Japan Free Volunteer Tour Guides

Japan Free Volunteer Tour Guides Best Info Video & Links. Enjoy this terrific program in Japan. Absolutely free, Many Japanese want to practice their English, meet International friends & make a positive contribution with their time. Thus the fabulous Japan Free Volunteer Tour Guides programs were launched.

Watch our Video. Meet some of Japan's Free Volunteer Tour Guides & see the program in action.

Tokyo Volunteer Tour Guides aren't just for Sightseeing day trips to Temples. You'll also find Tokyo Free guides happy to show you around the Japanese nightlife & social scene. Japanese are very friendly, sociable, ready to laugh & have fun. Especially if there is drinking involved.

There are various Free Volunteer Guides programs throughout Japan. We're highlighting the most popular ones that we have personal experience with as Tokyo Free Volunteer Tour Guides programs:

TokyoFreeGuide.org

Tokyo free Guide. Very big and established. They even have day tours and 2 or 3 hour walking tours arranged on a regular schedule.

GoTokyoGuideServices.org

Go Tokyo. Very well organized & popular. we like that they have planned Routes, Meeting points, Times etc.

JapanNationalTourismOrg.VolunteerTourGuides

JNTO. All types and ages. Very nice, cool people.

Also a big program. Might be a pseudo official program organized by the Japan Tourism board. Excellent in that they have Guides in many areas throughout Japan. Thus as you travel to Osaka or Kyoto they'll have guides ready to spend time with you.

Tokyo Student Guide Group (Facebook Page)

Student guides. They use a facebook page. Students for students. Very popular with people in their 20's. Absolutely make friends for life type of guides. They are very likely to be traveling through your country someday soon also.

KimiWillbe.com

Kimi WillBe is our favorite Tokyo free volunteer tour guide program. It's an English teaching school for Japanese people. The volunteer tour guides are the Japanese students wanting to practice their English. Truly great people. All types & Ages. Great for night time fun in Tokyo. Nice to have a real local friend to show you around, Karaoke with & roll like a local.

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Volunteer and free tour guides in Japan

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Many prefer to travel alone and make their own routes, because booking a tour guide can be very expensive. Did you know that it is possible to get a free tourist guide in Japan? There are hundreds of volunteer guides and free organizations that would be happy to guide your trip. In this article, we are going to talk about how you can find these free tourist guides.

The volunteers are Japanese who want to use and train their foreign language skills to tell the world about their enchanting country. Many have pre-defined routes and group tours, while others are quite flexible and can even follow your itinerary. That is, it is even possible to find a personal tour guide. And they really are completely free, sometimes some just ask you to pay for train tickets, food or entrance to certain places.

Volunteer and free tourist guides in Japan

Índice de Conteúdo

Volunteer tour guide groups

There are several groups with the objective of guiding tourists for free throughout Japan; One of the most popular is the TKG (Tokyo Free Guide) . A voluntary non-profit organization started in 2004 to help foreign visitors experience Japanese culture and local customs. There are more than 350 members in this organization, in addition to Japanese some speak English, Spanish, Italian and French. There are guides of all types and ages, from students to retirees, who can talk about music, anime, pop culture, traditional and others.

As most volunteers are retired, sometimes you don't have to pay for train passes. They also usually have free access to tourist places like some castles and museums. Some volunteers, like the ones at Matsumoto Castle, will jump in front of you when you show up at the site, offering to guide you for free. By contacting a group of volunteers online to make your reservation, you will likely meet your tour guide via email, he will introduce himself and tell you a little about himself. Then he'll set up a meeting place, some even show up at your hotel.

Volunteer and free tourist guides in Japan

Possibly you will make a great friendship with your volunteer tour guide, you may feel like giving him a gift, but some will not accept it for reasons of honor and etiquette.

List of volunteer groups

Below we will share a list of voluntary organizations that serve as tour guides in different parts of Japan. We recommend doing research on these organizations and places in order to book your tour guide. Unfortunately most guides are only available in Japanese and English, other popular languages are Chinese, Korean and Spanish.

The ones between / are different organizations, but we decided to leave them on the same line to save space. You can google other organizations using the name of the city you want to visit, with related English words like SGG and Goodwill Guide . Some groups of volunteers are more specific, determining only the area or tourist spot in which they serve as a guide.

