Local Tour Guide Marin Kamiyama’s Insider Guide to Tokyo
Few people can claim to know Tokyo, Japan as well as Marin Kamiyama, a tour guide who specializes in taking visitors beyond the capital city’s standard sightseeing spots. “Tokyo is a fascinating mix of historic neighborhoods and ultra-modern cityscapes,” she says. “I always strive to showcase these contrasting elements so my guests can fully experience the diverse charms of the city.”
Even the most seasoned traveler can feel overwhelmed by the scope and sensory overload of Tokyo, one of the world’s biggest cities, so having a local such as Marin on hand to help you get your bearings and go beyond the beaten path is sure to enhance your experience. Here’s her guide to the mega metropolis’ highlights and hidden gems, so that you’ll leave having fallen in love with the country even more.
Things to see and do in Tokyo
One of Marin’s favorite things about Tokyo is the way it “perfectly balances the modern and the traditional.” Time-pressed travelers will be pleased to hear that “in just one day, you can experience the colorful and futuristic kawaii culture, marvel at cutting-edge skyscrapers, and then step right into a nostalgic district that still retains the charming atmosphere of old Tokyo.”
She recommends visiting the well-known neighborhoods, such as the neon wonderland of Shinjuku, Shibuya, home to the Shibuya Crossing (the busiest intersection on the planet) and Asakusa, where shopping stalls surround the 7th-century Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist shrine). But in addition to these headline acts, Marin also suggests going to locally loved enclaves such as Kuramae, located right next to Asakusa, which is often called the "Brooklyn of Tokyo," thanks to its trendy cafés and artisan workshops. Another great option is Jimbocho, which is a paradise for book lovers, famous for its rows of charming secondhand bookstores.
For a more immersive experience of local culture, she recommends some of her tour company’s most popular activities, including electric bike tours that help you cover more sights in less time; a sumo stable tour that introduces you to wrestlers and lets you watch them train; and day trips to the lakeside town of Hakone, a sublime mountain town famous for Lake Ashi and its views of the famed ash-capped Mt. Fuji.
And while the springtime cherry blossom season tends to draw visitors in their millions, Marin recommends exploring Tokyo during the summer festivals (Natsu Matsuri), which are “community-driven events centered around neighborhood shrines where people of all ages—from children to grandparents—come together to carry portable shrines (mikoshi) and enjoy food stalls. If you visit between spring and summer, you might easily run into locals playing traditional taiko drums or pulling festival floats just by walking around the city.”
Related: Visiting Tokyo for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do
The best places to eat and drink in Tokyo
For many travelers coming to Japan, feasting on world-famous food such as sushi and ramen is at the top of their list of things to do. But on Marin’s tour of the historic Tsukiji Fish Market, you won’t just eat delicious food—you’ll get to discover the unique ingredients, craftsmanship, and culinary techniques that make Japanese cuisine so special.
Her favorite part of leading food tours is to “introduce our guests to everything that shapes Japanese life and show them specialized shops where locals actually do their grocery shopping.” For a hands-on food experience, a sushi-making class is a great way to learn tips and tricks for getting the fish-and-rice snack right at home.
But Tokyo’s culinary scene doesn’t stop at sashimi. The atmospheric alleys of Golden Gai are full of tiny izakaya bars serving grilled skewers (yakitori) alongside ice-cold glasses of beer and sake. Night tours are a great way to get the inside scoop on the city after dark.
Still hungry? Marin advises visiting Ginza for world-class sushi and crispy tempura, heading over to Tsukishima Monja Street to try monjayaki (a savory pancake), and satisfying your sweet tooth with famously cute candies you can find in the subculture hot spot of Harajuku.
Related: Food in Tokyo: 9 Quintessentially Japanese Dishes and Where To Eat Them
Where to stay in Tokyo, including top neighborhoods
When it comes to where to base yourself during your stint in the city, Marin “highly recommends staying around Tokyo Station. The public transport convenience is unmatched. You can start your morning with a peaceful walk around the nearby Imperial Palace gardens, and the station area itself has endless amazing food options. You are also just one train stop away from the luxury shopping and dining in Ginza.”
But if you’re a hipster at heart who’s seeking something a little less central, consider booking your accommodation in Shimokitazawa or Koenji—”both areas are fantastic for vintage thrift shopping, live music, and a laid-back, bohemian subculture vibe.”
And Marin has one final piece of sage advice for Tokyo newbies: “Don't be intimidated by Tokyo's train network—it is the most advanced public transportation system in the world, and mastering it means mastering the city.” Many of the tours she leads use public transportation to help you navigate the metro, so that “by the end of the tour, you’ll feel completely confident navigating Tokyo like a local.”
Related: 10 of the Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo and How to Visit
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