush Hour
Rush hour in Tokyo can be extremely crowded and overwhelming. Try to avoid it if possible, or if you’re traveling during rush hour, take a deep breath and go with the flow.
Conclusion
Tokyo is full of adventure and excitement for tourists. Follow these steps to create the perfect itinerary for your trip. Make sure to explore the popular neighborhoods, try Japanese cuisine, experience Japanese culture, enjoy the city’s views, and get around using public transportation. With these tips, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to Tokyo.
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