  • Edo Tokyo Guide Group / Shinagawa SGG Club;
  • The Japanese Red Cross Language Service Volunteers;
  • Tokyo Free Walking Tour / Tokyo Free Guide;
  • Tokyo International Student Guide / TOKYO SGG CLUB;
  • Odawara Hakone Systematized Goodwill Guide Club
  • Niigata - DSI Volunteer Guide;
  • Ishikawa - Kanazawa Goodwill Guide Network;
  • Fukui - Fukui Phoenix SGG
  • Hokkaido – Furano Ski Host / Hakodate Goodwill Guide Association;
  • Iwate - Hirazumi Goodwill Guides  Morioka Goodwill Guides;
  • Miyagi – Matsushima Goodwill Guides / Miyagi Goodwill Guide Club;
  • Fukushima Aizu Wakamatsu International Association;
  • Ibaraki - Chinone Group / Chiyoda Circle / COSMO ECHO;
  • Tochigi - Nikko SGG Club;
  • Gunma - Friday club
  • Saitama - The Kawagoe English Walkers
  • Kashiwa Goodwill Guide Association / Nagareyama SGG
  • Goodwill Guide on Kyoto Handicraft & Historical Sites;
  • Kyoto (East) S.G.G.Club / Sakura Volunteer Guide Club;
  • Osaka Tenma Yomiuri SGG Club;
  • Nara YMCA Goodwill Guides / NPO Nara Guide Club
  • Hiroshima - Hiroshima SGG club

Already looking for your free Japan tour guide?

For a complete and detailed list, visit this site. In addition to volunteer tour guides, some Japanese also offer their homes as homestay free of charge. Hope you enjoyed this article. We appreciate the comments and shares. We also recommend reading:

  • Homestay in Japan - Hosting with a family
  • How to get a tourist visa for Japan?
  • Why is Japan the best country to travel alone?
  • Trip to Japan - Hamamatsu, airplanes, yakiniku, and onsen

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Tokyo Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours for foreign tourists and residents, a cruise ship to the daimyo gardens, the asakusa tour on april 24.

japan free tour guide

Thank you for joining our tour in Asakusa on April 24. 6 people were kindly with us from Australia, Taiwan and Canada in spite of the bad weather. Asakusa has a once-a-year festival called ‘Sanja Festival’ on May 17-19 this year. This is a spectacular festival and about 100 mikoshi portable shrines parade through the towns. It seems that people in Asakusa can’t wait for the festival. As promised various photos are posted as a memory. When visiting Asakusa, taking a sightseeing boat to Hamarikyu Gardens on the Sumida River is an option. Hamarikyu is one of the most representative daimyo (feudal lord) gardens which belonged to the ruling Tokugawa family during the Edo period(1603-1867). The area is about 25 hectares which is the largest existing daimyo garden in Tokyo. The cruise ship departs from the Azumabashi Bridge area a few-minute walk away from Kaminari-mon Gate. One of the attractions on board is to enjoy the monumental bridges. There are 13 bridges between Asakusa and the Hamarikyu Gardens. Each has a different color and shape. The elegant Kiyosubashi Bridge and the masculine Eitaibashi Bridge are the most impressive contrast. The cruise ship departs almost every hour. Tickets are available online […]

Tour Report of Meiji Shrine & Harajuku on April 21, 2024

japan free tour guide

  • Japan Pride 30th , Omikuji

Thank you to those who participated in the Tokyo Free Walking Tour (TFWT) at Meiji Shrine & Harajuku.  We welcomed 8 guests from the USA, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan.  We hope you all enjoyed and shared interesting and joyful conversations with each other during the tour. Unlike “Omikuji” (fortune telling slips) offered in most shrines, Meiji Shrine offers a very unique “Omikuji”.  How unique?  Most omikuji tell us good or bad luck concerning our daily life like health, money, love and so on.  On the other hand, Meiji Jingu’s omikuji is the form of Waka poems.  Waka poems are the Japanese traditional poems consisting of 31 syllables in the pattern of 5-7-5-7-7.  These Waka poems included in omikuji were composed by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, both of whom are enshrined in the shrine. How to draw omikuji in the shrine:  1. Put ¥100 into the offering box.  2. After shaking a wooden box in order to mix well sticks inside, turn the box upside down. 3. Draw one wooden stick from the box. (There is a small hole so that only one stick can come out.) 4. After finding a number written on the stick, put it back into […]

Tour Report of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on Apr.20, 2024

japan free tour guide

Thank you for joining our tour! We welcomed 38 guests from France, Germany, Australia, Bulgaria, USA, Spain, Norway, UK, Canada, and Croatia. The cherry blossoms may be over but spring is still in full swing with colorful flowers in the Ninomaru Garden. We guides shared delightful moments with our guests. In our tour we talk about the feud between 2 high class samurais (Asano and Kira) and the consequence of the 47 Ronins. But do you know that there is a spin-off to this story? Let me introduce the Tsuwano clan and Genji-maki. Genji-maki is a signature sweet cake of the Tsuwano region (Shimane prefecture). Wheat flour is mixed with eggs and sugar and spread out thinly, and the outer layer is baked until it is golden brown. It is later filled with sweet bean paste and rolled up into a flat, rolled cake that is 1.5 cm thick. This confectionary has a long history, dating back to the 17th century. In 1698, only a few years before the Asano’s attach on Kira, a feudal lord Kamei from the Tsuwano clan was working on his mission under mentorship of Kira to welcome the imperial envoy in Edo Castle. No different […]

