The first acquaintance with the amazing country of the “rising sun”, wakeful volcanoes, unexpected earthquakes, unusual traditions, the birthplace of cherry blossoms begins with its capital, Tokyo. Having emerged on the site of the fishing village of Edo in the 12th century, the city has long been one of the great megacities of the planet. The spirit of life of different eras hovers in each urban area. You can understand it while exploring the sights of the capital of Japan. Numerous excursions to Tokyo in Russian will help you accomplish this task. At the same time, the volume of the desired information is determined by the time of stay in the country. You can choose a tour from the following offers.

Tokyo in four hours

The journey takes place by public transport through the districts of the city, and includes an acquaintance with the following attractions:

Metropolitan. You can use it on your own. To do this, you need to know that all (incredibly voluminous) information is on the stands. There are a lot of them and it is convenient if the first trip is accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide.
The historic birthplace of the city. We will walk around the Asakusa area, admiring the beauty of the temple and Buddhist complexes of Tokyo, the street of Japanese souvenirs “Nakamise-dori”.
The man-made island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. Otherwise it is called Garbage Island. It is connected to the city by the Rainbow Bridge. You can come here by tram along the monorail or by a special ship that looks like a space ship. On the way, listen to the interesting history of the creation of water channels in Japan.
Attractions of the island: titanium ball “Fuji-TV”, a hundred-meter Ferris wheel, a copy of the Statue of Liberty, the Aqua City shopping center, modern attractions, an exhibition of cars.

When ordering an individual 4-hour walk through the site, 20% of the cost is paid (from 2000 yen per person). The remaining amount is transferred to the guide, and his travel on public transport is also paid.

City for the day

During a walk around the city, acquaintance with some interesting places in different areas is offered. It will help to learn the traditions, history, culture of the ancient people. All the diversity of the metropolis will be remembered as a single harmonious ensemble. Take a look at the whole city from the observation deck of the first skyscrapers in Tokyo. This is the business center of the Shinjuku area, where the city hall is located. The guide will tell you about the history of the appearance of the magnificent buildings of the planet and the features of their construction in Japan.

A visit to the Shinto shrine in the Eternal Forest Park will instantly take travelers to another, distant and real world of traditions protected by the population. During the walk, the proof of extraordinary fidelity will attract attention – a monument to the famous dog Hachiko. A Buddhist temple with a pagoda will reveal the hidden secrets of the life of the Japanese, which have passed through the centuries.

After visiting the man-made island with its attractions, all participants are invited to visit the thermal complex with massage, SPA procedures, built over three centuries ago. You can also have lunch here. Entrance to the complex, lunch are paid extra. Admission is 2480 yen, lunch is about 500 yen. Travel guide paid by tourists.

Diverse Tokyo in 5 hours

Inspection of the city takes place by public transport. The price does not include fares, prices for entrance tickets to the sights of the route. The tour gives a general idea, allows you to feel the unusual atmosphere of the Eastern world. Already at the very beginning, having visited the Imperial Palace, the Meiji Jingu Shrine, one cannot but plunge into the philosophy of the Japanese. Legends about the life of former emperors, the choice of their names, titles, initiation rites.

The history of the existence for many centuries of the two religions of the country: Buddhism, Shintoism. Information about the Meiji period, when the country became the strongest power on the planet, the system of modern power. A bird's-eye view of an important intersection of the city (observation deck) will help you feel the pulse, the rhythm of the city.

Endless slot machines, shopping centers, sparkling entertainment centers, cozy cafes with foxes, hedgehogs, owls, along with the preserved narrow streets of the city, will form an understanding of the original spirit of Tokyo. It will be complemented by the Takeshita-dori quarter with boutiques, engraving museums, where the youth style “kawaii” was created. Here you can even try on a geisha outfit, maiko clothes. Passing through Tokyo Park, it is proposed to listen to information about the famous Japanese gardens. The end of the journey takes place in the vibrant area of the city of Ginza.

