This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Tours and experiences in and around Tokyo. For each one we explain what you do, how long it takes, who it suits and whether we have joined it ourselves.
How we choose
- We tell you clearly whether we have joined a tour ourselves or chose it from research.
- For tours we have joined, we describe what it was like, including what we did not like.
- For tours we have not joined, we only describe what the operator states and never pretend to have taken part.
- Prices and details can change, so always check the booking page before you pay.
Types of tours
We have not joined these tours ourselves yet, so each one is labeled “Researched”. Instead of recommending one company, we explain what each type of tour is like and what to check before you book. When we join a tour, we will add our own experience.
Day trips
Day Trip · Researched
Mount Fuji day tours
Bus tours from central Tokyo usually combine viewpoints of Mount Fuji with the lakes area at its foot. They save you from planning train and bus connections yourself.
| Good for | First-timers who want to see Mount Fuji without planning the transport |
| Check before booking | Mount Fuji is often hidden by clouds, and the view is never guaranteed. Check the cancellation policy for bad weather |
| Time | Usually a full day |
Affiliate link
Day Trip · Researched
Nikko and Kamakura
Nikko is known for its ornate shrines and mountain scenery. Kamakura, closer to Tokyo, has the Great Buddha, temples and a seaside town. Both can be done on your own by train, but a tour handles the logistics and adds a guide.
| Good for | Travelers who want history and temples outside the city |
| Check before booking | Whether entrance fees and lunch are included |
| Time | Usually a full day |
Affiliate link
Food tours
Food · Researched
Izakaya and street food tours
A guide takes a small group through local bars, food alleys or markets, explains the dishes and helps you order. It is an easy way to try places you might not walk into alone.
| Good for | Food lovers and anyone nervous about menus in Japanese |
| Check before booking | Dietary needs and allergies, and whether drinks are included |
| Time | Usually a few hours in the evening |
Affiliate link
Culture experiences
Culture · Researched
Tea ceremony, kimono and cooking classes
Short, hands-on experiences led by an instructor, such as a tea ceremony, walking around in a rented kimono, or making sushi or ramen. Many are run in English.
| Good for | Travelers who want to try something, not just see it |
| Check before booking | The meeting place, the language of the class and what to wear |
| Time | Usually one to three hours |
Affiliate link
Tips for booking tours in Japan
- Check the time zone. Start times are in Japan time (JST), which may not match the time shown on your phone before you arrive.
- Find the meeting point in advance. Large stations have many exits. Look up the exact exit and allow extra time on the day.
- Read the cancellation policy. Some tours cannot be refunded close to the date, and outdoor tours may be cancelled in bad weather.
- Keep your voucher offline. Save a screenshot of your booking in case you have no signal at the meeting point.