Various flowers are in full bloom! Tour report of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on April 16.

japan free tour guide

Many thanks for joining us on our tour of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in the morning on April 16. We welcomed 20 guests from Italy, Canada, Germany, Lithuania, Morocco, Australia, and Taiwan. It was a tremendous opportunity for us to meet wonderful guests from all over the world and to share interesting conversations. As promised, group photos and snapshots are attached so that you can remember the fun we had during the tour. Group A Group B Group C Somei Yoshino, a cherry variety said to account for 80% of Japan’s cherry blossoms, have already passed their prime, but other types of cherry trees continue to welcome us in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The yellowish-green cherry trees are called Ukon or Gyoiko. The double-flowered cherry trees, such as Kanzan, have plump pink flowers, which makes me hungry for Sakuramochi (Cherry-flavored mochi wrapped in cherry leaves). In the Ninomaru Garden, Kurume-tsutsuji azaleas are blooming beautifully. The striking dark pink color brightens our hearts. If you like azaleas, Nezu Shrine is also recommended. Azaleas of various colors are arranged on the slope and are gorgeous.The irises, another symbolic flower of Ninomaru Garden, are still in buds, […]

Shirasagi no Mai: Asakusa and Ueno Park Tour on April 14, 2024

japan free tour guide

Many thanks for joining our tours at Asakusa and Ueno Park on April 14, 2024. We welcomed 24 guests from Canada, Germany, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, India, Spain, and Switzerland. It was a tremendous opportunity for us to meet wonderful guests from many countries and share interesting conversations. As promised, group photos and snapshots are attached so that you can remember the fun times we had during the tour. <Asakusa> We encountered Shirasagi no Mai (White Heron Dance) during our tour of Asakusa. This ceremony can be seen on the second Sunday of April and the 3rd of November (Culture Day). Originating from the Gion Festival at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, it has been dedicated for more than 1,000 years to ward off evil spirits. The dance was revived in 1652 by the Asakusa Tourism Federation as a commemorative event for Tokyo’s 100 anniversary in 1968. <Ueno Park> Although most of the cherry blossoms have fallen due to rain and wind, many people were enjoying parties under the trees. The festival of the peony garden, held until the beginning of May at the Ueno Toshogu, is worth visiting. The admission fee is 1,000 Yen. As you may know, the beginning […]

Tour report of The East Garden of the Imperial Palace Tour on Apr. 13th, 2024

japan free tour guide

Many thanks for joining us on our tour at the East Garden of the Imperial Palace on Apr. 13th. We welcomed 23 guests from UK, USA, Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Australia, Switzerland, Spain and Germany. Meeting incredible individuals from various corners of the globe and exchanging cultural insights presented us with an invaluable opportunity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our guests for graciously sharing their time and enriching our experience with engaging conversations. As pledged, we have included group photos and snapshots for you to reminisce about the enjoyable moments we shared during the tour. We trust that you derived as much pleasure from the tour as we did. (GroupA) It was a lovely day to visit the exquisite garden and admire the flowers. The cherry blossoms (Sakura) at the East Garden were in full bloom, and vibrant flowers adorned the surroundings, welcoming guests who had come to Japan for their honeymoon. These flowers were likely to add to their celebration as well. (GroupB) We always strive to give high-quality tours. Your feedback is especially important and useful to us. If you have a moment, please consider posting comments about the tour on our TripAdvisor /Facebook etc. (GroupC) […]

The city of firsts and retro spots, the Asakusa tour on April 9

japan free tour guide

Thank you so much for joining our tour in Asakusa on April 9 . The tour was held in such bad weather, nevertheless two guests kindly joined our tour from America. We hope you enjoyed walking with us and viewing cherry blossoms in spite of the poor weather. Although the cherry blossoms have just started to fall at Sensoji Temple grounds, they are still beautiful. The photos which we took during the tour are posted. Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple and has a 1,400-year history. Asakusa was the liveliest town in Edo currently Tokyo from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the Meiji period (1868-1912). There are many firsts in Asakusa. As you walked through toward the temple’s Main Hall, there is the Nakamise Shopping Street which sells a variety of traditional souvenirs and snacks. The street was built about 300 years ago as one of the first shopping streets in Japan. Local people were allowed to open their shops along the street in exchange for cleaning the temple grounds. Hanayashiki behind the Main Hall is Japan’s first amusement park. It was established as old as about 170 years ago. There are many vintage looking attractions in operation for a […]

