Experience the elegance of Japanese tea culture. Known for its refined kirei-sabi aesthetic — finding beauty in simplicity — the school blends art, history, and harmony in its tea ceremony practice. Your lesson will take place in Kagurazaka. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll through Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district, followed by dinner at a local yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant.
Alumni
UW Converge Tokyo 2026
UW Converge Tokyo Volunteer-Led Tours
Sun. Mar. 1, 2026
Tokyo, Japan
All tours start and conclude at the Prince Shinagawa Hotel
4 Chome-10-30 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo 108-8611, Japan
The UW Alumni Association Japan is hosting Volunteer-Led Tours for visiting UW Converge Tokyo participants. Designed as boutique, small-group experiences, each tour is led by two local volunteer guides and limited to just six visiting participants. They offer a personal, meaningful way to see Tokyo with fresh eyes and new friends. Whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting, explore Tokyo’s most iconic destinations through the lens of fellow Huskies who know the city best.
Tour Information
Costs
Meals & Drinks
Important Notes & Cancellations
Tour Options
Shibuya & Sushi
Cost: $105 USD
Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
Approximate End Time: 7:40 p.m.
Visit the world famous scramble crossing, shop at Don Quixote, Bic Camera, explore the wonders of the Pokémon shop and enjoy the night view from the top of the Shibuya Sky, finish with a full course omakase sushi dinner at Sushi Tokyo Ten, Shibuya. Note: Do not register for this tour if you have allergies to shellfish (shrimp, crab, clams, squid, or octopus), cannot eat seafood or consume raw fish.
Highlights
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- Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, located right in front of Shibuya Station in Tokyo. When the traffic lights turn red, hundreds of people from all directions cross at the same time, creating a famous “scramble” scene. It has become a popular spot for visitors to experience Tokyo’s energy and take photos of the dynamic city atmosphere. We will also guide you to Miyashita Park, as well as the Pokémon Center. Pokémon Center Shibuya is a flagship store offering a wide range of Pokémon merchandise, from plush toys and trading cards to exclusive items. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays and limited-edition products in a vibrant, family-friendly space in the heart of Shibuya.
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- Shibuya Sky is an observation deck located on the rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square building in Tokyo. At about 230 meters high, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, including landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and even Mt. Fuji on clear days. Visitors can enjoy both indoor and outdoor observation areas, interactive light displays, and a relaxing rooftop lounge. It’s a popular spot to experience the dynamic atmosphere of Shibuya from above, especially at sunset and nighttime.
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- A sophisticated, luxury sushi restaurant built on the concept of “seasonal ingredients, a little of everything, in abundance.” In the omakase course, skilled chefs create a harmonious rhythm for the palate by alternating between delicately crafted nigiri—prepared with techniques such as searing, marinating, and aging—and exquisite small plates. Premium tuna sourced from a renowned Toyosu specialist and carefully selected local sake from across Japan enhance the experience, while engaging conversation flows naturally. In the heart of Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts, savor a sushi experience designed to be truly unforgettable.
Click on the photos above for a description!
Asakusa & Sukiyaki
Cost: $110 USD
Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
Approximate End Time: 7:40 p.m.
Take in breathtaking views from the Tokyo Skytree, where you can see Mount Fuji on clear days. Then, experience the charm of Asakusa by visiting its historic temples and strolling along the vibrant Nakamise shopping street. Enjoy a delicious dinner at famous local sukiyaki restaurant, Imahan, and discover both tradition and modernity in one unforgettable visit.
Highlights
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- Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower in Tokyo. Standing at 634 meters, it is one of the tallest towers in the world. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, even see Mount Fuji. The tower also features shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
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- Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, known for its impressive gate and large red lantern. Leading up to the temple, Nakamise Street is a lively shopping street filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts, offering a glimpse of Japan’s history and culture.
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- Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese dish where thinly sliced beef is cooked in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce with vegetables, tofu, and noodles, usually at the table. Imahan is a famous restaurant in Tokyo known for serving high-quality sukiyaki and beef, offering an authentic and memorable dining experience. Note: Sukiyaki is traditionally eaten with raw egg as a dipping sauce. Japanese eggs are very fresh and safe to eat, so the risk of illness is extremely low. The meat included in the course we make a reservation is not wagyu beef. If we order a wagyu course, the price will be much higher.
Click on the photos above for a description!