Traditional gardens and temples

Japan cannot be imagined without an unforgettable phenomenon – gardens. An original element of culture, art, born through the ages, has long been a symbol that embodies the perfection of the earthly world. Originating in the culture of temple gardens of Buddhist monks, the principles of building a garden were formed back in the 8th-18th centuries. Full information about traditional gardens can be heard walking around Happoen.

Blooming sakura, wisteria, azalea, along with small ponds, winding paths laid according to specific design laws, decorative stone and rare wood ornaments will cause well-deserved admiration. The garden element has its own meaning, preserved for many centuries. On the same day you will be able to see the following sights:

There is time for lunch in a small cafe. Its average cost is $10.

The Magical World of Studio Ghibli

The stunning world of animation, created by director Hayao Miyazaki, is offered to be seen at the famous Studio Ghibli. Millions of tourists of all ages strive to get here to feel the special world of deep philosophy and magic. In this case, there will be no usual difficulties for purchasing tickets. During an individual visit, tickets are ordered a month in advance. Day off at the museum on Sunday. Tickets are 1,000 yen for adults and 700 yen for children under 18.

For children under 6 years old, the price of a reduced ticket is 100 yen. The travel guide, the entrance ticket for him is paid by travelers. On the third floor of the building there is a real artist's studio. It exhibits real sketches, sketches of Miyazaki's cartoon characters. Children will enjoy visiting the museum very much. They have the opportunity to run through mysterious stairs, find hidden doors, explore elements of the movie My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke.

Tokyo and the sea

The music of the sea fills the life of the Japanese, gives them endless opportunities for conquering islands of land, arranging a surprisingly comfortable, modern life. The limited land area in the country required the introduction of new solutions for accommodating residential areas, enterprises, a port, warehouses, and military zones. From the time of the Meiji era, they began to master, competently remake the open spaces of the sea. The whole life of the local population is connected with the sea.

Unusual, fantastic projects have made it possible to create here skyscrapers, a subway, a man-made island of Odaiba in a huge garbage dump. Walking along it, it is difficult to believe and imagine these times. But amazing places of the island exist. The Russian-speaking guide talks about them with interest. The walk starts at the famous Tokyo Tower and passes through the park at the Rainbow Bridge.

The travel program includes visits to interesting museums of Technology, the City Sewerage, and the history of the automotive industry. You can practice on the slot machines of a huge entertainment center, next to which there is a Ferris wheel with a height of 115 m. After sunset, see the figure of a giant robot in the Gundam Universe, having fun near the Rainbow Bridge.

Ueno Zoo

Two hours of happy communication with rare, beloved inhabitants of different parts of the planet. Here they are, animals from children's fairy tales, grandmothers' stories. Just like you, they carefully observe, study visitors. And from their mysterious communication, the mood improves, the person is filled with positive emotions. The zoo has existed for over 130 years. In his development, he experienced many joyful, sad moments. One of them was during the war years. On the territory of the zoo, a monument was erected to the dead animals.

Now Indian and African lions, important giraffes, cheerful Ai Ai limurs with striped tails, black and white pandas roam in spacious, comfortable enclosures. Information about them can be heard from the guide. Due to frequent earthquakes, the zoo regularly trains employees in emergency animal rescue. They are portrayed by employees in special costumes. The park is closed to visitors on this day. The cost of visiting the zoo is 5 €. Children under 12 years old are admitted free of charge.

Gourmets on Ginza

An organized journey through the most fashionable area of Tokyo to enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine, done right with a pre-planned option. In this case, you can enjoy unusual seafood dishes in a sushi restaurant. At the same time, listen to an interesting story about sushi, going back to the time of the existence of the city of Edo. All dishes are prepared according to the traditions of Japanese cuisine, based on the freshest ingredients, the most delicious at the time. An obligatory addition to the gourmet holiday is a special tea (it is paid separately).

The average cost of a meal is $50. The guide pays for himself. During the walk, those who wish can taste the main food of the Japanese – the proposals of Kyoto cuisine. It includes a lot of raw vegetables (or steamed), thin slices of fish, meat, rice. If there was not enough time for lunch, then such a set of products, along with the famous chopsticks, can be selected at any major Ginza department store.