Tour Report of Meiji Shrine & Harajuku on April 7, 2024

japan free tour guide

  • Empress Shoken , Meiji Jingu Museum

Thank you to those who participated in the Tokyo Free Walking Tour (TFWT) at Meiji Shrine & Harajuku. Today was such a perfect day for walking under the evergreen trees of the Meiji Shrine forest and finally Sakura in Tokyo is in full bloom.  We welcomed 6 guests from Brazil, Mexico and the Principality of Monaco.  We hope you all enjoyed and shared interesting and joyful conversations with each other during the tour. The Meiji Jingu enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and April 11 is the 110th anniversary of her passing.  Prior to that day, the exhibition: A Ceremonial Court Dress of Empress Shoken, has just begun on April 6 and her oldest full court dress is open to the public at Meiji Jingu Museum.  According to the website, this big project of researching and repairing the dress started in 2018 with a lot of researchers, artisans, and experts from various countries and different areas of expertise involved.  The passion of this project resembles that of the time when the Meiji Jingu was built 100 years ago.  Those days, 100,000 trees from all over the country were donated to the shrine, and 110,000 young volunteers planted them. Why don’t […]

Tour report of The East Garden of the Imperial Palace Tour on Apr. 6th, 2024

japan free tour guide

Many thanks for joining us on our tour at the East Garden of the Imperial Palace on Apr. 6th. We welcomed 16 guests from UK, USA, Italy, Canada, Israel, UAE, Brazil and Australia. It was a tremendous opportunity for us to meet wonderful people from all over the world and exchange the cultural information. We really appreciate all guest for sharing precious time and inspiring us with interesting conversations. As promised, group photos and snapshots are attached so that you can remember the fun we had during the tour. I hope you enjoyed out tour as we did very much. (Group A) (Group B) (Group C) (Group D) (Group E) It was a morning tour today, so it was a little chilly at the start of the tour, but as the tour progressed, we gradually warmed up and had a lively conversation with the guests.The cherry blossoms (Sakura) at the East Garden were in full bloom, and clouds of flowers seemed to be floating everywhere, and both guests and guides thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. Sakura are in full bloom all over the city, and the illuminations at night are a must-see.However, the full bloom of Sakura does not last long. […]

Ueno Park Tour on April 3rd, 2024 – Mysterious story of “Sakura” or Cherry blossom –

japan free tour guide

Thank you very much for participating in the Ueno Park Tour held on April 3rd!!  We welcomed 17 Guests including three children from USA, England, India, Argentina, Germany and Brazil.    Cherry blossoms, which are the most attractive feature of Ueno Park of this season, has been approaching full bloom by warm weather of the past few days.   The timing of the tour was good for us. The weather was so called “Hana-gumori” or Cherry blossom cloudy at the beginning of the tour, but started to rain toward the end of tour despite our wish.    The rain brought us a little inconvenience, but we really hope all of you had enjoyed the tour with us on the day.   As promised, group photos and snapshots of the Tour are posted below.  We hope you will be able to remember the tour with these photos!!   Group A Group B Group C Some may have heard the following story by Yoshi during our tour, but please let me mention a little about the mysterious story of cherry blossoms.  Around 1,000 of Cherry blossoms trees with more than 50 species are planted in Ueno Park.  Among these, 80% belongs to […]

  • Things to Do

A Guide to the Best Free Walking Tours in Tokyo

japan free tour guide

  • Lucy Dayman

Tokyo is a labyrinth of a city made up from what feels like hundreds of other tinier cities. This layout means two things; first - there’s a lot of ground to cover, and second - no matter what corner you turn, there’s always something new to discover. This makes walking around on foot one of the best options available. If you’re looking for a little guidance and you don’t have a lot to spend on getting around, Tokyo has plenty of free, volunteer-run tour companies, run by locals who are more than happy to show you their side of the city. These are some of the best.

Check out our writers’ top Japan travel ideas!

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Got a problem? Visit the Tokyo Tourism Information Desk!

Tokyo Free Guide

Tokyo Free Guide is one of the most popular of all the free tour options. It's popular because it offers custom tours, but you do have to reserve. The company has over 500 volunteer guides on their books and every single one of them is at least bilingual with Spanish, Italian, and French being the most common languages after English. TFG is best suited to those who may have a specific niche or interest and want to learn about it further. Whether it's anime, fashion, food, Japanese history or something else within Japan, there's undoubtedly a TFG volunteer that's more than eager to show you around. While the service of the guide is free, guests are expected to pick up the bill if there are any admission, food, or transport fees during the tour. The company often receives more requests than they have available guides. So if you don't want to miss out, book via the website around four to six weeks before arriving in Tokyo.

