IDEAS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR PRECIOUS TIME IN TOKYO!!!
Please check below for some examples of the tours I offer. Please contact me with any questions. I would be very happy to answer them.
1) Tokyo old and now:
Visiting must see places in Tokyo such as Senso-ji temple in Asakusa and Meiji-jingu Shrine as well as imperial palace. These traditional sites in the urban city make an interesting contrast. A good introduction to the Japanese religious and cultural background.
2) Kamakura, home of Samurai and Zen:
Just one hour train ride from Tokyo, this ancient city of Samurai retains an atmosphere of old tradition in a beautiful natural landscape. Interesting sites include, Great statue of Buddha, Hase temple, Bamboo temple, Jomyoji temple where you can enjoy Maccha green tea looking over a Japanese Zen garden. Many parts of Japanese life style have their roots back in this Kamakura period and greatly influenced by Zen philosophy.
3) Tsukiji Fish Market:
In the world's largest fish market, we walk around in the broker's area to see numerous seafood including the famous huge tuna. If we are lucky, we can see them cutting the tuna with a saw or a super long knife. The facility is scheduled to be demolished and moved to a modern one in a few years. This may be your last chance to see the current Tsukiji Fish Market. We also visit vegetable section and specialty shops inside and outside the market.
4) Sushi making:
If you like Sushi, why not make it yourself and eat to your heart's content. This takes place in an ordinary house. ( in my kitchen ) This can be much easier than you think and you will be so proud of your own art pieces!! Sushi making can be combined with Tsukiji Fish Market tour where you get fresh tuna, fresh wasabi horseradish plant and other ingredients for your feast!
5) Local supermarket and Japanese everyday cooking:
Visit a local supermarket and choose something interesting. Learn about seasonings and vegetables which are in season. You can cook some dishes which are basic but that are not seen in Japanese restaurants overseas. This takes place in an ordinary house ( my kitchen!)
6) Tokyo backstreet exploring
We visit Yakana erea to feel the local poeple’s life. Charming and nostargic shopping street and quiet neighboohood... and many temples and big cemetary. You will have a picture of what dose every day life Tokyo locals look like. Street foods and drinks are waiting for you,too!
This can be a half day tour. Or conbine with Ueno area, No. 1 coulture zone in Japan which is just next door.
7) Tokyo cool architecture
An iceburg, Glass jewery box, Giant planter and beauy and the beast...
You may want to use different nicknames for those buildings, but
Tokyo is like a showcase of stylish architectures. We visit some of the most sphisticated areas to check them out!
8) Japanese Landscape Gardens:
Surprisingly, Tokyo has many large scale gardens which show the Japanese sense of beauty and love of nature. With many stories attached to the sites, we touch topics of religious and historical backgrounds, which has constructed the Japanese way of thinking. We walk out of the garden with refreshed mind and body!!!
Day trips from Tokyo to areas like Hakone, Mt. Fuji and Nikko are also available.
Depending on your and your guests' interests, I will research and let you know other options accordingly.
Ikebana :Japanese flower arrangement
Beautifully done by Granma Doris
Please feel free to mail me and ask me about the fee for a day (usually 7 to 8 hours) or for half a day (3 to 4 hours) which depend on the size of the party.
Depending on the activities, some expenses may occur such as transportation, lunch and entrance fee.
Depending on the activities, some expenses may occur such as transportation, lunch and entrance fee.