Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour worth booking?
Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour is a 4-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from $4000 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $4000 per person
Tiered Pricing 12,000 JPY per person — Group of 5-8 14,000 JPY per person — Group of 4 17,000 JPY per person — Group of 3 21,000 JPY per person — Group of 2 35,000 JPY per person — Solo traveler (1 person) 4,000 JPY per
What you get
- English-speaking Guide
- Hotel pick-up (drop-off is not included)
- Transportation fee (subway/train)
About this experience
Tiered Pricing 12,000 JPY per person — Group of 5-8 14,000 JPY per person — Group of 4 17,000 JPY per person — Group of 3 21,000 JPY per person — Group of 2 35,000 JPY per person — Solo traveler (1 person) 4,000 JPY per child (ages 6–11) This tour is perfect for those who feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. An English-speaking guide will take you to a temple just outside central Tokyo, known for its countless small statues of beckoning cats. We'll also visit a nearby Shinto shrine, offering a chance to learn the differences between Japan’s two main religions. These sites are in a quiet, refined residential area, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through local streets and get a feel for everyday life. Next, we’ll head to the other side of Tokyo to explore Yanaka, a charming old neighborhood known for its narrow streets, wooden houses, and small shops. You’ll also visit Yanaka Cemetery, a historic public cemetery and the resting place of many notable figures.
What's included
Included
- English-speaking Guide
- Hotel pick-up (drop-off is not included)
- Transportation fee (subway/train)
Not included
- Gratuity (not obligatory)
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Gotokuji Temple
The highlight of this half-day tour is Gotokuji Temple, a serene Buddhist temple with a charming legend. Originally founded in the mid-15th century, the temple later came under the patronage of the powerful Ii samurai clan, who made it their family temple for generations. Gotokuji is best known as the birthplace of the Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, a beloved symbol of luck in Japan. According to legend, during a thunderstorm, a samurai warlord from the Ii clan was beckoned into the temple by a cat. Taking shelter there, he narrowly avoided the storm—an event that inspired the tradition. Today, visitors from all over the world come to buy small white Maneki Neko statues and leave them at the temple as a gesture of gratitude or to wish for good fortune. You’ll see hundreds of these charming cat figures, creating a truly unique and photogenic scene.
60 minutes here
Shoin Shrine
Shoin Shrine is a small but historically significant Shinto shrine located in Setagaya, Tokyo. The shrine is dedicated to Shoin Yoshida, a revered intellectual and educator who deeply influenced many young samurai of the Choshu Domain. His teachings inspired a number of key figures who went on to lead the Meiji Restoration, a major turning point in Japan's modern history. Shoin was arrested by the Tokugawa shogunate for his political views and was executed at the young age of 30. After his death, his devoted students reburied his remains at this site, and later established the area as a Shinto shrine to honor his legacy. Today, the shrine remains a peaceful spot where visitors can reflect on the life and impact of a man who helped shape Japan’s future.
30 minutes here
Yanaka District
Yanaka is an old downtown area of Tokyo that miraculously escaped damage during World War II. The neighborhood is filled with narrow streets lined with old wooden houses. It also features a famous shopping street called Yanaka Ginza, which leads to a staircase where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset at dusk.
40 minutes here
Yanaka Cemetery
This large public cemetery, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, spans a vast area and is the final resting place of many renowned figures, including the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu—the 15th Tokugawa shogun who returned power to the emperor in the mid-19th century. We'll enjoy a peaceful stroll through this serene cemetery, which is also surrounded by many local Buddhist temples.
30 minutes here
Ueno Park
The tour ends at Ueno Park, one of the most famous parks in Japan. The park is home to the Tokyo National Museum—the oldest and most renowned museum in the country—Ueno Zoo, and many historical sites. You can spend the rest of your day exploring and enjoying the area at your leisure.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Japan Gray Line
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please prepare rain gear, such as umbrella or a raincoat, in case of bad weather.
- If your hotel is situated outside our designated pick-up range and alternative transportation, such as a subway, is not feasible, guests are responsible for covering the fare. This includes the cost for both the guide's transportation to the first destination and from the last destination back to your hotel.
- Due to weather condition or other operational reasons, the itinerary may be subject to change or certain visits may be omitted or substituted. Even in such circumstances, the tour may not be canceled, and the tour fare will not be refunded.
- Remaining time will be allotted for pick up and travel time in between the attractions .
- The tour involves a good amount of walking outdoors. We suggest wearing sneakers or comfortable shoes.
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We were taken by Tokyo...
We were picked up from the Tokyo Cruises Terminal on time and then visited all the places as required. You should be prepared for longer journeys on the subway. Our guide was extremely nice. For those interested, the Cat Temple is worth seeing. We can recommend the trip.
Response from the operator: Vielen Dank für Ihre freundliche Bewertung und Ihre Empfehlung. Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Ihnen die Tour gefallen hat und dass alles von der Abholung am Tokyo Cruise Terminal an reibungslos verlaufen ist. Besonders schön ist es zu hören, dass unsere Reiseleiterin mit ihrer Freundlichkeit und Gastfreundschaft einen positiven Eindruck hinterlassen hat. Vielen Dank auch für den Hinweis zu den längeren Fahrten mit der U-Bahn – das ist sicherlich hilfreich für zukünftige Gäste. Es freut uns, dass Ihnen der Katzentempel und das historische Yanaka gefallen haben. Wir danken Ihnen herzlich, dass Sie an unserer Tour teilgenommen haben, und hoffen, dass Sie viele schöne Erinnerungen an Tokio mit nach Hause genommen haben. - We were picked up punctually from the Tokyo Cruises Terminal and then visited all the places according to the itinerary. You should be prepared for longer rides on the subway. Our tour guide was exceptionally kind. For those who are interested, the Cat Temple is worth seeing. We can recommend this excursion. - Thank you very much for your kind review and recommendation. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that everything went smoothly from your pickup at the Tokyo Cruise Terminal. It is also wonderful to know that your guide made a positive impression with her kindness and hospitality. Thank you as well for mentioning the subway travel involved in the tour, as this can be helpful information for future guests. We are happy that you found the Cat Temple and the Yanaka area worthwhile to visit. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope you had a memorable time exploring Tokyo.
via Viator (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $4000 to $35000
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $4000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.
Is Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class, Tokyo : Asakusa Chopsticks Making Class, Shinjuku Night Food and Bar Crawl. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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