Japan · WALKING TOURS
Good walking tours fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Kyoto’s Gion in two hours, with a live English guide, chances to see geiko and maiko, iconic temples and pagodas, plus smart food picks.
“Ikuro, our guide was very knowledgeable, and did the tour very interesting. Great man and very respectful. highly recommend!”
Taste wagyu skewers, sushi, and seafood bowl samples at Tsukiji’s outer markets, with real market culture and helpful guides in 3 hours.
“I would not recommend this tour. It was more of a look at and talk about the food vs eating food tour. At a minimum I would not show up hungry because the tour does not provide much food. It is really not worth the money, you would be Read more”
Gion after dark with a small group. Learn geisha rules and shrine stories on a 100-minute walk from Minamiza Theater for $24.
“Really fun tour - our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We were lucky enough to see a Geisha during our tour. It was a great way to see the highlights of the area.”
Walk the Imperial Palace East Gardens on a small-group tour with guide stories of Edo Castle ruins, gates, and gardens for $22.
“We had an absolutely amazing time with Tony. He shared a lot of rich context about Tokyo’s history, the Edo period, the Shogunate, the Emperor, and the imperial family, which made the experience incredibly meaningful. Visiting the Imperial Read more”
Nighttime stroll through Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho with stories of geisha culture, kabuki origins, and chances to spot geiko and maiko.
“Yuki was an honor to experience, he was knowledgeable, kind, and an all around immersive guide. “Okini”, thank you, for teaching us about the history of geishas & current day maiko and geiko, for educating us about cultural values, walking us through beautiful Gion and I can go on and on. It was an absolute pleasure & we hope to see you again. & we tried the restaurant you suggested, amazing ! We hope to see you in LA! Hovo & Elizabeth”
Kyoto night walk in Gion with an English guide, geisha etiquette lessons, and a chance to spot geiko and maiko. 100 minutes.
“Chako-San was our guide and she was amazing! She made the tour enjoyable and informative even though it rained for the majority of it. She also made sure to keep track of our large group when we got separated at a cross walk. This tour was a 12/10 and I would definitely recommend it!”
Walk Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho and Golden Gai on a 3-hour izakaya tour with an English guide and karaoke.
“Great guide, great company food and drink what more could anyone as for. Special night. Thanks to all. Especially Nao”
Small-group Tsukiji Fish Market walk with a temple stop and food tastings. Learn sushi ingredients and where to buy smart for $30.
“Fun introduction to fish market food stalls along with a visit to a beautiful local shrine. Really enjoyed Shino’s guidance”
Asakusa walking tour to Sensō-ji, Kaminarimon, Nakamise shopping streets, plus stops at Asakusa Shrine and Azuma Bridge in about two hours.
“Really good, very informative. Aya was a lovely guide. Was great learning about the Japanese cultures and also good tips for the rest of our stay.”
Kyoto’s Gion after dark in a small group, with clear stories connecting geisha culture, theater, and landmarks like Hanamikoji and Yasaka Shrine.
“Had a really informative and good natured tour with Shin - great to do at the start of the trip to also learn about the area in general! We went in the evening which I think added to the experience as the area looks very pretty at night.”
A 2-hour Tsukiji Fish Market guided walk with temple highlights, easy navigation, and tasty street food stops in a small group.
“Yayoi was a fantastic guide and knowledgeable in the different types of sushi and foods in the market! Definitely recommend 5/5!”
Small-group Nishiki Market brunch walk with 7 tastings, key Kyoto sights, and photos provided, priced for a guided food plan.
“Great food tour with great guide. Yutaka was as good as a guide can get. He shared a lot about Japanese culture and introduced the group to many new foods. It was a most enjoyable afternoon.”
Walk Namba to Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, and retro neighborhoods for takoyaki, street stories, and real Osaka vibes in 3 to 7 hours.
“Very informative guide Maryem was very helpful and informative . Gave us time to look around and explore Osaka’s area . Thank you We saw lots of interesting items with the history which we wouldn’t have known about without Maryem. Modern shops as well as the old market fish and stalls . She helped explain many things including the vending machines. Explanation of foods and types of meals as well as sweet foods Also other tourists on the tour were lovely. people tour”
Arashiyama in 5 to 6 hours: bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji gardens, Okochi Sanso, shrines, and a monkey park hike with views.
“Amazing experience with hiking, nature, and monkeys! A must when spending time in Japan. Really enjoyed learning about different elements of cultural and religious history on the hike.”
Walk Kyoto’s Gion with a local guide, spotting geisha, visiting Yasaka Shrine and Hokan-ji, and learning the stories behind old streets.
“Amazing walking tour through the streets of Kyoto. As you are walking through the streets of Kyoto, our guide Naoya is giving the history and discussing the traditions and all the work that goes into being a Geisha . The history comes alive. The walking tour also takes you through various streets, shrine, temples and allows for some nice pictures. Great experience getting to see Kyoto from a different point of view.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
