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Tokyo has a rich history dating back centuries and the city still contains pockets of traditional views that have survived modernization. Visitors can explore a myriad of activities and sightseeing options, from modern cityscapes to classical landscapes and experiencing traditional culture. To help foreign travelers get a better understanding of the Tokyo metropolis, free multilingual tour guide services that start from the Tokyo Tourist Information Center at the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal near Shinjuku Station are available.
Led by friendly volunteer guides, there are 13 tour routes covering most of the major sightseeing attractions in central Tokyo. This is a free guide service authorized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which means that visitors can travel with assurance. These private tours (up to five participants; similar tour bookings are not grouped together) depart from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and last for about 3 to 6.5 hours. While the guide service itself is free, transportation and entrance fees (if applicable) for the guides will have to be covered by the participants. The total amount will be communicated to the participants before the trip. Bookings are required from one month to three days prior to your preferred guidance date.
I took the opportunity to experience a tour service for myself, and picked a tour which took me to Koishikawa Korakuen, a traditional Japanese garden in central Tokyo, and walking along the streets of Kagurazaka, a quaint and historical neighborhood. My tour, like most of the other tours, started at the Tokyo Tourist Information Center at the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, where I met my two volunteer guides Ted-san and Kohei-san. There are typically two guides on each tour regardless of the number of participants, which can be a nice way to meet some locals and chat with them about Japan.
First, we took the train from Shinjuku to Iidabashi Station, and my guides navigated the maze that is Shinjuku Station expertly. It was a relief to follow someone who knew where we were going, and I did not have to bother about navigating or making sure we were on the right direction. We soon arrived at Koishikawa Korakuen, and my guides took me around the garden while explaining the history of Tokyo as well as the garden.
My guides explained that Koishikawa Korakuen was built by one of the branches of the then ruling Tokugawa family in the early 17th century. They also told me that the Chinese characters of the garden’s name translated to garden of later enjoyment, which was inspired by a Chinese poem implying that the ruler’s enjoyment comes after adequate governance. I found the tour very informative, and my guides pointed out several historical points as well as Japanese culture while we strolled in the garden. I also had many chances to ask my knowledgeable guides about other aspects of Tokyo and Japan.
After a leisurely 50 minutes in the garden, we proceeded to Kagurazaka, our next destination, which was approximately 15 minutes away on foot. My guides explained that Kagurazaka is located along the outer moat of Edo Castle, where the Imperial Palace is located now, and the neighborhood was historically a place of entertainment with many teahouses and geisha.
Today, Kagurazaka has a French influence, thanks to two French schools in the district. However, the narrow, winding alleys have remained, and we went on a walk through some of them. One of the alleyways we walked through was named “Kakurenbo Yokocho”, which means hide-and-seek alley and is named after the twists and turns which hide/protect those who do not wish to be seen.
In a blink of an eye, my short tour with Ted-san and Kohei-san came to an end. We bid our goodbyes at Iidabashi Station, but not before they pointed out more cool historical ruins at the station. I found my tour to be very informative, and since each tour is private, there was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the areas visited. I would recommend travelers to sign up for a tour if you want an in-depth look at some of Tokyo’s sightseeing attractions. For more details about tour guide services by Tokyo Volunteer Guides, please check out their Official Tokyo Travel Guide page and Facebook page in the links below.
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