Tokyo Localized

For a tour that’s a little more structured, Tokyo Localized’s walking tours are an option. These tours, run by Tokyo locals, cover all the tourist-centric bases and are an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the city. Tokyo Localized’s flagship tour takes guests around Tokyo’s geek center Akihabara, the historic and museum populated neighborhood of Ueno, Tokyo’s old black market Ameyoko Shopping Arcade, and to Kanda Myojin Shrine, where you can pray for good luck, prosperity, and marriage. The company currently offers four other tour packages, covering youth fashion hubs Shibuya and Harajuku, the vibrant inner-city neighborhood of Shinjuku, and the historic streets of Asakusa. They also offer night walking tours too. Tours are only run in English, and because they’ve all been pre-designed, there’s no room for customizations. To join one, sign up via the booking form online around two weeks in advance.

Go Tokyo Guides

Go Tokyo, run by the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau is a tourist service. It not only has one of the most detailed Tokyo travel websites out there, but they also offer pre-planned free tours. There are 13 tour routes available, but not all of them are free. The Shinjuku Walking Tour is one of the free options, and it’s a perfect way to catch all the action happening in this fast-paced corner of the city. The tour route takes guests from the busy shopping district to the undergrounds department stores, to Shinjuku’s Hanazono Shrine, and finally stops at Kabuki-cho to say hello to Godzilla. Group maximum is five people per tour, so book as far in advance as you can to avoid missing out.

Check out our writers’ top Japan travel ideas!

Shinagawa SGG Goodwill Guide

If you’re looking to see a different side of the city, then exploring Shinagawa is a great way to do it. The area isn’t known for being a tourist destination, but it has plenty of hidden attractions, like the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, the lush Gotenyama Gardens, and for photography fans the Nikon Museum. For more secretive Shinagawa gems, be sure to read our feature on the 20 places to visit in the area . The Shinagawa SGG Goodwill Guide is a volunteer group of Shinagawa locals eager to showcase the best-hidden gems this corner of the city has to offer. While the company does have Shinagawa in the name, they also offer custom style tours for visitors on the hunt for something a little more specific. The tour is free, but guests are expected to cover the expenses, including food, admission fees, and travel. To secure a guide, visit the website, click ‘how to apply’ then download the application form, fill it out and email it to [email protected] .

Tokyo Free Walking Tour

The team at Tokyo Free Walking Tour offer three tour packages: The Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine and Harajuku. One of the main benefits of this company is that guests don’t have to book in advance. Check out the tour calendar on the website and turn up to the site in time for the tour, and you’ll be able to join the crew. The company’s flagship tour is the Imperial Palace East Gardens tour. It runs every Saturday and meets at Tokyo Station before cruising around the Imperial Palace before stopping off at the remains of the Edo Castle. For more information on previous tours or what to expect, visit the company’s Facebook page.

Tokyo SGG Club

The Tokyo SGG Club launched back in 1983 and since then has continued to offer the best and warmest hospitality Tokyo has to offer. The company offers tours through the city’s more traditional tourist spots like Asakusa, Ueno Park Area, The Imperial Palace East Gardens Area Tour and the Yanaka area. The locations of choice make it a great option for those wanting to learn more about the history of the city and traditional Japanese culture. The way to book a tour is by visiting one of the service centers listed on the company’s website. From there you can chat with one of the volunteers at the front desk and gather some valuable travel information while you book a tour.

Tour Guides: The Key to the City's Secret Side

Tokyo is so full of hidden delights, under-the-radar attractions, and fascinating stories to learn. But to really go beyond the regular tourist attractions and see just how this city works, there's nothing more valuable than speaking to a local tour guide. Tokyo tour guides know the city's secret sides better than everyone else, and they're more than happy to let you in. All these tours are free, but experiencing the city like a regular Tokyoite is truly priceless.

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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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japan free tour guide

Top 5 Free Tour Guide Services in Japan

Super Cheap Japan

Just about to book that expensive tour guide to show you around Japan? No need! There are hundreds of free volunteer guides across the country. Here are our top groups and organizations!

1. Goodwill Guides

1. Goodwill Guides

http://goodsamaritanclub.org/

These volunteers are Japanese people who want use their foreign language skills to tell the world about this lovely country. Some have pre-defined routes and tours that you can join, while others are more flexible. If you're lucky you may even get a guide just to yourself! You're expected to pay for any travel or admission fees, as well as food if you eat together. The JNTO has an extensive list of volunteer groups, with at least one in each major city or tourist spot. Check the link below.

