Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide worth booking?
Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide is a 6-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from $160 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (7)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $160 per person
In this 6-hour Tokyo walking tour, you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony known as "sado". Sado reflects the spirit of "wabi-sabi," a philosophy which finds beauty in simple refinement, old ways, and solitude. Beyond just serving and enjoying green tea, one of the main purposes of the tea ceremony is for the guests to enjoy the hospitality of the host . Your guide will drop you off at Jidaiya after a 5-hour walking tour. Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. The estimated time for the experience will be about 5 hours from the start of the tour. In this tour, you will learn the spirit of Japanese tea culture through experience! Your Tea Ceremony experience also comes with a walking tour. You can visit a few sights of your choosing with your guide. Please budget about 2 hours for each sight. Age: Children can join this tour, however, the tea ceremony experience is for those 12 and up. Note: The start time for the experience may vary.
What you get
About this experience
In this 6-hour Tokyo walking tour, you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony known as "sado". Sado reflects the spirit of "wabi-sabi," a philosophy which finds beauty in simple refinement, old ways, and solitude. Beyond just serving and enjoying green tea, one of the main purposes of the tea ceremony is for the guests to enjoy the hospitality of the host . Your guide will drop you off at Jidaiya after a 5-hour walking tour. Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. The estimated time for the experience will be about 5 hours from the start of the tour. In this tour, you will learn the spirit of Japanese tea culture through experience! Your Tea Ceremony experience also comes with a walking tour. You can visit a few sights of your choosing with your guide. Please budget about 2 hours for each sight. Age: Children can join this tour, however, the tea ceremony experience is for those 12 and up. Note: The start time for the experience may vary.
What's included
Included
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Tokyo
- Tea ceremony experience
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
Not included
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- You cannot combine tour groups
- Kimono rental
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
What you'll see and do
Jidaiya's Japanese culture experience programs are for those seeking for a good alternative of Asakusa sightseeing and for the people who wish to have more profound and authentic Japanese experience.
60 minutes here
Asakusa
Asakusa (浅草) is the center of Tokyo's Shitamachi (literally "low city"), one of Tokyo's districts, where an atmosphere of the Tokyo of past decades survives. Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.
30 minutes here
Senso-ji Temple
Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.
15 minutes here
Imperial Palace
**This tour does not include access to the inside of the Imperial Palace** The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and imperial residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two and rebuilt in the same style, afterward.
30 minutes here
Hamarikyu Gardens
Hama Rikyu (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū), is a large, attractive landscape garden in central Tokyo. Located alongside Tokyo Bay, Hama Rikyu features seawater ponds which change level with the tides, and a teahouse on an island where visitors can rest and enjoy the scenery. The traditionally styled garden stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the adjacent Shiodome district.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点, Shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten), or commonly known as Shibuya Crossing, is a popular scramble crossing in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachikō exit and stops vehicles in all directions to allow pedestrians to inundate the entire intersection.
Pass by without stopping
Takeshita Street
Harajuku (原宿) refers to the area around Tokyo's Harajuku Station, which is between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. It is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for adults and some historic sights. The focal point of Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.
30 minutes here
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll. The shrine was completed and dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but was rebuilt shortly thereafter.
30 minutes here
Akihabara
Akihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture, and many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March).
30 minutes here
Tsukiji Fish Market
Also known as Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場, Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō), Tsukiji Fish Market is a district adjacent to the site of the former Tsukiji Wholesale Market. It consists of a few blocks of wholesale and retail shops, as well as restaurants crowded along narrow lanes. Here you can find fresh and processed seafood and produce alongside food-related goods such as knives. A visit to Tsukiji Outer Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the local restaurants. The restaurants are typically open from 5:00 in the morning to around noon or early afternoon.
