Volunteer and free tour guides in Japan
Many prefer to travel alone and make their own routes, because booking a tour guide can be very expensive. Did you know that it is possible to get a free tourist guide in Japan? There are hundreds of volunteer guides and free organizations that would be happy to guide your trip. In this article, we are going to talk about how you can find these free tourist guides.
The volunteers are Japanese who want to use and train their foreign language skills to tell the world about their enchanting country. Many have pre-defined routes and group tours, while others are quite flexible and can even follow your itinerary. That is, it is even possible to find a personal tour guide. And they really are completely free, sometimes some just ask you to pay for train tickets, food or entrance to certain places.
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Volunteer tour guide groups
There are several groups with the objective of guiding tourists for free throughout Japan; One of the most popular is the TKG (Tokyo Free Guide) . A voluntary non-profit organization started in 2004 to help foreign visitors experience Japanese culture and local customs. There are more than 350 members in this organization, in addition to Japanese some speak English, Spanish, Italian and French. There are guides of all types and ages, from students to retirees, who can talk about music, anime, pop culture, traditional and others.
As most volunteers are retired, sometimes you don't have to pay for train passes. They also usually have free access to tourist places like some castles and museums. Some volunteers, like the ones at Matsumoto Castle, will jump in front of you when you show up at the site, offering to guide you for free. By contacting a group of volunteers online to make your reservation, you will likely meet your tour guide via email, he will introduce himself and tell you a little about himself. Then he'll set up a meeting place, some even show up at your hotel.
Possibly you will make a great friendship with your volunteer tour guide, you may feel like giving him a gift, but some will not accept it for reasons of honor and etiquette.
List of volunteer groups
Below we will share a list of voluntary organizations that serve as tour guides in different parts of Japan. We recommend doing research on these organizations and places in order to book your tour guide. Unfortunately most guides are only available in Japanese and English, other popular languages are Chinese, Korean and Spanish.
The ones between / are different organizations, but we decided to leave them on the same line to save space. You can google other organizations using the name of the city you want to visit, with related English words like SGG and Goodwill Guide . Some groups of volunteers are more specific, determining only the area or tourist spot in which they serve as a guide.
- Edo Tokyo Guide Group / Shinagawa SGG Club;
- The Japanese Red Cross Language Service Volunteers;
- Tokyo Free Walking Tour /Â Tokyo Free Guide;
- Tokyo International Student Guide / TOKYO SGG CLUB;
- Odawara Hakone Systematized Goodwill Guide Club
- Niigata - DSI Volunteer Guide;
- Ishikawa - Kanazawa Goodwill Guide Network;
- Fukui - Fukui Phoenix SGG
- Hokkaido â Furano Ski Host / Hakodate Goodwill Guide Association;
- Iwate - Hirazumi Goodwill Guides Morioka Goodwill Guides;
- Miyagi â Matsushima Goodwill Guides / Miyagi Goodwill Guide Club;
- Fukushima Aizu Wakamatsu International Association;
- Ibaraki - Chinone Group / Chiyoda Circle / COSMO ECHO;
- Tochigi - Nikko SGG Club;
- Gunma - Friday club
- Saitama - The Kawagoe English Walkers
- Kashiwa Goodwill Guide Association / Nagareyama SGG
- Goodwill Guide on Kyoto Handicraft & Historical Sites;
- Kyoto (East) S.G.G.Club / Sakura Volunteer Guide Club;
- Osaka Tenma Yomiuri SGG Club;
- Nara YMCA Goodwill Guides / NPO Nara Guide Club
- Hiroshima - Hiroshima SGG club
Already looking for your free Japan tour guide?
For a complete and detailed list, visit this site. In addition to volunteer tour guides, some Japanese also offer their homes as homestay free of charge. Hope you enjoyed this article. We appreciate the comments and shares. We also recommend reading:
- Homestay in Japan - Hosting with a family
- How to get a tourist visa for Japan?
- Why is Japan the best country to travel alone?
- Trip to Japan - Hamamatsu, airplanes, yakiniku, and onsen
To complement, let's leave another video of our friend Santana:
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Top 5 Free Tour Guide Services in Japan
Just about to book that expensive tour guide to show you around Japan? No need! There are hundreds of free volunteer guides across the country. Here are our top groups and organizations!
1. Goodwill Guides
http://goodsamaritanclub.org/
These volunteers are Japanese people who want use their foreign language skills to tell the world about this lovely country. Some have pre-defined routes and tours that you can join, while others are more flexible. If you're lucky you may even get a guide just to yourself! You're expected to pay for any travel or admission fees, as well as food if you eat together. The JNTO has an extensive list of volunteer groups, with at least one in each major city or tourist spot. Check the link below.
- www.jnto.go.jp
2. Matsumoto Castle Volunteer Guides
The super-helpful, super-nice guides at Matsumoto Castle will jump off the seats in their little stall inside the entrance to see if you want to be guided around for free. You canât miss them!
3. Kimi Information Center
https://www.kimiwillbe.com/guide/
This well-known company in Tokyo helps foreigners in various ways, but this is their best offering for budget travelers. Their English school students can take you around Tokyo, so you get a guide who's very eager to show you some cool places and provide lots of interesting information. More details here . Need more? Check out two more free guide options at Super Cheap Japan below!