- www.jnto.go.jp

2. Matsumoto Castle Volunteer Guides

2. Matsumoto Castle Volunteer Guides

The super-helpful, super-nice guides at Matsumoto Castle will jump off the seats in their little stall inside the entrance to see if you want to be guided around for free. You can’t miss them!

3. Kimi Information Center

3. Kimi Information Center

https://www.kimiwillbe.com/guide/

This well-known company in Tokyo helps foreigners in various ways, but this is their best offering for budget travelers. Their English school students can take you around Tokyo, so you get a guide who's very eager to show you some cool places and provide lots of interesting information. More details here . Need more? Check out two more free guide options at Super Cheap Japan below!

Read full story: www.supercheapjapan.com

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Best things to do and see in Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan , located within the Kanto region and located in the center-east of the island of Honshu. It is a city that remains active 24 hours and has a large metro infrastructure to move quickly and quickly. In fact, the ideal is to spend the day visiting temples, parks and markets and then in the afternoon / evening to lose yourself in the streets of neighborhoods full of lights like Akihabara, Shinjuku or Shibuya. In Tokyo, another of the tourist attractions for the traveler is its cuisine that has specialties such as sushi, yakisoba, ramen, okonomiyaki, sashimi, tempura... To know a place like this, it is important to be clear about the essential and emblematic places . If you do a free walking tour in Tokyo , you can visit places like Chuo-Dori Street, Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa neighborhood, Kaminarimon Gate, its impressive viewpoints (Sori Tower, Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower), Tsukiji fish market, Takeshita-dori pedestrian street in Harajuku neighborhood, Odaiba island, Kabukicho red light district, Ueno park or Ginza neighborhood where you can see the traditional Japanese theater Kabuki-Za, the Sony building , Ginza Wako with his huge clock or the Tokyu Plaza Ginza. In the free tours (English, Spanish, Chinese) of Tokyo you can see the opinions of the walkers that have made the different tours that are offered in the city. 

Free walking tour near Tokyo

Others cities to visit after tokyo, find other guruwalks in tokyo, where are you traveling to.

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Japan - the county of Rising Sun - has a rich History and Culture.

We'll show you everything from a local perspective.

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We are ready to host travelers from around the globe and will deliver the best experience for those visiting Japan. Each of our walking tours - whether in Tokyo , Kyoto , Osaka or Hiroshima - are designed for tourists who want to see Japan from a local perspective. 

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Central Tokyo

Tourist destination map of central tokyo, 1. asakusa area.

JNTO         JNTO : Japan National Tourism Organization

1.1 Tokyo Sky Tree TV Tower from Asakusa area

1.2. nakamise street (approach way to sensoji temple), 1.3 main hall of sensoji temple, 2. shibuya area, 2.1 statue of dog hachi, 2.2 scramble crossing, 3. ueno area, 3.1 shinobazunoike pond in ueno park, 3.2 five story pagoda in ueno park, 3.3 statue of takamori saigo, who was a samurai hero. (1824-1877), 3.4 ueno national museum (historical arts), 4. shinjuku area, 4.1 tokyo metropolitan government office building (observatory), 4.2 office area in shinjuku, 4.3 godjilla at kabukicho in shinjuku, 4.4 shinjuku gyoen garden, 5. harajuku area, 5.1 meiji shrine {emperor meiji(1852-1912) is enshrined here.}, 6. tokyo station area (marunouchi business area), 6.1 tokyo station (built in 1812), 6.2 marunouchi building, 6.3 emperor palace (old edo castle), 7. tsukiji area, 7.1 tsukiji fish market.

Public Whole Sale Market at Tsukiji will be closed in this October.

New market will open at Toyosu area.

The retail sale market will continue  to open here at Tsukiji.

7.2  Shushi Restaurant

7.3 hamarikyu garden, 8.ginza area, 9. akihabara area, 10.yanaka, nezu and sendagi area (yanesen), 10.1 old sake shop, 10.2 main hall of kaneiji temple, 10.3 wisteria on the french confection shop, 11. omotesando area.

Shopping Street

12.Roppongi Area

Roppongi Hills Building (Observatory, Museum, etc.)

13.Odaiba (or Daiba) Area

Shopping Centers, Museum, Hot Spa Resort, etc.

14. Ikebukuro

Shopping Center

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The Original Kyoto Free Walking Tour

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The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

A narrow path lined by beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan

Japan captured my heart from the moment I firs visited. The delicious food, the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and the very friendly and polite people – it all blew my mind.

But Japan often feels impenetrable, especially to first-time visitors. While I think Japan deserves a minimum of 10 days, I get that some people might only have a week, so I wanted to write this, my ideal seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time visitor.