Journey to Kamakura and Yokohama

A complete insight into the life of the Japanese in ancient times helps form a trip to the coastal cities of Kamakura, Yokohama. In the first capital of the country, the era of samurai, shoguns, the main Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, built in 1063, will appear before your eyes. For a long time it was the spiritual, political center of the samurai. During the trip, you can listen to an interesting story about the emergence of the samurai estate, the distribution of possession zones between the Emperor and the shogun, and wars in ancient Japan.

Admire the picturesque landscapes of the surroundings, the beautiful walking park Sunkein on the outskirts of Yokohama, the Hasedera temple complex, the statue of the Big Buddha. The majestic work was created by the masters of the country in 1252. The Buddha, standing in the open sky, patiently watches the passing of life. View the amazing ancient buildings from different places in Japan, collected in a quarter of the city. At the end of the trip, it is planned to visit the Landmark Tower observation deck, which opens the panorama of the modern port city. A small lunch is planned to take place in an interesting Chinatown. The cost of the trip is approximately ¥5000.

Lovely Nikko

A day trip to the small town of Nikko begins with a ride on a special train. Further, a local bus is offered, traveling along a serpentine road to the mountains at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. Among the beautiful nature is the oldest religious city in the country, Nikko. A mountain lake, volcanoes that have frozen over the centuries, silver waterfalls with the purest water, thermal springs, the amazing nature of the National Park surround the city, which arose in the 8th century. The Japanese often say “never speak beautifully until you see Nikko.”

The main point of the trip is the Toshoru Shrine. During the walk, you are invited to listen to the detailed history of the temples (Tosegu, Futara-san, Taiyuin and Rinnoji) listed as world heritage. Returning to the city, you can plunge into the healing waters of hot springs on the territory of a local hotel. Return to Tokyo is offered on a high-speed Shinkansen train (bullet train). Travel expenses (for yourself and the guide), entrance tickets are paid additionally.

Cozy Kagurazaka District: Historical Tour with Lunch and Shopping

A private trip to Tokyo's quirky neighborhood takes place on select weekdays and Saturdays by prior arrangement. Without it, it is difficult to get into the famous Japanese restaurant with kaiseki-ryori dishes. Coming to Japan and not knowing what it is is considered a mistake. This famous cuisine of the country (at first it was used in tea ceremonies) is a meal with frequent changes of dishes. Chefs prepare them in strict accordance with the seasons of the year, using unusual combinations of products (including seasonal wagashi sweets).

Painstakingly prepared small portions of dishes are served on special utensils and look like works of art. Without the explanations of the guide, the management of the program of serving dishes, you can remain hungry, not knowing the customs and rules for their use. At the same time, he will tell the story of the quarter, when during the prosperity of the city of Edo, the samurai district was the most privileged. Then it began to be called the “Geisha Quarter”. Gradually, it became the culinary center of Japanese cuisine.

The old restaurants (“retay” or “rice” restaurants) originated here. Before ordering, you must specify the age information about the participants. In many places small children are not served. The duration of the walk with a visit to the restaurant lasts 3.5 hours. The cost is 272 € per participant. After an amazing lunch, you will continue exploring the ancient streets, visiting souvenir shops, choosing them with the help of a guide.

Tokyo – history and modernity

The first day of a trip to Tokyo is considered the most difficult. The unusualness of the city, the rhythm of life, beauty, the possibilities of versatile travel lead to a certain confusion: where to start? A Russian-speaking guide will ease the situation by introducing guests to the following interesting places in the capital:

Shinjuku area. A modern business district with skyscrapers, an unusual city hall building. During the day it is filled with thousands of hurrying office workers, and in the evenings it is lit with thousands of lights.

Ginza or “Silver shop”. Numerous designer shops on the Nakamise shopping street, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, and other attractions of the area have made it a “showcase” of Japan. This is the richest, most luxurious place in the capital. During the walk, it is proposed to listen to the history of the development of two religious movements in Japan.