Read full story: www.supercheapjapan.com
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Japan Free Volunteer Tour Guides
Japan Free Volunteer Tour Guides Best Info Video & Links. Enjoy this terrific program in Japan. Absolutely free, Many Japanese want to practice their English, meet International friends & make a positive contribution with their time. Thus the fabulous Japan Free Volunteer Tour Guides programs were launched.
Watch our Video. Meet some of Japan's Free Volunteer Tour Guides & see the program in action.
Tokyo Volunteer Tour Guides aren't just for Sightseeing day trips to Temples. You'll also find Tokyo Free guides happy to show you around the Japanese nightlife & social scene. Japanese are very friendly, sociable, ready to laugh & have fun. Especially if there is drinking involved.
There are various Free Volunteer Guides programs throughout Japan. We're highlighting the most popular ones that we have personal experience with as Tokyo Free Volunteer Tour Guides programs:
TokyoFreeGuide.org
Tokyo free Guide. Very big and established. They even have day tours and 2 or 3 hour walking tours arranged on a regular schedule.
GoTokyoGuideServices.org
Go Tokyo. Very well organized & popular. we like that they have planned Routes, Meeting points, Times etc.
JapanNationalTourismOrg.VolunteerTourGuides
JNTO. All types and ages. Very nice, cool people.
Also a big program. Might be a pseudo official program organized by the Japan Tourism board. Excellent in that they have Guides in many areas throughout Japan. Thus as you travel to Osaka or Kyoto they'll have guides ready to spend time with you.
Tokyo Student Guide Group (Facebook Page)
Student guides. They use a facebook page. Students for students. Very popular with people in their 20's. Absolutely make friends for life type of guides. They are very likely to be traveling through your country someday soon also.
KimiWillbe.com
Kimi WillBe is our favorite Tokyo free volunteer tour guide program. It's an English teaching school for Japanese people. The volunteer tour guides are the Japanese students wanting to practice their English. Truly great people. All types & Ages. Great for night time fun in Tokyo. Nice to have a real local friend to show you around, Karaoke with & roll like a local.
Japan Free Volunteer Tour Guides Best Info Video & Links Blog.
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A Guide to the Best Free Walking Tours in Tokyo
- Lucy Dayman
Tokyo is a labyrinth of a city made up from what feels like hundreds of other tinier cities. This layout means two things; first - thereâs a lot of ground to cover, and second - no matter what corner you turn, thereâs always something new to discover. This makes walking around on foot one of the best options available. If youâre looking for a little guidance and you donât have a lot to spend on getting around, Tokyo has plenty of free, volunteer-run tour companies, run by locals who are more than happy to show you their side of the city. These are some of the best.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Tokyo Free Guide
Tokyo Free Guide is one of the most popular of all the free tour options. It's popular because it offers custom tours, but you do have to reserve. The company has over 500 volunteer guides on their books and every single one of them is at least bilingual with Spanish, Italian, and French being the most common languages after English. TFG is best suited to those who may have a specific niche or interest and want to learn about it further. Whether it's anime, fashion, food, Japanese history or something else within Japan, there's undoubtedly a TFG volunteer that's more than eager to show you around. While the service of the guide is free, guests are expected to pick up the bill if there are any admission, food, or transport fees during the tour. The company often receives more requests than they have available guides. So if you don't want to miss out, book via the website around four to six weeks before arriving in Tokyo.
Tokyo Localized
For a tour that’s a little more structured, Tokyo Localized’s walking tours are an option. These tours, run by Tokyo locals, cover all the tourist-centric bases and are an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the city. Tokyo Localized’s flagship tour takes guests around Tokyo’s geek center Akihabara, the historic and museum populated neighborhood of Ueno, Tokyo’s old black market Ameyoko Shopping Arcade, and to Kanda Myojin Shrine, where you can pray for good luck, prosperity, and marriage. The company currently offers four other tour packages, covering youth fashion hubs Shibuya and Harajuku, the vibrant inner-city neighborhood of Shinjuku, and the historic streets of Asakusa. They also offer night walking tours too. Tours are only run in English, and because they’ve all been pre-designed, there’s no room for customizations. To join one, sign up via the booking form online around two weeks in advance.
Go Tokyo Guides
Go Tokyo, run by the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau is a tourist service. It not only has one of the most detailed Tokyo travel websites out there, but they also offer pre-planned free tours. There are 13 tour routes available, but not all of them are free. The Shinjuku Walking Tour is one of the free options, and it’s a perfect way to catch all the action happening in this fast-paced corner of the city. The tour route takes guests from the busy shopping district to the undergrounds department stores, to Shinjuku’s Hanazono Shrine, and finally stops at Kabuki-cho to say hello to Godzilla. Group maximum is five people per tour, so book as far in advance as you can to avoid missing out.