With only a week, there’s not much you can see unless you really rush it. And I don’t think you should do that.

So this itinerary only focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the most popular destinations) as well as some day trips from each. If you wanted to rush things a little, you could add in Osaka (more on that at the end).

(Note: If you purchased a Japan Rail Pass , activate it on arrival. That way, you can take advantage of the free JR trains throughout the city.)

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

Japan itinerary day 2: tokyo, japan itinerary day 3: tokyo, japan itinerary day 4: kyoto, japan itinerary day 5: kyoto, japan itinerary day 6: nara, japan itinerary day 7: tokyo, an alternative itinerary.

The popular and colorful Asakusa Temple in bustling Tokyo, Japan

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets Cure your jet lag with some food! In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu. It is now twice the size of Tsukiji (the old one), making it the largest such market in the world. Here you can eat fresh sushi for breakfast, just a few feet from where it was hauled in from the sea, while marveling at the chaotic atmosphere.

You can still head to the old market in Tsukiji to eat, shop, and wander as well. I like it a lot, because there are more food options! Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most shops don’t open until 7am. Admission is free, but you have to pick up a visitor’s pass when you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market’s hours vary by shop (usually 5am-2pm). Admission is free.

teamLab Planets This digital art installation is a multi-sensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations’ elements in unique ways. It’s really fun! TeamLab is generally sells out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time .

Take a walking tour Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land while connecting with a local guide. I always go on one or two when I arrive somewhere. Tokyo Localized offers many free tours, including a classic overview and ones of both the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour would be the most convenient one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace was built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from that time are still in use to this day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. While you can’t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through. You can also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (though it’s relatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. My favorite area is the landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Depending on how you feel relative to your jetlag, you could fit a few more activities before you end your day. Check out this post for suggestions .

A bright and bustling street lit up at night with neon signs in Tokyo, Japan

  • Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most popular and famous temple. Beautifully painted, it sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the lovely Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s very busy during the day, so maybe check out the grounds in the evening.
  • Asakusa Shrine – This nearby Shinto shrine is much more peaceful, with fewer visitors, but with people praying, meditating, or performing traditional rituals. It was built during the Edo period (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World War II.

Afterward, head to Ueno Park . Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was established in 1873 on land formerly owned by a 17th-century Buddhist temple. It gets super busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over a thousand trees here. Throughout, you’ll find various stalls and vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural events or festivals showcasing traditional arts, music, and dance. Four of Tokyo’s main museums are here:

  • Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872 on the north end, this massive building is the oldest and largest art museum in Japan. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan.
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
  • National Museum of Nature and Science – This museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering natural science and history.
  • Tosho-gu Shrine – This beautiful 17th-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doors and other ornate carvings. It’s worth seeing up close!

Afterward, walk down to Akihabara to explore the video game parlors, arcades, and anime shops. This very buzzy area is ground zero for all things electronic, and it’s fun to play many of the games. This is where you’ll find the famous maid cafés, where servers dress up as maids and serve you food and drinks. These range from big touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the girls on the street are promoting the latter, which are a lot more culturally fun). They aren’t cheap, though, as you have to buy drink packages and pay a fee, but they’re kitschy and fun.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku and then drink in Golden Gai . In Shinjuku, you’ll find a plethora of cool bars, bright lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Be sure to wander down Memory Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of narrow alleyways with a bit of a red-light-district feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s quite touristy but also a lot of fun. I’ve had some wild nights here!

With Arigato Tours , you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY cost includes a drink and dishes at four stops.  

The sprawling skyline of Tokyo, Japan with the famous Tokyo Tower in view

Kamakura Here you can see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was built in 1252. It was initially constructed within Kotoku-in Temple, but that has since been washed away by several storms, so it now sits in the open air. Admission to enter the temple grounds is 300 JPY, while it’s 20 JPY to go inside the statue. The journey there — around an hour — is free with a Japan Rail Pass .

Tokyo Disneyland I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll find many of the same classic rides from Disney World here, like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everyone’s favorite teacup ride, The Mad Tea Party. But there are several unique attractions as well, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but full-day admission begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It’s best to book in advance .

Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is located an hour outside of Tokyo. An active stratovolcano (which last erupted in 1708) and covered in snow for almost half of the year, it stands an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and provides one of the most iconic views in the country. One of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. In the summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to reach the summit (traditionally, they depart at night to arrive at the top for the sunrise).

If you don’t want to hike, you can simply visit on a day trip. There are buses that can take you partway up, where you’ll be offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Guided day tours from the city cost around 12,000 JPY.  

