Tokyo Architecture and Contemporary Art Walking Tour with a local guide

Tokyo , Japan

Tokyo Architecture and Contemporary Art Walking Tour with a local guide

Active

(15 reviews)

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Tokyo has many buildings designed by the world’s leading architects who won The Pritzker Architecture Prize.
We will show you various beautiful buildings in Tokyo.
Tokyo is also known as the home of cutting edge design.
Architecture and art are things that cannot be overlooked in understanding the charms of Tokyo. You will definitely find buildings and arts designed by your favorite architects and artists. Our guides are also knowledgeable about history, geography and culture throughout Japan and they are friendly, professional, and qualified with extensive years of experience.

(Some art galleries are included in the tour)
*This tour does not have a private vehicle. The public transportation such as taxis, trains, subways will used and the tour fee does not include these costs.

Available options

Tokyo Architecture and Contemporary Art Walking Tour with a local guide

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Ginza known as the most renowned area of Tokyo, has many boutiques, intimate galleries, stylish Japanese stores, and cutting edge architecture. Many buildings designed by the world’s leading architects who won The Pritzker Architecture Prize such as Kenzo Tange, Toyo Ito, Shigeru Ban, and Renzo Piano.

This postmodern masterpiece, the work of Uruguay-born American architect Rafael Viñoly, is the first major convention and art center of its kind in Tokyo. It is considered as one of Japan’s most important modern cultural buildings.

Stop 3

There are some art galleries and the three points of what’s known as Art Triangle Roppongi―the National Art Center, Mori Art Museum, and Suntory Museum of Art. The neighborhood is also home to the Fujifilm Square photo gallery, 21_21 Design Sight, and many other art and cultural events.
The stuning Tokyo National Art Center is close to here. It is designed by famous architect named Kisho Kurokawa.

Stop 4

With Tokyo's impressive array of high-end fashion and jewelry stores has come an equally astonishing collection of beautiful buildings. Start at the Prada flagship store created by The Swiss-based Herzog & de Meuron team is a beautiful glass building. Across the street they reprised their hit with the new Miu Miu flagship in 2015, made of aluminum and brass. Next door are glittery buildings for Chloé and Cartier. Part of Chloé's facade is hidden behind wooden bamboolike slits that tilt and jut high into the air at random.
Famous Pineapple cake shop Sunny Hills is spiky wooden building designed by the Japan’s leading architect Kengo Kuma.
Dior Omotesando is designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize recipients Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA. Moving projections play on the building during most of the year.

Stop 5

Harajuku will give you some insight into the youth culture of Japan.
You will see unique fashion trends and outrageous design in fashion and buildings.

Shibuya crossing is the busiest intersection in the world. It makes Times Square seem like a sleepy village.

Daikanyama and Nakameguro are filled with numerous boutiques and cafes. They have a different atmosphere and less hectic pace than more famous places in the city.
Tsutaya book store located in this area is designed by Klein and Dytham who worked at Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects.

Available languages

Guide guide

ZH-TW JA EN ZH-CN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

6 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

9 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.