Shinagawa SGG Goodwill Guide
If you’re looking to see a different side of the city, then exploring Shinagawa is a great way to do it. The area isn’t known for being a tourist destination, but it has plenty of hidden attractions, like the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, the lush Gotenyama Gardens, and for photography fans the Nikon Museum. For more secretive Shinagawa gems, be sure to read our feature on the 20 places to visit in the area . The Shinagawa SGG Goodwill Guide is a volunteer group of Shinagawa locals eager to showcase the best-hidden gems this corner of the city has to offer. While the company does have Shinagawa in the name, they also offer custom style tours for visitors on the hunt for something a little more specific. The tour is free, but guests are expected to cover the expenses, including food, admission fees, and travel. To secure a guide, visit the website, click ‘how to apply’ then download the application form, fill it out and email it to [email protected] .
Tokyo Free Walking Tour
The team at Tokyo Free Walking Tour offer three tour packages: The Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine and Harajuku. One of the main benefits of this company is that guests don’t have to book in advance. Check out the tour calendar on the website and turn up to the site in time for the tour, and you’ll be able to join the crew. The company’s flagship tour is the Imperial Palace East Gardens tour. It runs every Saturday and meets at Tokyo Station before cruising around the Imperial Palace before stopping off at the remains of the Edo Castle. For more information on previous tours or what to expect, visit the company’s Facebook page.
Tokyo SGG Club
The Tokyo SGG Club launched back in 1983 and since then has continued to offer the best and warmest hospitality Tokyo has to offer. The company offers tours through the city’s more traditional tourist spots like Asakusa, Ueno Park Area, The Imperial Palace East Gardens Area Tour and the Yanaka area. The locations of choice make it a great option for those wanting to learn more about the history of the city and traditional Japanese culture. The way to book a tour is by visiting one of the service centers listed on the company’s website. From there you can chat with one of the volunteers at the front desk and gather some valuable travel information while you book a tour.
Tour Guides: The Key to the City's Secret Side
Tokyo is so full of hidden delights, under-the-radar attractions, and fascinating stories to learn. But to really go beyond the regular tourist attractions and see just how this city works, there's nothing more valuable than speaking to a local tour guide. Tokyo tour guides know the city's secret sides better than everyone else, and they're more than happy to let you in. All these tours are free, but experiencing the city like a regular Tokyoite is truly priceless.
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Our Picks for the Best Tokyo Walking Tours
A walking tour in the land of high speed bullet trains? Hear us out: walking tours are a great way to get to know Tokyo — it’s local side, that is. And unlike bus tours , walking tours tend to be smaller, meaning a more personal experience.
As you pound the pavement you’ll catch glimpses of everyday Japanese life, pass cute little shops, and get a more intimate feel for the city. Sold? What if we told you that there are all kinds of tours — from culture explorations to Tokyo food tours and fully customizable options. Excellent, now you’re on board. Read on for a curated list of the best Tokyo walking tours, arranged by interest.
Most of these tours are small group tours, so you might even make some friends or travel buddies while you’re at it.
Tokyo history and culture tours
Tokyo has a fascinating history , and a deeper understanding can enrich the experience of being here. You’re also sure to learn a thing or two about Japanese culture .
These walking tours hit up some of the most interesting historic districts in Tokyo. Your expert guides will soon be filling your head with knowledge that you can use to impress everyone back home.
Yanaka neighborhood walking tour
¥ 11,000 per person (for two people booking together) 3.5 hours in the morning or afternoon Book here
If you want a taste of old school Tokyo, this is the tour for you. Yanaka is a neighborhood in central Tokyo near Ueno Park . Itâs rarely on touristsâ radars, which is unfortunate because itâs such a charming area.
This walking tour will take you through the neighborhood, visiting temples and even a famous cemetery. Your guide will share information about Yanaka and its history, which stretches back to the Edo Period (1603 to 1867).
Yanaka walking tour details
- Maximum tour size: 10 people
- Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 18,000
There are also discounts for groups, as the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 10,000 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 9,500 , and so on.
Asakusa history walking tour
¥ 14,000 per adult (for groups of 2â8 people) 3.5 hours in the morning Book here
Asakusa is on everyoneâs bucketlist when they visit Tokyo — and for a good reason. This area has the traditional (though commercialized) vibes that you might expect to find in Kyoto .
Exploring the area as part of a tour means that youâll really come to understand the history of SensĆji , Asakusa’s famous temple, and Nakamise , the historic shopping street at the temple’s entrance.
And of course, you’ll learn how to visit a Japanese temple so you can be respectful during your visit.
Asakusa walking tour details
- Maximum tour size: 8 people
- Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 14,000
- Group discounts? No, the price per person is same for groups of 2â8 people
Shinagawa and Old TĆkaidĆ Road walking tour
¥ 10,000 per adult (for two people booking together) 3 hours in the morning or afternoon Book here
This is another part of Tokyo you might not know about, but that is also steeped in history. Shinagawa is in the southern part of central Tokyo and — as youâll learn on your tour — was an important place on the Old TĆkaidĆ Road .
This tour will take you through the back streets to historical sites, and some really local places. It also includes complementary hot drinks.
Shinagawa walking tour details
- Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 15,000
There are also discounts for groups, as the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 9,500 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 8,500 , and so on.
