Introduction to Tokyo Tour: Aesthetics and Architecture
- Private Tour
- $ 488
- Semi-Private Tour
- $ 66 /PP
- Category
- Architecture, Orientation, Newly Added
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Location
- Tokyo
- Orientation to the architecture and aesthetics of Tokyo
- Guaranteed departure; no minimum participants
- Meji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, and Omotesando
Meiji Jingu presents an ideal starting point for our tour of Tokyo, both for the time period it represents, and as an example of traditional Japanese design. At this shinto shrine, dedicated to 19th-century ruler Emperor Meiji, we’ll discuss how traditional aesthetics are the foundation for the modern and contemporary design that followed. (For a more detailed look at the Meiji, take a look at our Tokyo National Museum Tour).
Next, we’ll travel to Harajuku and Omotesando, two closely situated areas that represent quite different manifestations of what modernity in Japan means. Our time in Harajuku will allow us to delve into some of the colorful subcultures that Tokyo is known for and to see how one’s exterior reflects principles tied to hobbies, values, and social roles. (We provide a deeper look at Anime and Manga, which will no doubt be on display in Harajuku, on our Akihabara Tour). After that we’ll move through Omotesando, an architectural feast for the eyes, where the main luxury merchants, from Prada to Dior, have used architecture as an extension of their brands’ aesthetic principles.
Depending on the time and our interests we may finish at Kengo Kuma's Nezu Museum, the 21 21 Design Site, Nogizaka’s National Art Center of Tokyo or even Roppongi Hills, an integrated urban development. By the end of our architecture walking tour of Tokyo, we’ll understand how a distinct design sensibility, aesthetics, and style are displayed across the city, reflecting Japanese history and a unique understanding of what constitutes good design.
This is one of our guaranteed departure tours. It has no minimum participant numbers and places you in a group of 10 or less. We have chosen certain tours to be guaranteed departure based on popular routes and times; Like our private and semi-private tours, our guaranteed departures are designed to be conversational learning experiences.
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins in the Harijuku neighborhood. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and 24 hour phone number for any last minute issues. The walk might end at 21 21 Design Museum, or if the group covers a fast pace, Roppongi Hills.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your docent will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this a walking intensive tour?
This walk covers about 2.5 miles overall at a moderate pace. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed.
Is it okay to tip my docent in Japan?
Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.
What is a guaranteed departure tour?
Jay Farris received a Master's degree in Urban Planning from the University of Tokyo where he focused his research on the conservation of historic spaces and landscapes with a particular focus on food production and the agricultural families and communities in and around the city. Having been a resident of both rural and urban Japan, Jay has a particular appreciation for the visible transformation of the country's settled environments as ideas, resources, and the culture itself has changed over the past couple of centuries. While he has lived in a variety of cities and towns in the US, Syria, Russia, the UK, and Japan for study or work, he finally settled on Tokyo as home. He enjoys sharing information about its hidden history, constant development and endless layers.
Kara Besher has suffered from wanderlust for most of her life. Leaving her native New York to bicycle across America as a teen, she then backpacked through Europe for a year before landing in Japan, where she has made her home since 1985. After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Art History at Tokyo’s Sophia University, along with certification in Fine Art Appraisals at New York University, she founded her own art gallery supporting emerging young Japanese artists. She has curated numerous exhibitions, organized symposiums, and lectured frequently at colleges including the prestigious Keio University. Kara is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers on Japan’s art scene, and is the author of “Contemporary Art Walks” in a Tokyo guidebook published by Stone Bridge Press. Media appearances include interviews in 'Newsweek', 'New York Magazine' and prime-time TV shows. She speaks and reads Japanese fluently, and spends her free time pursuing first-hand experience of Japan’s culture and subculture. With a particular interest in indigenous Buddhist practices, she has endured rigorous Yamabushi training with ascetic mountain-dwelling monks, and traveled 30 countries including remote areas such as Lombok and Mt. Kailash in Tibet. More of an urban explorer these days, Kara’s current passion is unraveling hidden aspects to Tokyo, always with a unique insight into visual anthropology.
Alejandro is an architect specialized in architectural history and heritage conservation, living and working both in Spain and Japan. Since his move to Tokyo in 2010, he has been researching the Japanese philosophy for the conservation of wooden monuments. He completed his MA at the University of Tokyo in 2013 and is now working on his doctoral thesis. His main interests are traditional Japanese architecture and design, Japanese history, and urban history. Under the appearance of a modern metropolis, the authentic city of Tokyo lies on centuries of history and tradition. He enjoys helping others discover this during their visit to Tokyo.
