In the morning, a licensed English-speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel in a private vehicle. Under current Japanese law, only National Licensed Guide Interpreters are permitted to conduct tours for international visitors using their own car or a rental car with a white license plate. Otherwise, transportation must be provided by a vehicle with a green commercial license plate and a driver holding a Class-2 (commercial) driver’s license. You will then be driven to Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shinto Shrine), the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Established in 1920, the shrine honors Emperor Meiji, the father of Japan’s modernization, and his wife, Empress Shoken. Its impressive wooden architecture and massive torii gates are highlights of the visit. The shrine grounds are covered with thousands of tall trees that were transplanted from all over Japan at the time of construction. Remarkably, this serene forest is entirely man-made.

After visiting the shrine, we will head to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, one of the most popular shopping streets in Japan. This narrow lane is always lively and crowded with people. Many unique shops catering to younger generations line the street, along with a wide variety of animal cafés. You will experience Japan’s latest youth culture here.

Located next to Shibuya Station, this pedestrian crossing is known as the world’s busiest intersection. You will witness hundreds of people starting to walk from every direction at once when the traffic lights turn green. You can also cross the intersection as many times as you like. Nearby, don’t miss the famous statue of Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog who waited for his master every day outside Shibuya Station.

Today’s Tokyo Imperial Palace was once the largest castle in Japan. It was completed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. After the samurai era ended, the Emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo and chose this site as his residence. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are open to the public except on Mondays and Fridays. They feature beautiful landscaped gardens and the remains of the former shogun’s castle.

You can enjoy a Japanese-style lunch at a nice and cozy restaurant in Ginza. After lunch, you will explore Ginza, Japan’s most sophisticated shopping district. (Lunch is optional.)

Akihabara is known as the center of Japan’s subculture, especially anime and video game culture. There are countless unique shops specializing in anime, manga (comic books), video games (both new and retro), second-hand items, and electronic appliances, as well as distinctive maid cafés. Let’s take a short walk through this fascinating district.

Senso-ji Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and is located in Asakusa. Its iconic red entrance, the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), featuring a massive paper lantern, is a must-see. The long, narrow approach to the temple, known as Nakamise Street, is also a famous shopping area where you can find unique Japanese crafts and reasonably priced souvenirs. During the visit, you will learn about Buddhism in Japan, how it differs from Shintoism, and how Japanese people practice both religions in daily life.