Lucky Cats and Bustling Tokyo Contrast 1/2-Day Private Tour
This half-day private walking tour offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo's contrasting vibes, from the bustling energy of Shinjuku to the peaceful charm of Setagaya. Kick off your adventure at the iconic 3D Calico Cat billboard before wandering through Gotokuji Temple, home to hundreds of lucky cat statues. Experience the local culture with a visit to a tranquil Shinto shrine and enjoy a ride on a local tram to Shibuya, where you’ll witness the famous Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue. With an English-speaking guide sharing insider knowledge, this tour is both educational and enjoyable.
- Explore the vibrant districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya in one tour
- Visit the serene Gotokuji Temple, known for its lucky cat statues
- Ride a local tram for an authentic Tokyo experience
- Enjoy insights into Japanese culture and daily life from your guide
Options
2025 Cat Temple Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Lucky Cats and Bustling Tokyo Contrast 1/2-Day Private Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Shinjuku
Your half-day private tour begins right at your hotel. An English-speaking guide will meet you at your accommodation—pick-up is available at most hotels in central Tokyo. From there, we’ll hop on the subway or JR train and head to the east side of Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant nightlife districts. There, we’ll take in the sights and enjoy the impressive 3D Calico Cat billboard, a modern attraction that wows visitors and locals alike.
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.
Inclusions
- Hotel pick-up
- English-speaking Guide
- Hotel drop-off
- Transportation fee (subway/train)
- Gratuity (not obligatory)
- Lunch
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
You will be picked up at your hotel by a guide. Please let us know if your hotel is located outside our designated range. Public transportation, such as the metro or JR train, will be utilized from the nearest station to reach the first destination.