Odaibo. The man-made “island of the future”, created in a garbage cemetery, is famous for the architecture of unusual buildings, an abundance of entertainment attractions, and beautiful embankments. A famous auto show is held here, a giant Gundam robot, a high ferris wheel is installed. The travel route is chosen for the initial acquaintance with the city. Travel expenses of about 2,000 yen are not included in the total price.

Cherry blossoms in greater Tokyo

Japan has preserved many medieval traditions, causing the arrival of numerous pilgrims. One of them is the ancient holiday of khanami, born by the emperor thousands of years ago. It is associated with admiring cherry blossoms among the natural beauties of the Yoshino Mountains. Now crowds of tourists are rushing to Japan to see the fabulous flowering of trees, to inhale the unusually delicate aroma of pink flowers. They have long been considered here a symbol of awakening spring life, youth, beauty. Five main wishes are contained in a five-leaf flower: longevity, joy, peace, good luck, prosperity.

Learn about the history of sakura, (an amazing Japanese landscape) during a hike through the extraordinary gardens, which are hidden in residential areas of a prestigious area. On the embankment, where mysterious pink trees come to life during the night illumination. The main thing is to be in time: a blooming, “unearthly” paradise lasts about three weeks. By the way, a special cherry blossom forecast has been organized in the country to help plan travel times. You can admire the sakura not only in Tokyo, but also in its environs throughout the day.

City in the lens

A one-day excursion is connected with a visit to the famous Mount Takao. Here, among the virgin forest thickets, half-humans, half-birds or long-nosed mountain inhabitants of the tengu continue to live (as follows from ancient legends). The mysterious temple complex dedicated to these creatures is surrounded by mountain paths next to trees – octopuses (tako – sugi with roots protruding from the ground), unusual vegetation. On one of the trails it is proposed to climb the mountain. Sometimes you can meet the mysterious yama-bushi monks.

According to legend, they were considered invincible warriors who received the art of fighting from the tengu. Now the monks preach shamanism, Buddhism. The panorama of the majestic Mount Fuji lies at a glance and is waiting to be reflected in the numerous lenses of tourists. Lunch is better to take with you in the idea of a simple snack. In a local restaurant, there are often long queues. To descend the mountain, a convenient funicular is available for an additional fee. The cost of the trip includes travel by train to Mount Takao.

Walk through the lower town

The historical site of Tokyo Shitamachi, inhabited much earlier than the capital, has preserved the ancient spirit of Japan, captured not only in the famous ukiyo-e engravings, but also in ancient temples, shrines, museums, parks. The lower city was populated by artisans and merchants. Rich hotels, offices, shopping centers were erected in the Upper City. This part of the capital was completely destroyed by military battles. During the restoration, new reinforced concrete buildings were built on the site of traditional wooden houses. Close, narrow streets have turned into wide highways.

Among the modern stone kingdom, the Japanese have preserved quiet corners of wildlife, places of worship, chapels, pagodas. During a walking tour, it is suggested to see several shrines, Ueno Park, Kanei-ji Temple, Toshogu Shrine. This is the burial place of Ieyasu Tokugawa, preserved from the time of the existence of the city of Ego. The grandson of the founder of the shogunate, Izyasu, built an ensemble of several buildings decorated with beautiful carvings and gold leaf.

The guide will tell you about the Benten-do temple, built on an island in the Shinobatsu pond in honor of the goddess of water, love of children, and wisdom. You can continue your acquaintance with the Lower City by visiting the Tokyo Sky Tree, Japanese baths with healing water, and massage. The cost of the walk does not include the fare, the cost of lunch (about 2000 yen).

Kamakura – city of temples and sea breeze

To plunge into the atmosphere of life in Japan in the 13th century is offered by a trip to the first capital of the military rulers of the shoguns. The city of ancient temples is located on the coast of the ocean, among the picturesque nature. Countless ancient temples, the majestic Daibutsu Buddha statue, the unique tiers of the Japanese garden next to the Hasedera temple ensemble. In the lower area there is a pond, Kannon Hall, 11 the main statue of the deity. The upper tier is filled with the “path of hydrangeas”, sakura, lilies, daffodils.