Tokyo food and drink tours
Foodies love Tokyo and for good reason — it’s the city with the most Michelin Star restaurants in the world afterall. But with all the hype comes the problem of choosing where to eat. Thatâs where these food and drink tours come in. No more falling for tourist trap restaurants and bars, these walking tours will take you to where the locals eat and drink.
Tsukiji Fish Market food and culture walking tour
¥ 13,525 per adult 3 hours in the morning Book here
If youâre a fan of seafood this oneâs for you. Tsukiji Fish Market was once the home of the world famous tuna auctions, and while the auction has moved to Toyosu Fish Market , Tsukiji still has the charm and liveliness that made it so popular.
This tour will hit up all the best places, and of course all food on the tour is included!
Tsukiji Market walking tour details
- Maximum tour size: 20 people
- The price is the same no matter your party size
Bar hopping night tour in Shinjuku
¥ 14,500 per adult 3 hours in the evening Book here
Want to check out Tokyoâs bar scene instead? This tour takes place in Shinjuku , a westside Tokyo district that’s a popular shopping and entertainment district.
But youâre here for the bars. Youâll visit some real hole-in-the-wall type places tucked in narrow alleys called yokochĆ .
Youâll visit three izakaya and like any good food tour, food and drinks are included. And don’t worry: izakaya are just as known for their food as for their drinks, so you won’t go hungry.
Shinjuku night tour tour details
- The price is the same no matter your party size.
Special interest tours: Anime, architecture, and ghosts
Tokyo really has something for everyone, as these special interest tours can attest. Weâve got a tour of Akihabara for the anime fans, Ueno Park for architecture aficionados, and Shitamachi if you like a good ghost tour.
Akihabara anime and games tour
¥ 1,200 per adult 3 hours in the morning or afternoon Book here
Gamers and anime fans will have heard of Akihabara — the Tokyo neighborhood that is the go-to destination for all things geeky and nerdy. This tour will take you to all the best spots, including a retro game arcade, a photo booth, and even a maid cafĂ© .
Akihabara anime tour details
- Includes maid café entry fee and one drink
- Also included: purikura (photo booth) photo session
Ueno Park architecture tour
¥ 17,000 per adult (for two people booking together) 3 hours in the morning or afternoon Book here
Any architecture nerds out there? There are lots of things to do in Ueno Park , but itâs also an architectural hotspot. Throughout the park are fantastic works of 20th century architecture, and on this private tour you wonât miss a single one.
The tour finishes at the Tokyo National Museum , which is also interesting from an architectural standpoint. After the tour, you’re free to explore the museum.
Ueno Park architecture tour details
- Includes admission to the Tokyo National Museum (a value of ¥ 1,000 )
- Private tour (only your party)
- Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 24,000 .
There are also discounts for groups, as the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 13,000 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 12,000 , and so on.
Shitamachi ghost tour
¥ 21,000 per adult (for two people booking together) 3 hours in the evening Book here
Is Halloween your favourite time of the year? Then you might want to check out this spooky Tokyo ghost tour.
Your guide will take you to spots in three neighborhoods: Ćtemachi , Minami Senju , and Asakusa — all while regaling you with stories of ghosts and spirits that are sure to give you goosebumps. Youâll even learn about some Japanese folklore and monsters while youâre at it.
Shitamachi ghost tour details
- Solo bookings? Yes, single travelers can book a spot for ¥ 40,000 .
- Group discounts? Yes, the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 16,000 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 13,000 , and so on.
There are also discounts for groups, as the price per person goes down as the number of people booking goes up. For example, if you book for three people the cost is ¥ 16,000 per person, for four people it’s ¥ 13,500 , and so on.
Customizable tours
None of the above tours quite doing it for you? Maybe you have a few very specific locations in mind. Then you might want to consider a customized tour instead.
This way you have full control over where you go but still get the knowledge of an expert guide. You also won’t have to share your guide with other travelers.
Full-day private tour: Choice of 3â4 sites
¥ 42,000 per group (up to five adults) 8 hours Book here
This full day tour allows you to choose three to four sites to visit from a list of recommendations. However, depending on the attractions you choose, it might not be a “walking tour” in the purest sense. Instead, you may have to use public transport or taxis to move between locations, and the cost is not covered in the tour price, so keep this in mind.
Full-day or half-day private tour: Fully customizable
¥ 25,700 / ¥ 36,500 per adult (for two people booking together) half-day/full day 4 hours (half-day)/8 hours (full day) Book here
If you’d prefer full control over your tour, then this is the one for you. Not only can you choose between a half- or full-day tour, but you can discuss your perfect day with the operator. They will then arrange an itinerary for you, which can even include entry fees to your chosen attractions and lunch if you choose the full-day tour.
The prices quoted above are for tours that use public transport option traveling between sights. There is also a pricier option that includes private vehicle transfers between attractions, but this is much more expensive.
The price for all options does scale down as group size increases. For example, if you can pull together 8 people, you can do a full-day customizable tour using public transport for just ¥ 15,300 per person.
Completely custom tours with Anytimes
From ¥ 1,500 /hour From 1 hour Book here
Another option is to get a completely customized tour through Japan skill-sharing app Anytimes . Rather than choose from limited options, you can choose your guide, the length, and the locations that you’d like to check out. If you don’t know where to go, you can also give the provider your criteria and they’ll create a tour for you.
