Meiji Shrine to Shibuya Crossing With Lunch and Dessert

Enjoy the cultural heart of Tokyo with this comprehensive guided tour. Explore the serene Meiji Shrine, where visitors can cleanse their hands and draw an omikuji fortune slip. Then, brace yourself for the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest intersections. In between, savor a delectable Japanese-style lunch and indulge in sweet crepes and omikuji fortune-telling. This well-rounded experience promises to transport you through Tokyo’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich heritage and modern dynamism.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Tokyo.

Key Points

• A guided tour of Tokyo’s iconic Meiji Shrine and the bustling Shibuya Crossing, including a delicious Japanese-style lunch and authentic Japanese crepes.
• Immersive cultural experience with a visit to the serene Meiji Shrine, where visitors can cleanse their hands, ring the massive bronze bell, and draw an omikuji fortune slip.
• Exploration of the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, known for its dazzling displays of neon lights, massive digital billboards, and the iconic Shibuya Hachiko Statue.
• A maximum of 5 travelers for an intimate and personalized experience, with convenient meeting and drop-off points at Harajuku Station and Shibuya Mark City.
• Cancellation policy that provides a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour, ensuring a positive experience for all participants.

Tour Details

This guided tour of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods takes travelers on a 3-hour journey through the city’s rich cultural heritage and lively urban landscapes.

The tour focuses on two of Tokyo’s most celebrated destinations: the serene Meiji Shrine and the bustling Shibuya Crossing.

With a maximum of 5 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience, allowing participants to explore these iconic sites with the guidance of a knowledgeable local.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy a delicious lunch, indulge in a capped amount of crepes, and receive an omikuji, a traditional Japanese fortune-telling paper slip.

This immersive tour promises to deliver a well-rounded introduction to the unique charm of Tokyo.

Itinerary Overview

The tour begins at the iconic Meiji Shrine, where participants can enjoy the serene atmosphere and learn about the shrine’s significance in Japanese culture.

From there, the group will make their way to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, widely regarded as one of the world’s busiest intersections, to witness the mesmerizing flow of pedestrians and experience the energy of this vibrant urban hub.

Along the way, the guide will share insights into the history, architecture, and cultural traditions that shape these iconic Tokyo landmarks. Guests can expect an engaging and informative journey, offering a unique perspective on the contrast between the tranquility of the shrine and the lively dynamism of Shibuya Crossing.

Meiji Shrine Exploration

Upon arrival at the Meiji Shrine, visitors are greeted by the grand Torii gate, a striking vermilion-colored archway that marks the entrance to the sacred grounds. Stepping through the gate, they find themselves transported into a peaceful oasis, where the sounds of the bustling city fade away, replaced by the gentle rustling of trees and the tranquil atmosphere that permeates the shrine’s vast precincts.

Visitors can cleanse their hands and mouths at the Temizuya, a traditional water pavilion, before proceeding to the main shrine.

They can pull a random fortune slip, or omikuji, from wooden boxes and interpret the prophecy.

By grasping the giant rope and swinging the massive bronze bell, guests can partake in a centuries-old tradition.

Wandering through the serene pathways, surrounded by towering trees and tranquil ponds, offers a moment of respite from the bustling city.

Shibuya Crossing Experience

Leaving the tranquil grounds of the Meiji Shrine behind, the tour group ventures forth to experience the lively energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections. As they emerge from the station, the group is immediately struck by the dazzling displays of neon lights, the sea of people crossing in all directions, and the towering billboards that adorn the surrounding buildings. The guide leads the way, pointing out the iconic Shibuya Hachiko statue and explaining the significance of this famed meeting spot. The group pauses to capture the moment, mesmerized by the sheer scale and dynamism of the crossing.

Feature	Description
Foot Traffic	Over 2.4 million pedestrians cross daily
Signage	Massive digital billboards and neon lights
Famous Landmarks	Shibuya Hachiko Statue, Shibuya 109 Building
Atmosphere	Vibrant, bustling, and energetic

Included Lunch and Snacks

Following the immersive Shibuya Crossing experience, the tour group satisfies their appetite with a delectable Japanese-style lunch, complemented by refreshing snacks to recharge. The carefully curated menu showcases a variety of authentic local flavors, ensuring a well-rounded culinary journey.

The lunch spread includes:

1. Mouthwatering teriyaki chicken, simmered to perfection with a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes.
2. A colorful assortment of fresh sushi rolls, featuring the finest seasonal ingredients.
3. A hearty bowl of miso soup, a traditional Japanese staple that warms the soul.
4. A selection of refreshing, hand-picked seasonal fruits to cleanse the palate.

Alongside the satisfying meal, the tour participants also enjoy a capped amount of crepes and traditional fortune-telling omikuji, creating a truly memorable cultural experience.

Crepe and Omikuji Treats

After the hearty Japanese-style lunch, the tour participants get to indulge in some sweet treats. They’re allowed a capped amount of authentic Japanese crepes, which they can customize with a variety of delectable toppings.

Plus, they’ve the opportunity to try their luck with traditional fortune-telling omikuji slips, adding an extra layer of culture to the overall experience.

The crepes are made fresh on-site, with a range of flavors like red bean, matcha, and fruit fillings. The omikuji, or fortune-telling paper slips, are a centuries-old Japanese tradition that provides participants with personalized predictions and insights.

These small but meaningful additions to the tour truly enhance the cultural exploration and make the experience even more memorable for the travelers.

Meeting Point and Pickup

The tour participants meet at Harajuku Station’s West exit, which serves as the designated meeting point for the 3-hour guided experience.

From this central location, the group is then transported to the first stop on the itinerary, the iconic Meiji Shrine.

The tour concludes at the Shibuya Mark City, where travelers can continue exploring the vibrant Shibuya district on their own.

The key details regarding the meeting and pickup are:

1. Meeting point: Harajuku Station, West exit
2. End point: Shibuya Mark City
3. Travelers are transported between the meeting point and tour sites
4. The tour starts and ends at convenient, centrally located spots in Tokyo.

Cancellation Policy

Regarding the cancellation policy, travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

No refund will be provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour’s start time.

It’s important to note that there’s a minimum number of travelers required for the tour to proceed. If the minimum isn’t met, the tour may be canceled, and travelers will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The tour operator aims to ensure a positive experience for all participants, which is why they’ve this transparent cancellation policy in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a dress code, so travelers can wear comfortable, casual clothing. However, it’s recommended to dress respectfully when visiting religious sites like Meiji Shrine.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water or Can I Purchase It?

Participants don’t need to bring their own water, as the tour includes complimentary bottled water. They can also purchase additional drinks if desired during the lunch or other stops along the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There’s no minimum age requirement for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should ensure their kids can comfortably complete the 3-hour walking tour. The tour caters to a family-friendly experience.

Can I Bring a Backpack or Large Bag With Me?

You can bring a backpack or large bag with you on the tour. The tour has no restrictions on the size or type of bags participants can bring. However, you’ll be responsible for carrying your own belongings throughout the 3-hour tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The tour provider accommodates travelers with mobility needs and ensures the itinerary and transportation can be navigated with ease. However, it’s best to confirm specific accessibility details prior to booking.

Recap

This guided tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.

Visitors can enjoy the serene Meiji Shrine, experience the bustling Shibuya Crossing, and enjoy a delightful Japanese-style lunch, crepes, and an omikuji fortune-telling experience.

With its detailed itinerary and carefully curated activities, this tour offers a well-rounded culture, allowing participants to fully experience the charm and diversity of Tokyo.