While visiting the main Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, hear the fascinating history of the era of the Kamakura shogun, the first military headquarters of the Bakufu, exciting legends about the city. At the same time, you can go to the temple along the most beautiful avenue of sakura. The journey is difficult, full of hiking, information and is not recommended for children of primary school age. Now the city is a cozy resort of the country, filled with a sea breeze coming from the water surface of the bay. Travel, the cost of lunch are not taken into account when organizing a trip.

Lion safari and orangutan walks at Tama Zoo

For more than 50 years, one of the zoos in Japan has been a “paradise for animals” brought from different parts of the world. It is located in the town of Hino, an hour's drive from Tokyo. On an area of 52 hectares, divided into four zones (African, Asian Australian), cozy zones for animals have been created, with borders invisible to visitors. It gives the impression of a real journey through the wild. Especially if it takes place in an interesting sightseeing Lion bus (lion bus).

In the African zone, you can easily see formidable lions, striped zebras, lazy kangaroos. Get close to cute, good-natured koalas (actually angry, naughty animals). Look at the sleeping red pandas, snow leopards, Tasmanian devil. Asian elephants. Or how important orangutans walk over the heads of visitors on a special cable car at a height of about 8 m. The attraction is called “Sky Walk” and is located in the Asian zone.

In the fourth zone live different types of insects. The insect house is filled with beautiful rare butterflies. Traveling to the zoo is interesting for families with young children. There are many cozy places to relax and have lunch. Fans of observing the night life of the inhabitants can take part in a nightly themed walk around the zoo in the month of August. Walk, guide stories take almost the whole day. The price does not include travel expenses.

Kawagoe – Journey to Ancient Japan

“Little Edo” is the name of this ancient city, miraculously not destroyed by earthquakes and wars. Until now, on its streets you can see the ancient buildings of merchant houses “kura” with the use of specific methods of protection from fire. And on the bell tower of Toki no Kane, built during the reign of Meiji, the sounds of an old bell are heard 4 times a day. The tower has long been a symbol of Kawagoe. Here you can see many Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, ruins and preserved castles. It is an important historical site in the Kanto region.

During a walk around the city, it is proposed to see the Kita-in temple ensemble with a museum (you can try on samurai clothes there). Admire the Japanese garden, be present during the thousand-year tradition of the ritual lighting of the fire of wish fulfillment, carried out by Buddhist monks. At the end of the walk, along with the guide, you can visit numerous modern shops and choose souvenirs. During tea drinking, listen to interesting historical facts, learn how to write a few simple hieroglyphs. The city can be reached in an hour from Shinjuku Station (ticket price $5).

City tour

An idea of the capital of Japan can be obtained while walking through interesting areas of the city. An experienced guide will tell you about the main sights, history, traditions of the modern metropolis. These include the following places:

Senso-ji. The oldest Buddhist temple will impress with architectural elements, huge decorations in the form of paper lanterns next to the main entrance of the Thunder Gate. A huge hall, five ancient pagodas, a treasury and much more keep the atmosphere of the life of samurai and geishas. During his visit, specific activities are performed (cleansing by washing, clapping hands before prayer, acquiring “fate”).
Tokyo Skytree or the highest TV tower in the world with an observation deck.
Tokyo tower.
Shibuya district or the fashion center of Tokyo.
Shinjuku. The busiest railway station in the world is located in the administrative center of the city.
Tsukiji Market.
Akihabara. The world's largest electronics trading zone.
Traditional Japanese garden
Gindza.
Don't worry.
Ghibli Animation Museum.

At the end of the walk, you can see the Ueno area with numerous temples, museums and walk along the famous alley of eight hundred sakura.

On the green circle of Yamanote-sen

An overview of Tokyo can be made by driving along the JR Yamanote-sen Circle Line. There are many attractions of the country here. It is suggested to see the following places:

Shinjuku-ku area. A visit to the observation deck of the city hall opens the panorama of the city. In the building you can get acquainted with the sculptural works of Kenzo Tenge. At the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the guide will talk about the role of Emperor Mutsuhito in the grandiose transformations in the country.
Tokyo Station.
Imperial Palace.
Ueno. The place is considered the first public park in the country, having appeared in 1868. On the site of fierce battles, the grave of samurai with a monument to the last of them has been preserved. Walking along the alley of stone lanterns, examining the Benzaiten shrine and Tosho-gu, you can listen with interest to the story of the legendary warriors of Japan. In summer, you can see the realm of blooming lotuses on the ponds of the park.
Ameyoko dori shopping street.