Free Tokyo walking tours
If you’d rather save your hard-earned cash for bowls of ramen and souvenir shopping, fear not. There are a number of groups offering free (or free-ish) walking tours of Tokyo. Read on to see what’s on offer.
Tokyo Free Walking Tour
Tokyo Free Walking Tour , an organization of licensed local guides and interpreters, offers free tours around Tokyo. The guides are English speaking volunteers who want to build positive relationships between Japan and foreign countries by sharing their knowledge of Japanese history and culture with visitors.
Explore any of these areas under their expert guidance:
- Imperial Palace East Gardens, for learning about the days of the ShĆgun in Tokyo .
- Asakusa , to see the famous temple, Senso-ji, and other local spots.
- Harajuku along with the shrine, Meiji Jingƫ .
- Ueno Park , including the park’s historic shrines and temples.
The length of the tours vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours. To join, reserve your spot on their website.
Tokyo SGG Club Tours
Tokyo SGG Club is another volunteer group running walking tours in a number of Tokyo neighborhoods. SGG stands for “Systematic Goodwill Guide,” and volunters hold regularly scheduled walking tours at the following:
They also offer English guided tours of Shitamachi Museum and ASAKURA Museum of Sculpture .
Tokyo Localized
Started by a traveler with a love for tour guiding, this site has various free and paid tours that visit different Tokyo neighborhoods including night tours. They also have a private tour option that allows you to personalize your itinerary.
The most interesting option, however, is probably the Shinjuku Night Tour, which takes you through KabukichĆ , Omoide-YokochĆ , and Godzilla Road before winding up in Golden Gai . An ideal way to explore a sketchy part of town, this tour meets up at the Shinjuku Tourist Information Center.
Reservations for all tours can be made via their website. Also know that unlike some of the other groups on this list, Tokyo Localized encourages you to tip your guides.
Frequently asked questions
How much do walking tours in Tokyo cost?
The price of a guided walking tour in Tokyo can vary a lot. There are free options, run by volunteers. Meanwhile, a specialist tour might cost something like ¥ 20,000 per person.
On average, expect to pay about ¥ 10,000 per person (for two people booking together). While most tours will accept booking from solo travelers, unfortunately you’ll be paying almost the same as two people booking together. Groups, on the other hand, can take advantage of sliding scale rates that bring down the per person cost.
Expect to pay more like ¥ 12,000 â ¥ 15,000 if food and drink is included. Private and customized tours will be more expensive.
Are walking tours worth it?
Yes. Despite its size, Tokyo is a very pedestrian friendly city. And wandering around neighborhoods on foot is one of the best ways to experience it. By joining a tour, youâre guaranteed an experience with a knowledgeable local guide — who can point out things you might have missed by yourself.
Are walking tours a good way to avoid crowds?
In short, it depends. During peak tourist seasons, basically everywhere will be crowded — thereâs almost no way to avoid it. But, there are tours that are more niche and therefore take you to place away from the main tourist spots.
Should you tip your guides?
Tipping is not common practice in Japan — guides will generally not expect it. However, some tour companies (especially the free ones) might encourage you to tip the guides, so follow their guidelines on this.
Do Tokyo tour guides speak English?
All the tours weâve recommended have English speaking guides. In some cases, there are also options to request guides who speak other languages too.
We do our best to make sure all the information in this post is correct, but, like everything in life, it’s subject to change. Originally published in May, 2014. Last updated in March 2023 by Maria Danuco.
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- Sightseeing
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See Tokyo From A Local Perspective
Day and night walking tours of tokyo.
Day & Night Walking Tours of Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the most intriguing cities in world and our walking tours will show you why. You will learn about the old and new Tokyo, the food, religion, history and culture.
Best Activities in Japan
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Featured Walking Tours
A selection of our favourite Tokyo Walking Tours
Yanaka Walking Tour Tokyo
During the Yanaka tour, you will experience the good old days of Tokyo. Here are some traditional wooden temples and houses which survived WW2. You...
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Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour
During the Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food tour, you will experience the histories about sushi and the stories about world's biggest fish market. We will walk around...
Daily: 09:30
2 Hours 30 Minutes
Shinjuku Kabukicho Night Tour
During the Tokyo Night Walking Tour Shinjuku Kabukicho, you will experience the craziest part of Tokyo nightlife, Japanese drinking culture...
Flagship Walking Tour of Tokyo
During the Free Walking Tour of Tokyo, you will get to experience both New and Old Tokyo;Â its food, culture, history and religion. This tour covers all that...
Shinjuku Night Walking Tour
During the Shinjuku Night Free Walking Tour, you will experience the craziest part of Tokyo nightlife and the Japanese drinking culture - see the Red Light...
Asakusa Walking Tour
During this Asakusa Walking Tour of Tokyo, you will get to experience the story of the oldest temple in Tokyo, and the people of Japan. This tour covers the must...
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Discover japan travel, know before you go with our guides, browse our event calendar for things to do, travel agency, concierge services and tours, destinations, find where to go in japan, featured on japan travel.
