Minato City in 1 Day for Friends - East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (gardens and castle remains)
In Collaboration with Xplor Japan. Updated on February 11, 2026.
Private 8-hour tour of Tokyo with an English-speaking driver. Choose your preferred stops from the listed options; this sample itinerary follows the provided agenda items in order and spaces realistic transfer and lunch time. Entrance fees and lunch are not included.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Xplor Japan, inspired by the tour Full Day Tokyo Customizable Private Tour With English Guide. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (gardens and castle remains)
- Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street
- Tokyo Skytree skyline and Solamachi complex
- Tsukiji market area (fresh seafood stalls and restaurants)
- Harajuku/Takeshita Street youthful fashion and Shibuya Crossing
Itinerary
Day 1
Start 09:00. The guide/driver will pick you up in central Tokyo (within 23 wards) and proceed through the selected stops. This schedule follows the activity's agenda items in order with realistic travel buffers; entrance fees and lunch are not included.
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (visit)
Walk through the East Gardens, see the remains of the Edo Castle main tower and seasonal plantings. Short walking loops and viewpoints around the inner palace grounds.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a light jacket in October; mornings can be cool in the gardens.
- Bags may be inspected at some entrances—pack lightly for faster entry.
- Confirm meetup via WhatsApp so the driver can share live location for pickup.
Sensō-ji Temple, Asakusa (visit)
Explore Tokyo's oldest temple area, walk Nakamise-dori (shopping street) and the temple grounds.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect crowds at the Kaminarimon gate; keep valuables close in busy streets.
- Remove hats and speak quietly when entering temple interior spaces.
- If you plan to buy souvenirs on Nakamise-dori, set aside small bills and coins for quick transactions.
Tokyo Skytree (exterior & shopping area)
Visit the Tokyo Skytree precinct and Solamachi shopping complex. Observatory visits require separate tickets (not included).
Tips from local experts:
- If you want to visit an observatory, inform the operator at booking so timing can be adjusted around ticketed entry.
- Peak times can generate queues; plan to buy tickets in advance if you intend to go up.
- There are lockers in the Solamachi complex—use them if you have large bags before walking nearby streets.
Tsukiji market area (walk & eat)
Visit the Tsukiji market area for seafood stalls and restaurants; time allocated for browsing and optional lunch (not included).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring cash—many small stalls prefer cash over card.
- If you plan to eat at popular sushi counters, be prepared for short waits; check opening hours as some stalls close mid-afternoon.
- Keep an eye on traffic when crossing narrow service streets around the market stalls.
Harajuku / Takeshita Street (explore)
Stroll Takeshita Street and surrounding Harajuku lanes for fashion boutiques, crepes, and street culture.
Tips from local experts:
- Takeshita Street is narrow and busy—meet at a specific shop or landmark if you plan to split from the group.
- Many shops are cash-preferred and small; have exact change for quick purchases.
- Respect shop policies on photography; some boutiques limit photos indoors.
Shibuya Crossing & surrounding area (visit)
See the famous Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko statue area, and nearby shopping streets around Shibuya Station.
Tips from local experts:
- For a quick photo from above, your guide can recommend a café or building observation point—this may require a short queue.
- Use the meeting point (Hachiko statue) if the group gets separated; it's an easy, well-known landmark.
- Expect heavy foot traffic; keep small bags close and plan a specific time to regroup.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood |
