Start your adventure at the impressive First Torii Gate of Meiji Jingu, the gateway to one of Tokyo's most sacred and peaceful places. Walk beneath this towering wooden gate and leave the bustling city behind as your guide introduces the history, culture, and traditions of Japan.
One of the most popular photo spots at Meiji Shrine, these colorful sake barrels are donated by sake breweries from across Japan as a symbol of gratitude and respect. You’ll also find French wine barrels on the opposite side, reflecting the friendship between Japan and France.
Discover the tranquil beauty and rich heritage of Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most celebrated Shinto shrine. Enter through towering torii gates and follow a tree-lined path into a lush, 70-hectare forest—a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle. Learn the fascinating history of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, and how this shrine became a symbol of Japan’s modernization and spiritual tradition. Your guide will share the meaning behind Shinto rituals, from cleansing at the temizuya to offering prayers at the main hall. Admire the striking sake barrel displays, explore serene courtyards, and discover hidden details often missed by casual visitors. Whether it’s your first time in Tokyo or a return visit, this tour offers a deeper understanding of Japan’s culture and spirituality in one of its most sacred spaces.
Discover Harajuku, the heart of Tokyo's youth culture and fashion scene. Wander through colorful streets lined with trendy boutiques, unique cafés, and famous street food while experiencing the creativity and energy that have made Harajuku a global symbol of Japanese pop culture since the 1970s.
Bursting with color, energy, and creativity, Takeshita Street is the beating heart of Harajuku’s youth culture. This narrow, 400-meter pedestrian lane is lined with trendy boutiques, quirky accessory shops, themed cafés, and sweet stalls selling everything from rainbow cotton candy to crepes piled high with fruit and cream. Famous as the birthplace of kawaii fashion, Takeshita Street is where Tokyo’s boldest styles emerge—often worn proudly by locals strolling the avenue. Every step offers something eye-catching, from cosplay outfits and vintage finds to limited-edition sneakers. Whether you’re shopping, people-watching, or simply soaking in the electric atmosphere, Takeshita Street is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience Tokyo’s playful, trendsetting side.
A new cultural and shopping complex in the heart of Harajuku, featuring fashion, food, art, and Japanese pop culture. Its rooftop terrace is a relaxing space where you can enjoy views of both Harajuku and Omotesando while taking a break from the busy city.
Miri was a great guide. She was very nice, told a lot of interesting facts but also shared interesting information, insight into local community, dynamics and customs. We really enjoyed the tour with her!
Tour was excelent! Tour guide Miri was super professional and nice!
Miri was great! Very friendly and knowledgeable. Wonderful first day!
Visiting this shine offered us a tangible experience of Japanese history and culture. Our guide, Wakana, carefully sequenced stops on our walking tour to illustrate her explanation of the Meiji Period. She had excellent English skills enabling easy conversation.. A very enjoyable tour, that also included at the end a fascinating stroll through one of Tokyo’s contemporary iconic shopping and entertainment pedestrian streets located nearby (much better with a guide llike Wakana).
We had a great small tour with Emí of the Meiji shrine and then the surrounding Harajuku neighborhood. She explained some history and how Shinto vs Buddhism fits into the lives of many Japanese people. I don’t know that I needed a guide to take me to Harajuku’s famous kawaii shopping street (Takeshita Street) but it was nice that she pointed out things I might have missed and could speak to her experience growing up going there as a teen.
Miri was a wonderful guide! We learned so much about the history and culture of the city and the shrine. She took great care of the group, and the pace was great (even for some of the older adults in our party). It was a great way to start our stay in Tokyo!
Miyuki, was an amazing tour guide she was very passionate and knowledgeable explaining the culture tour I would recommend Miyuki as your tour guide anyone visiting Tokyo Thank you Miyuki
Miyuki san was the perfect guide for this tour - one of the best guides I’ve met anywhere! So informative and kind - and the Tokyo Localized tours are always well-paced. I had a great experience at the Meiji Shrine and in Harajuku. Highly recommended when visiting Tokyo.
It was a solo tour and it was an incredible experience thanks to Hiroko: she shared a lot about the Meiji Shrine history and recommendations about Harajuku area. I'd recommend it for sure!
Hiroko was fantastic! Really good knowledge
It was a very nice tour! Miri was very friendly and the tour was very interesting
Excellent tour! Our guide Kaz was top class! Highly recommend!
Hiroko was amazing!!!! She knew so much and was super nice!!
We did our tour with Hiroko and learned so much!! She knew a lot and showed us pictures of old Japan while giving interesting details we would never learn without her ! Thank you!