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Iwatayama Monkey Park
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Hirosaki: Full Bloom
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Below, you can view and download PDFs of selected brochures recommended for travellers from Australia and New Zealand. For PDF maps and brochures for other parts of Japan, made by JNTO and by our partners, view our digital brochure library .
We can also post hard-copy brochures and maps within Australia and New Zealand*. If you are looking for some information on a specific region or city, please contact us using our online form . Please make sure you include your mailing address within Australia or New Zealand. Please note that not all brochures in the above brochure library are available as hard copies.
Japan Official Visitorâs Guide
A 61-page comprehensive travel guide on Japan overall. Includes information on Japanâs regional areas, food, accommodation, attractions and all you need to know when planning a trip to Japan for the first time.
View / Download PDF (7.8MB)
Hard copies available.
- Tourist Map of Japan Â
- Tokyo & VicinityÂ
- Tourist Map of Tokyo
- Fuji, Hakone, Kamakura, Nikko travel guide (side trips from Tokyo)Â
- Kyoto & Nara travel guide
- Tourist Map of Kyoto & Nara
Explore Deeper: Sustainable Travel Experiences in Japan
Discover sustainable travel experiences that will give you a deeper understanding of Japanese customs rooted in respect for and a deep connection to the natural world in our brand-new 58-page guide. (Launched in 2022!)
View / Download PDF (33MB)
*No hard copies available.
Eat Japan: An essential guide to this culinary hot spot
A must-have 16-page guide on the incredible culinary experiences that await any hungry (and thirsty!) explorer to the land of the rising sun.
View / Download PDF (28MB)
Limited hard copies available.
The Luxury of Experience
Take a look at our 16-page guide 'The Luxury of Experience', bringing Japan to you through the colourful tapestry of history, culture, gastronomy and so much more.
View / Download PDF (2MB)
Japan: Where Luxury Comes to Life
This brand-new 50-page brochure introduces highlights across the country. Discover gastronomic experiences, natural wonders, tradition & heritage and arts & culture; find new ways to travel in style and pamper yourself at luxury accommodations. (Launched in 2022!)
View / Download PDF (32MB)
Japan Ski & Snow Guide
The excellent powder snow is world renowned, but itâs also just the start. Explore trips for families, couples, and solo-skiing in our 24-page travel brochure covering the ski terrains of Hokkaido, Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata. Whether youâre looking for culture, adventure or a scenic getaway, Japan has you covered.
View / Download PDF (5MB)
Educational Tours to Japan
Are you a school teacher thinking of organising a school tour to Japan? Or a student studying Japanese and thinking of joining a school tour to Japan? If so, this brochure is for you. The brochure introduces some of Japanâs regional areas, educational attractions and activities, information on home-stay and school exchange and case studies.
View / Download PDF (30MB)
Hard copies available for teachers and educational professionals.
Touristâs Language Handbook
The Touristâs Language Handbook is a point-and-speak practical handbook of useful phrases designed to help tourists in Japan communicate with Japanese people better.
View / Download PDF (846 KB)
Japan Anime Map
Your guide to the world of otaku (geek) culture. Includes event information, shopping guide, museums, theme parks and anime filming locations.
View / Download PDF
*Out of print - no hard copies available.
JNTO Partner Brochures - Travel Brochures Library
View and download digital brochures from JNTO Partners, including those from a variety of prefectures across Japan.
View digital brochure library
Please Choose Your Language
Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages
INIGO CIA DA RIVA / Stocksy United
Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient traditions fuse with modern life, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.
Experience the real Japan. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.
Attractions
Must-see attractions.
Fuji Five Lakes
Fuji-san is among Japan's most revered and timeless attractions, the inspiration for generations of poets and the focus of countless artworks. Hundreds ofâŠ
Tokyo National Museum
Ueno & Yanesen
If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, includingâŠ
A still, serene and deeply moving place, Nagasaki's Peace Park commemorates the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945, which reduced theâŠ
Nishiki Market
Downtown Kyoto
The covered Nishiki Market (Nishiki-kĆji Ichiba) is one of Kyotoâs real highlights, especially if you have an interest in cooking and dining. CommonlyâŠ
Ghibli Museum
This museum is the heart of the Studio Ghibli world, a beloved (even 'adored') film studio responsible for classic, critically-acclaimed animated titlesâŠ
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
Golden Gai â a Shinjuku institution for over half a century â is a collection of tiny bars, often literally no bigger than a closet and seating maybe aâŠ
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
Rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world (and definitely in Japan), Shibuya Crossing is like a giant beating heart, sending people in allâŠ
Cup Noodles Museum
This impressively slick attraction is dedicated to, you guessed it, cup noodles. But in reality, its focus is more broad, with numerous exhibitionsâŠ
Top picks from our travel experts
24 of the best experiences in japan.