30 minutes here
Rikugien Garden
Rikugien (六義園) is often considered Tokyo's most beautiful Japanese landscape garden alongside Koishikawa Korakuen. Built around 1700 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, Rikugien literally means "six poems garden" and reproduces in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems. The garden is a good example of an Edo Period strolling garden and features a large central pond surrounded by manmade hills and forested areas, all connected by a network of trails.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園, Koishikawa Kōrakuen) is one of Tokyo's oldest and best Japanese gardens. It was built in the early Edo Period (1600-1867) at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. Like its namesake in Okayama, the garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people. Koishikawa is the district in which the garden is located in.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Golden Gai is said to have started around 1950 when the black market that had arisen in front of Shinjuku Station moved and, in this new area, a number of eating and drinking establishments set up shop. Although Shinjuku has undergone considerable modernization since then, Golden Gai seems to have remained largely unchanged. The alley is narrow and cramped with countless signs advertising the various establishments that line the way. Many of the buildings themselves are made of wood, remnants hanging on from the Showa Era. Most measure only around thirteen square meters (one hundred forty-two square feet). It's a dim, boisterous place filled with the aromatic smoke of grilling meats. Yet despite the nearly endless number of slick new restaurants available in Shinjuku, this little alley continues to draw the attention of foreign tourists. Golden Gai is a popular “un-touristy” tourist spot.
30 minutes here
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is one of Tokyo's largest and most popular parks. Located a short walk from Shinjuku Station, the park's spacious lawns, meandering walking paths, and tranquil scenery provide a relaxing escape from the busy urban center around it. In spring Shinjuku Gyoen becomes one of the best places in the city to see cherry blossoms.
15 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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Japan Guide Agency
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.
Response from the operator: What a wonderful message! Thank you so much. It was unforgettable tour for me as well. Through our enjoyable conversation, I could feel your respect for Japanese culture. I was especially delighted that you wore kimonos and participated in the tea ceremony. You both looked absolutely beautiful in them. Please come back to Japan again. I'll be waiting! YUMI😊
via Viator
Taka the tour guide
Taka was an excellent tour guide. He was so much fun and very knowledgeable. He put together a terrific itinerary for our group. It was a great way to get around the city!
Response from the operator: Thanks for your great review! 3D-art cafe was cool and artistic, wasn't it? I hope and believe you've enjoyed the rest of the tour in Japan. Taka
via Viator
Josh in Tokyo
Did this tour with Kris. He was a nice and pleasant guy but couldn’t keep up the pace and kept getting lost at the different subway exits. He also really couldn’t take photos well. He seemed very new to being a tour guide. At times he was also hard to understand. I think the tour would be much better with someone younger and faster.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback on the Tokyo 6-hour Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience. We are truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. While we’re glad to hear that you found your guide to be pleasant, we regret that other aspects of the tour fell short. Your comments have been taken seriously and will be reviewed with our team to ensure we can improve the quality of our guide training and provide a more seamless and enjoyable experience for our future guests. We especially appreciate your honesty, as it helps us identify areas for growth. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment caused. We understand how valuable time is when traveling, and we’re sorry we couldn’t deliver the high-quality experience you were hoping for. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope the rest of your time in Japan was enjoyable and filled with memorable experiences. Warm regards, Japan Guide Agency
via Viator
Great experience
Thank you to Shuji, our guide, who had prepared very well as we were keen to understand the history of Japan. He contacted prior to our trip to understand what we were looking for and he delivered a tour that was fun and informative.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your high evaluation of my guide. I am pleased to know you have enjoyed the Tour. I also had unforgettable time talking with you. Conversation with you reminds me nice memories when our family stayed in your town & country. I wish your family every happiness. Shuji
via Tripadvisor
Great time in Akiba with our guide, Yuki
Amazing time with a wonderful tour guide, Yuki!!! Thanks for making our day manageable- we would have been lost without you. Yuki is a fabulous guide and great with kids. (Ages 9,13,14,18). She got us to all of our requested stores and restaurants!!
Response from the operator: Wow, I really enjoyed being your guide! I still remember how lovely family you are. After you left, I was actually thinking about my parents. I want to be a good daughter like you are! I hope to see you again. Keep in touch! Come back again! Yuki
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $160 to $51,700
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Japan Guide Agency, who run 223 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1 and 6 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Japan Guide Agency runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide cost?
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Prices start at $160 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 Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 7 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 Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide?
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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 Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide?
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Around 2 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide 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 Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour. 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.
What is included in Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide?
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Included: Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Tokyo; Tea ceremony experience; Licensed Local English Speaking Guide; and Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list. Not included: Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses; Private Vehicle; You cannot combine tour groups; and Kimono rental. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1027 listed pickup locations in and around Tokyo. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tokyo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
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