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Tour Guide Services

A selection of free and low-cost guided tours operates from the Tokyo Tourist Information Center offices in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building and Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. The multilingual tours are conducted by friendly volunteer guides happy to show you a slice of their city.

Tour routes 1-15

Tours are available in seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Korean. Reservations are required and must be made at least three days in advance. The earliest they are accepted is one month in advance. Note that tours in your preferred language may not always be available on the date requested.

Some of the routes include walking long distances outdoors or continuous visits to unshaded areas. For this reason, some tours are offered with different departure times and routes during the summer season. For more information, please see each tour page.

Scheduled Change Period August 1 - September 30
Route with changes
  • Route 4: Ryogoku, a town of Sumo with the Atmosphere of Edo
  • Route 5: The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and the Outer Garden
  • Route 9: Streetscapes in Japan and an Oasis in Central Tokyo
  • Route 14: Accessible Tour Guide Service

In order to ensure your comfort during the tour guide services, we recommend the following

  • Drink water and replenish salt levels frequently even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • Use parasols and hats.
  • Walk in the shade, take frequent breaks, and do not hesitate to ask volunteer staff if you need help.
  • Wear breathable clothing that absorbs moisture and dries quickly.
  • Cool yourself with coolant, ice, cold towels, etc.

 

Other tours

Tours of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building (weekdays only) and the 45th floor observation deck (daily except the first and third Tuesday of the month) cannot be reserved in advance and are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis from the tourist information center on the first floor of the building. Tours are available in English, Chinese and Korean, but tours in your preferred language may not always be available. Note that tours are not offered over the year-end and New year holidays, on national holidays or at times when regular building inspections are being carried out.

Notes on guide services

  • Guide services are provided by volunteers, and transportation is mainly by public transport or on foot.
  • Tours are for up to five people.
  • Tours will be led by two volunteer guides.
  • Participants are required to pay a participation fee to cover basic costs incurred by the guides.*
  • Participation fees shown are in the case of a single participant. The exact fee will change based on the number of participants. We will notify you of the exact fee by email.
  • The participation fee can only be accepted in Japanese Yen.
  • At least one member on the tour must be over 20 years old.
  • Some facilities may be closed depending on the day of the week.
  • The time and date of departure differs from tour to tour, so please check the individual details for each route.
  • Depending on availability, we may not be able to assign you guides speaking your preferred language.
  • At times of increased demand, we may have to limit the number of tours an individual can sign-up for.

*The participation fee covers transport and attraction admission fees for yourself and for the two guides. It also includes the amount required for the guides to return to Shinjuku after the tour finishes. The tour itself is free of charge.

Tourist Information & Guides