A quiet path through the famous bamboo forest in beautiful Kyoto, Japan

Wander the Bamboo Forest For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Visit the Golden Pavilion Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (military governor), this iconic structure was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The present-day edifice dates only to the 1950s, however, when a monk attempting to kill himself burned the historic original to the ground. The rebuilt temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Each of the three stories exhibits a different architectural style. Completing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and traditional Japanese gardens that contain lush foliage, manicured trees, and scenic walking paths.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are other temples in the area to check out as well:

  • Daitoku-ji Temple – This massive complex dating back to 1315 covers almost 60 acres. It contains several dozen temples and is a good place to see a variety of Zen gardens and architectural styles. It’s also deeply linked to the Japanese tea ceremony, as several of the country’s most noteworthy masters studied here.
  • Toji Temple – This is home to Japan’s tallest pagoda (five stories high). Founded in 796, just after Kyoto became the capital, it was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the city.

Go on a sake brewery tour Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing tradition going back 400 years and is known for some of the best in the world, due to using the area’s pure natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers an excellent three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, including stops at several breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.  

A winding, narrow street in historic Kyoto, Japan

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine This mountainside Shinto shrine, dating back to 711, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s known for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that form a network of trails leading up Mount Inari. You can hike the trails on your own while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto below or join a guided hiking tour , on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is free.

Walk around Higashiyama Spend an afternoon walking along the narrow streets of one of the oldest and best preserved districts on your own or on a walking tour . The traditional machiya buildings (traditional wooden townhouses) are filled with small shops selling local specialties and handicrafts, as well as restaurants and teahouses. It’s a popular area in which to participate in a tea ceremony . Another nice place to stroll in this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s beautiful and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera One of a number of UNESCO sites in ancient Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (meaning “pure water temple”) is located in the foothills of Mount Otowa in the eastern part of the city. It’s one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, but most of the existing buildings date to the 17th century. There’s not a single nail used in the construction, which becomes all the more impressive once you see how large the temple is, which is best known for its wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s name comes from the nearby waterfall whose waters (from which you can still drink today) are said to have wish-granting and healing powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Explore Shorin-ji Temple This small temple dates back to the 16th century. What makes it worth visiting is its meditation classes. You’ll get to tour the temple and then be instructed in zazen , the Japanese style of meditation. It’s a very unique experience and something that I think will add a lot of depth and nuance to your visit (especially if you’ve seen a lot of temples). Just make sure to dress comfortably.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open daily 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

Explore Gion Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

At night, go to the Pontocho Row , a narrow street lined with restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz clubs. It’s one of the more lively areas in Kyoto.  

A small deer eating grass in a park in Nara, Japan, with cherry trees blossoming in the background

Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to the prevalence of fires and earthquakes, as well as World War II). Some things to do:

  • Frolic with deer – The real draw in Nara are the deer. Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree.
  • See the Buddha – Don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji, the world’s largest wooden building, home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Take a walking tour – This guided half-day walking tour for 11,500 JPY includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch.

The sprawling skyline of Tokyo, Japan lit up at night with Mount Fuji in the distance

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo wrestling arena, hosts tournaments three times each year, in January, May, and September. Tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance. Prices vary but start around 3,200 JPY for arena seats. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

To learn more about the sport in in the off-season, book a tour of a sumo stable .  

the historic Osaka Castle in Osaka Japan towering over the city on a sunny summer day

So, if you want to add another city to this itinerary you can follow this breakdown:

  • Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
  • Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
  • Day 5: Nara
  • Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all covered above. As for Osaka, some of my favorite things to see and do:

Take a food tour Known as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a diverse culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. Plus, there are local specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You can take a food tour for around 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY, or just wander and eat.

Osaka Castle One of the most famous landmarks in the country, the castle was originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to wars, fires, and natural disasters. The current version dates to 1931. The castle is situated amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by a moat. It’s also home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque urban views.

Dotonbori This is arguably Osaka’s most iconic district, known for its vibrant nightlife (bars, clubs, theaters, and music venues), colorful signage, and delicious food. It’s best seen at night due to the plethora of huge neon lights and signs lining both the canal and streets, which have become symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, founded in 593. The architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese and East Asian styles, featuring impressive pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn about the temple’s historical and cultural significance at the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to enter, the garden is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.  

Japan is one of my favorite countries. While it’s relatively small, it offers an amazing array of things to see and do (as well as some of the best food in the world). With seven days, you can easily see a good number of the main highlights and get a taste for the incredible history and culture. It will be a busy week, but this itinerary ensures you’ll still have some time to slow down, relax, and take in the local pace of life.

Just make sure you get a Japan Rail Pass before you go. While it’s not as cheap as it used to be, it will likely save you time and money!

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, information on costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries and reading and packing lists, and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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  24. The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary (Updated 2024)

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