I may have read a dozen must-do guides online, made multiple lists, downloaded translation apps and street maps, memorised museum opening timings, and made advance reservations at places I absolutely must eat at. But when I arrive in a new city, one of the first things I usually do is to sign up for a guided walking tour.
Sure, you can do it on your own. But getting your first glimpse of a new place through the eyes of someone who lives there gives you an unmatched insight into the place. It could be a random bit of historical trivia, a shortcut through a back lane, a tip to avoid the crowds at that famous sunset spot, or that local food stall you’d never have found on your own. It’s those details that will make the place come alive. There will be time to tick off the touristy landmarks.
Tie those shoelaces now and get ready to go on these guided walks through Singapore and Tokyo.
Key Takeaways:
Chinatown Murders Tour: Solve crimes while exploring Chinatown's history.
Pinch of Singapore Tour: Discover Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
Tokyo Bar Hopping: Enjoy Shinjuku's izakaya culture with food and drinks.
Tokyo Walking Tours: Visit Asakusa and Ueno for temples and markets.
Local Guides: Discover hidden gems and cultural stories with experts.
A murder mystery on the move
Of course, you’ll want to visit Chinatown and gawk at landmarks like the Chinatown Heritage Centre, Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. But instead of just walking aimlessly, how about a tour that turns the whole experience into a game? And sprinkles it abundantly with stories of its present and past residents.
If that sounds like your thing, then sign up for the Chinatown Murders tour by Tribe Tours. This 2-hour interactive walking experience puts you in the middle of a fictional crime story where a serial killer is on the loose, and you are part of the team trying to crack the case. As you move through Chinatown, you solve clues and piece together puzzles, deciding your own route along the way.
Throughout this crime meets culture tour, your guide doubles up as gamemaster and storyteller, offering fascinating glimpses into Chinatown’s history and its communities.
Cost: SGD 60 per person
Mega city, multiple cultures
Let’s be honest – how many shiny shopping malls can you visit before it gets boring? If you would like something that takes you beyond the glitz and glamour, then consider the Pinch of Singapore tour, which takes you on a journey of exploration through three distinct ethnic quarters of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
Don’t worry about distances, because you get to hop on to public transport along the route and rest your feet. Plus, there are stops to sample local snacks too. The tour is interactive, with guests encouraged to ask questions and dive into discussions about how these how different communities have come together to shape Singapore’s contemporary identity. Did someone say melting pot? I am afraid you can’t buy that in a mall; you have to go out and look for it on foot.
Cost: SGD 90 per person
Tokyo
Bar hopping by night
Dive into Tokyo’s scintillating nightlife with the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku, a great way to ease into the city’s izakaya culture (food and drinks at a gastropub), especially if you don’t quite know where to start or what to order. This guided evening experience takes you through different spots in the Shinjuku neighbourhood over a relaxed 3-4 hours, wrapping up at a cosy sake bar.
Along the way, you’ll try classic izakaya dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers seasoned with salt or sweet soy), agedashi tofu (crispy fried tofu served in a light, savoury broth), and gyoza (pan-fried dumplings stuffed with meat and vegetables). You’ll be able to wash it all down with sake, plum wine or beer. And note that vegetarian dishes and non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
With a local guide leading a small group, this feels less like a formal tour and more like a fun night out with someone in the know, who loves to show off their city’s secrets.
Cost: US$ 180 per person
A quick look at culture
When Tokyo’s traffic and crowds get too overwhelming, it is time to slip into the quieter, more traditional neighbourhoods and get introduced to the other side of the city (dare I say it, a side that often stays hidden to outsiders). One of the best ways to do that is with Tokyo Walking Tours, that takes you through Asakusa and Ueno, districts that have long borne witness to Tokyo’s layered history.
On this walk, you get to visit the 7th century Senso-ji temple that locals still flock to, and then stroll along Nakamise arcade, one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, lined with over 90 shops selling a dazzling variety of souvenirs and snacks.
After this, you head to Ueno to get a sense of local life as it plays out on the streets of Tokyo every day. There are plenty of stops in this neighbourhood, starting with the green oasis of Ueno Park, moving on to local temples like the Toshogu shrine and the Kiyomizu Kannondo, finally ending at the bustling open-air market of Ameyayokocho.
Cost: US$ 190 per person
FAQs
1: Why should I join a walking tour in Singapore or Tokyo?Walking tours offer local insights, cultural stories, and access to hidden gems you might miss on your own.
2: Are these walking tours suitable for families?Yes, most tours are family-friendly, but it's best to check with the operator for age restrictions.
3: What makes the Chinatown Murders Tour unique?It combines history with an interactive crime-solving game, making it a fun and educational experience.
4: Can vegetarians join the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour?
Yes, vegetarian dishes and non-alcoholic beverages are available on the tour.
5: How do I choose between Singapore and Tokyo walking tours?
Choose Singapore for its multicultural neighborhoods and history, and Tokyo for its nightlife and traditional districts