We really enjoyed the trip with our guide Miyu. She provided all Information on all questions asked. A very smart guide!
Reiko was a very knowledgeable guide and gave a great tour even though it was a terrible hot day. I learned so much about Japanese culture and history. I would highly recommend this tour.
Despite a rainy day, this tour did not disappoint! Learned so much morning than visiting on our own. Cannot say enough amazing things about our guide Hiroko. She was so knowledgeable, thoughtful, and kind. We enjoyed her tour style and storytelling. Definitely request Hiroko for your guide.
Emi was great! Highly yes recommend the walking tour.
Hiroko was the best! We were blessed with beautiful weather and spent a ton of time in Meiji, and she answered all of our questions, gave us wonderful recommendations, and made us feel right at home.
Miri was great! Learned a lot about Meiji Shrine and the area
We had a great experience with Miri, walking around the Meiji-jingu and Harajuku. We learnt a lot of interesting things from her and had a very pleasant visit :)
Great tour of Meiji shrine and very informative of the Shinto traditions. Fascinating Harajuku area and walk through Takeshita street. Great guide and highly recommend this tour!
Good explanations and interactions
Our guide Emi was amazing! The tour was very informative
I had an amazing experience with Hiroko guide, she was so lovely, a lot of interesting information about japan and the culture. I totally recommend her!
Hiroko is an excellent and passionate guide with so much knowledge. Excellent tour!
Highly recommend. Our host was very knowledgable, answered all of our questions, was funny and sweet!
Very nice guide, very. Nice experience
Very interesting tour, Emi was lovely!
Had a wonderful experience with Emi as our tour guide through the Meiji shrine! She was super knowledgeable.
This tour was wonderful and emi was our guide. She was so lovely and always answered all the questions you could think of. The tour takes you through the shrine and a major street with loads of cat cafe, dog cafes and way more to offer. Thank you EMI!
Our guide Hiroko san was very pleasant and bubbly. Very helpful and she loved to talk. She told me us about the history of meiji shrine and Japan. If we come back we’ll most definitely want to see her
We booked this tour via Tokyo Localized Free Tour and when we arrived we were the only participants making this a surprise private tour . Our tour guide Yumi was fantastic. Deeply knowledgeable, kind and funny. We left knowing not just about the shrine and the local area but so much about Japanese history and culture. It was a highlight of our time in Tokyo. You never know who your guide will be but if you’re lucky enough to have Yumi you’ll have hit the jackpot!
Miwu was great Guide. Very good the Harajuku tour.
Miri, was very informative, I learnt a lot about the Edo period and the decisions made about opening up to other nations. I loved Miri’s knowledge and the way she shared information as we progress through the walk. She was friendly and accommodating.
Love that the tour guide Miri is a local, and has grown up in this area. The tour is a nice pace and I’m glad it’s not just focused on the shrine, it went through the Harajuku streets too. Our tour guide also gave us some suggestions for local restaurants as well.
My family and I had an amazing time exploring Harajuku with Hiroko— she was the perfect guide to give us a local’s view of the area, including an incredible history lesson spanning Japanese culture from ancient times to present day. We were able to experience so much more than if we would have explored on our own; 10/10 would recommend!
It was an amazing experience! Miyu is an incredibly kind and welcoming person who shared so many interesting insights about Japanese history. I learned a lot and would definitely do it again!
We had a wonderful morning tour with Miri, a local guide, who shared with us the history and her love for the Meiji shrine. She shared history, traditions, and her own personal experiences during the tour. We were able to also see a wedding ceremony at the shrine. It was a n outstanding tour which we highly recommend.
It was really great and informative. The whole trip took about 2 hours. The tour is tip based so whatever you think is worth the trip you pay.
Very nice experience. She speaks good english and speaks clearly.
Miyu was amazing and she shared a lot of amazing history shared with us absolutely recommend 110%!! Very kind person and so helpful!! We will be back again!
Emi was a great guide and gave a friendly and informational tour. Learned about the Shinto shrine 🙏🏽
Wakana was an amazing guide. She went above and beyond to answer our questions and tell us all about the history of the area. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone!
It was great :) We were with a kid, the tour gide Horiko was really nice.
The guide Grey was very knowledgeable and we had an enjoyable tour
The tour with Socha was done very well and with a mix of history and modern. She was an excellent tour guide!
Hiroko was a lovely guide! The shrine is serene and the Harajuku area is filled with things to peak your curiosity. Hiroko gave insightful explanations with a lot of examples and answered all questions with enthusiasm!
Miri did a great job walking is through Meiji Shrine and Harajuku Street.
Miri gave us a fun tour through harajuku and an informative tour of Meiji shrine
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email