The walk is done on foot and by public transport. The fare is paid by yourself. Including tickets for the guide, lunch at the restaurant.

Don't say “great” until you see Nikko

Traveling to the city of pilgrims is considered a must when traveling to Tokyo. It's beautiful here all year round. The main landmark of Nikko is the “Sacred Bridge” or red “Shinkyo”, sparkling with varnish and created by two snakes according to an ancient legend of Japan. Interesting information about the magnificent town of Nikko can be found while visiting its sights:

Tokyo you're waiting for

The idea of a country developing in its own unusual (long-closed) way is created long before the trip. And you always want to feel in reality the life of beautiful geishas, brave samurai and all the secrets hidden in temples, pagodas of amazing, unfamiliar architecture. Thanks to an organized walk, accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide, you can discover Tokyo, plunge into the rhythm of the modern metropolis. Understand his past and present life.

The journey begins along the most expensive street in the world, Ginza. Namely, here in ancient times they sold luxurious kimonos, and now modern boutiques, shops, restaurants sparkle with bright shop windows. The windows of the Kabuki theater, considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Japan, also shimmer with lights of multi-colored lamas. You can look at the city, Tokyo Bay from the Rainbow Bridge, the Ferris wheel of Odaiba Island. In addition, travel by public transport, tickets to museums, places of panoramic points, visits to cafes are paid.

Journey to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

The ideal shape of the mountain, covered with legends, which has become a favorite place for climbing, attracts attention during a trip around the country. A dormant volcano rises among beautiful natural places. Ancient cedars are reflected in the amazingly clear water of the mountain lakes, guarding the country's unique hot springs in the Owakudani Boiling Valley. You can see this beauty, hear interesting stories about the many sights nearby, during a day trip to Fuji National Park. Among them are the following places:

Travel allows you to create the image of a country with an untouched civilization that exists next to a modern metropolis. Tickets are purchased for all viewing platforms, cable car, lunch in a cafe on the spot. The trip to beautiful places begins from the nearest city, agreed in advance.

According to the places of the founder of the Buddhist school Nichiren-shu

The famous legacy of Nichiren's teachings is the idea of non-violence, equality of conditions for men and women for a life without suffering. Many teachings of Buddhist schools are based on it, ancient temples for its preaching have been preserved. The famous preacher found his last refuge on this earth on his way to the hot springs of the Ikegami Honmonji, Ota-ku, Shinagawa districts.

Numerous statues of Nichiren, thousands of lanterns, altars with figures of sacred foxes adorn this path. During the hike, it is proposed to listen to the history of the Temple of the Five Buddhas, the truth about the life of the enlightened Buddha Nichiren. Such an acquaintance helps to form a correct idea of the traditions, experience of another nation that has created a successful country with great achievements in various economic sectors.

The best views of the city and the world of Japanese photography

Once in Tokyo, I want to start taking pictures of everything, and then take a long time to systematize the original pictures. You can make this process easier together with a guide leading to the most interesting, unique places of the capital, acquaintance with the Tokyo Museum of Photography, cult photographs of Japan. The great masters of photography (Tadahiko Hayashi, Haruo Tomiyama Hiromi Tsuchida, Shihachi Fujimoto) were able to present the country from an unusual angle, from non-standard angles.

In their footsteps, you can take pictures in a Japanese garden, ancient alleys among walls with unexpected graffiti, from the height of observation decks of modern buildings, next to an unusual cherry blossom or lotus flower. At the end of the trip, you are invited to drink tea, taste delicious Japanese cuisine in a famous photographic cafe. There are many albums, textbooks on photography in Japan. If you wish, you can use the services of a specialist in photography for a memorable photo session. Its cost is 150 €.