Shirara-hama
Kii Peninsula
Shirahama's main beach is famous for its white sand â though what's there now was imported from Perth in the '90s, as the original sand was lost toâŠ
Southern Higashiyama
Michelin-starred chef Murata serves some of the finest kaiseki in the city. Located in a hidden nook near Maruyama-kĆen, this restaurant has everythingâŠ
This is one of Tokyo's better kaiten-sushi (conveyor-belt sushi restaurants), with fish sourced daily from the fish market in Numazu (south of Tokyo onâŠ
Toyosu Market
Odaiba & Tokyo Bay
In 2018, Tokyo's central wholesale market moved from its iconic Tsukiji location to this new facility in Toyosu, a structure clearly dreamed up byâŠ
Matsuo-jinja
Hiroshima Region
A ShintĆ shrine dedicated to the god of sake. Sake is brewed here every year in the lead-up to SaijĆ Sake Matsuri. It's a five-minute walk north of SaijoâŠ
Tsukiji Market
Ginza & Tsukiji
Tokyo's main wholesale market may have moved to Toyosu, but there are many reasons to visit its old home. The tightly packed rows of vendors (which onceâŠ
Izumo Taisha
Western Honshƫ
Izumo Taisha, also known as Izumo Ćyashiro, is perhaps the oldest ShintĆ shrine in Japan. This shrine, dedicated to Ćkuninushi, god of marriage andâŠ
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto Station & South Kyoto
With seemingly endless arcades of vermilion torii (shrine gates) spread across a thickly wooded mountain, this vast shrine complex is a world unto its ownâŠ
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Nagano Region
Pleasant in winter when shrouded in snow but less appealing when seasonally bare, Jigokudani Monkey Park is wildly popular. Made famous by the 1992 filmâŠ
Art House Project
In Honmura, half a dozen traditional buildings have been turned over to contemporary artists to use as the setting for creative installations, oftenâŠ
Tokyo Character Street
From Doraemon to Hello Kitty and Pikachu, Japan knows kawaii (cute) and how to merchandise it. In the basement on the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station, some 15âŠ
Northwest Kyoto
Youâve probably seen a picture of the rock garden here â itâs one of the symbols of Kyoto and one of Japanâs better-known sights. RyĆan-ji belongs to theâŠ
Dazaifu Tenman-gƫ
Among the countless visitors to the grand, sprawling Tenman-gĆ« â shrine and burial place of poet-scholar Tenman Tenjin â are students making offerings andâŠ
Kyoto's famed 'Golden Pavilion', Kinkaku-ji is one of Japan's best-known sights. The main hall, covered in brilliant gold leaf, shining above itsâŠ
Gion is the famous entertainment and geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-gawa. While Gionâs true origins were in teahouses catering to wearyâŠ
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The main building of Hiroshima's premier museum houses a collection of items salvaged from the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The displays are confrontingâŠ
A long-time (in club years, at least) club-scene fixture, Womb is a reliable good night out on a Friday or Saturday if you want to lose yourself in theâŠ
Pokémon Cafe
PokĂ©mon fans will find it hard to pass on this chance to sample Pikachu-themed food and drink, made with classic kyara-ben (character bentĆ) techniques âŠ
Yellow Pumpkin
This yellow pumpkin sculpture, by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, has become a symbol of Naoshima. It's perched on the end of a small jetty. Pumpkins areâŠ
Highly photogenic DĆtombori is the city's liveliest night spot and the centre of the southern part of town. Its name comes from the 400-year-old canal,âŠ
Hirosaki-jĆ
Aomori Prefecture
At the heart of Hirosaki-kĆen lie the ancient remains of this castle, originally constructed in 1611. Rather tragically, only 16 years after it was builtâŠ
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Occupying a verdant swath of Hakone hillside is this unmissable art safari, leading visitors past a rich array of 19th- and 20th-century sculptures andâŠ
Himeji-jĆ is Japan's most magnificent castle, built in 1580 by general Toyotomi Hideyoshi and one of only a few original castles from that era (most areâŠ
Karato Ichiba
A highlight of a trip to Shimonoseki is an early-morning visit to the Karato fish market. It's a great opportunity to try sashimi for breakfast or lunch,âŠ
Churei-tĆ Pagoda
One of the classic Fuji postcard views has this five-tiered red pagoda in the foreground surrounded by cherry blossoms. It's actually a war memorial,âŠ
Taikodani-Inari-jinja
Within walking distance of town, this thriving shrine, built in 1773 by the seventh lord Kamei Norisada, is one of the five major Inari shrines in JapanâŠ
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.
Best Things to Do
From classic Japanese food and sights to local favorites and under-the-radar trends, these are 24 of the most inspiring experiences in Japan.
Things to Know
Be ready for a visit to Japan with these tips on health, safety and etiquette.
Transportation
With its myriad islands, towering mountains and megacities, Japan can be a daunting destination to get around. We've got everything you need to know.
Visa Requirements
From mystic mountains to mighty megacities, Japan is awash with iconic travel experiences. Here's what you need to know about visa requirements.
Money and Costs
Keep costs low when exploring Japan with these top money-saving tips.
Traveling with Kids
No matter where you go in Japan, youâll find itâs an easy, fun and safe place to travel with kids.
Best Road Trips
Japan has excellent roads, dramatic landscapes and exciting regions to discover. Here are the best 10 road trips for getting to know the country better.
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TEL: 080-1654-8525 FAX:0191-34-1005 Service hours: 9:00 - 17:00 Please contact Ms. Yuko SAYAMA by e-mail, telephone or fax at least one month in advance. Message. A team of Goodwill Guides can show you around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi. Tour guide reservations are required at least one week in advance.
THE TOKYO FREE GUIDE will offer you overseas visitors a free guide tour in and around Tokyo which has a myriad of exciting and appealing attractions. THE TOKYO FREE GUIDE was started with the aim of helping visitors to experience real Japansese culture. ... The portal which summarize volunteer guide groups in each area of Japan like Tokyo ...
Volunteer tour guide groups. There are several groups with the objective of guiding tourists for free throughout Japan; One of the most popular is the TKG (Tokyo Free Guide). A voluntary non-profit organization started in 2004 to help foreign visitors experience Japanese culture and local customs. There are more than 350 members in this ...
Japan has a network of Goodwill Guides who are on hand to support visitors with English language day tours (some also have Chinese-speaking guides). While guide services are free, you are expected to contribute towards their expenses like transport, entry fees or meals. Generally, booking a guide will require reservations of about 1-2 weeks in ...
Top 5 Free Tour Guide Services in Japan. Super Cheap Japan Updated August 19, 2016. Castles Tour Information Cheap Cheap Tours Rankings Tokyo Nagano. Just about to book that expensive tour guide to show you around Japan? No need! There are hundreds of free volunteer guides across the country. Here are our top groups and organizations!
Enter your dates and special requests. The agency will match you with a volunteer. You can't specify a name but you can request someone who speaks Spanish or Italian. If you're planning on ...
Watch our Video. Meet some of Japan's Free Volunteer Tour Guides & see the program in action. Tokyo Volunteer Tour Guides aren't just for Sightseeing day trips to Temples. You'll also find Tokyo Free guides happy to show you around the Japanese nightlife & social scene. Japanese are very friendly, sociable, ready to laugh & have fun.
Guru: Localized Walking Tours PRO. Free Tour TAIKO Ceremony, visit the Narita Fukagawa Fudodo, Tomioka Hachimangu temples, the beautiful Kiyozumi Japanese Garden and the Edo Museum. 8 ratings. 5.0. Duration: 2h and 30min. Starts at: 10:30 and 14:30. tue. 16. wed.
Go Tokyo Guides. Go Tokyo, run by the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau is a tourist service. It not only has one of the most detailed Tokyo travel websites out there, but they also offer pre-planned free tours. There are 13 tour routes available, but not all of them are free. The Shinjuku Walking Tour is one of the free options, and it's ...
Free tour Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo) 5.0 (187) Ratings. Find the best Free Walking Tours in Japan with Local Guides and give what you want at the end of the visit! Ready for fun? đ Book online for free!
Tokyo Free Walking Tour. Tokyo Free Walking Tour, an organization of licensed local guides and interpreters, offers free tours around Tokyo. The guides are English speaking volunteers who want to build positive relationships between Japan and foreign countries by sharing their knowledge of Japanese history and culture with visitors.
Just fill in your email and check the Daily Travel Tip box on the same page and you'll receive an email with a link to update your JohnnyJet.com preferences. On that page, just click the Daily Travel Tip box and Update Profile. Share This Article. On my first visit to Japan in 2004, I learned about Goodwill Guides, a place to find a free tour ...
Free walking tour Japan. Japan Localized. Japan - the county of Rising Sun - has a rich History and Culture. We'll show you everything from a local perspective. Free Walking Tours in Japan. Things to do in Japan for tourists and travelers. Best things to do in Japan. ... Experienced & Local Tour Guides. 50,000 Bookings Since 2017. 100's of 5 ...
THE TOKYO FREE GUIDE will offer you overseas visitors a free guide tour in and around Tokyo which has a myriad of exciting and appealing attractions. THE TOKYO FREE GUIDE was started with the aim of helping visitors to experience real Japansese culture. ... Japan Tourism Guide. SSL Security Site Seal . Japanese . Tokyo Free Guide.
During the Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food tour, you will experience the histories about sushi and the stories about world's biggest fish market. We will walk around... Daily: 09:30. 2 Hours 30 Minutes. Tour Details.
Japan Travel is your official guide for local info and things to do in Japan. Find hotel, restaurant, and tour information with our Japan map or plan your next Japan trip with our tourism guides.
The Kyoto Free Walking Tour. They have five-star reviews on Trip Advisor, and it's 100% free. If you would like to join all you have to do is visit their Facebook page and hit the attend button. The guides are fantastic fun and will tell you many local stories as you walk through the districts of downtown Kyoto.
Everything about modern and traditional Japan with emphasis on travel and living related information.
Japan Official Visitor's Guide A 61-page comprehensive travel guide on Japan overall. Includes information on Japan's regional areas, food, accommodation, attractions and all you need to know when planning a trip to Japan for the first time. View / Download PDF (7.8MB) Hard copies available. SEE ALSO: Tourist Map of Japan Tokyo & Vicinity
Asakusa & Sumida River. Roppongi, Akasaka & Around. Ginza & Tsukiji. KĆrakuen & Akihabara. Ueno & Yanesen. Japan's best sights and local secrets from travel experts you can trust.
Japan Tour Guide (JTG) aims to match Japanese guides with international visitors to Japan.