Yakatabune & Tsukiji Fish Market
Cost: $75 USD
Start Time: 3:00 p.m.
Approximate End Time: 7:40 p.m.
Enjoy a traditional Japanese boat cruise. The private tour starts at Kachidoki pier and moves onto Tokyo Bay past scenic Odaiba and then along the river to see Tokyo Skytree. Take in the view while you savor a full course, freshly fried tempura dinner paired with a free-flow drink service. On the way to the boat pier, we will visit the Tsukiji Fish Market to try some delicious fish snacks.
Highlights
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- A yakatabune is a traditional Japanese boat where guests can enjoy a cruise while dining. Onboard, you can savor freshly prepared tempura and other Japanese dishes as you float along the river, enjoying beautiful views of the city, especially in the evening. There are several yakatabune operators in Tokyo bay, but we are going to use a specific boat called “Arakawamaru” which our group can use exclusively.
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- Tsukiji Fish Market is a bustling market in Tokyo where visitors can explore a wide variety of fresh seafood, local produce, and Japanese snacks. It’s a great place to experience the lively atmosphere of Japanese food culture and try delicious street food. We will bring you there before we get onboard the yakatabune near by pier.
Click on the photos above for a description!
Tea Ceremony & Yakitori
Cost: $115 USD
Start Time: 1:30 p.m.
Approximate End Time: 8:00 p.m.
Highlights
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- Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most elegant districts, famous for its blend of luxury, culture, and style. Walking through Ginza—known as “Gin-bura,” short for “Ginza strolling”—is a pleasure in itself. The wide boulevards are lined with high-end boutiques, department stores, art galleries, and traditional shops that have been serving customers for generations. On weekends, the main street becomes a pedestrian paradise, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere. Ginza also offers world-class dining, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy sushi bars. The area’s modern architecture harmonizes beautifully with its classic charm, especially when illuminated at night. A stroll through Ginza captures the essence of Tokyo—refined, vibrant, and ever-evolving.
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- The Japanese tea ceremony, known as sado or chanoyu, offers a unique opportunity to experience the heart of Japanese culture. More than simply drinking green tea, it is a carefully crafted ritual that expresses harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Visitors can enjoy matcha, a finely powdered green tea, served with seasonal Japanese sweets that beautifully balance its rich flavor. During the experience, you will step into a quiet tatami room, leaving the busy city behind. The host will guide you through the graceful movements and etiquette of the ceremony, showing how every gesture—from bowing to handling the tea bowl—carries meaning. It is not necessary to have prior knowledge; everything will be explained in a way that beginners can easily follow.
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- Yakitori, or Japanese grilled chicken skewers, is one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods. Small pieces of chicken—sometimes meat, sometimes skin, liver, or other parts—are carefully skewered and grilled over charcoal, giving them a smoky, irresistible flavor. Each skewer is usually seasoned either with “tare,” a sweet-savory soy-based sauce, or simply with salt, allowing the natural taste of the chicken to shine.
Click on the photos above for a description!
Meiji Shrine, Ninja & Japanese Premier Whisky Experience
Cost: $135 USD
Start Time: 1:30 p.m.
Approximate End Time: 8:10 p.m.
Visit the iconic Shinto shrine set within a tranquil, forested park near Harajuku. Afterwards, you’ll head to the Ninja Experience Café, where you can dress as a ninja, practice shuriken throwing and blow darts, and enjoy themed food and beverages. The final stop is the TOKYO Whisky Library, an upscale bar and lounge in the Omotesando/Aoyama area. With its sophisticated atmosphere and walls lined with an extensive whisky collection, it feels like a refined library for adults. Enjoy an “all you can drink” selection of premier Japanese whiskies, including YAMAZAKI, HAKUSHU and YOICHI.
Highlights
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- Located in the center of Harajuku on the famous Takeshita Street, the Ninja Experience Cafe Tokyo Harajuku invites visitors to enjoy a unique, hands-on ninja adventure. Inside, guests can discover hidden mechanisms such as a rolling door, secret compartments, and scrolls, experiencing the thrill of striking down “enemies” like real ninjas. The café also features a red balustrade where visitors can pose for unforgettable photos in ninja costumes. The venue is only a few minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station, making it easily accessible to both domestic and international travelers. The Ninja Experience Cafe is a perfect place to explore Japan’s ninja culture in a fun, interactive way.
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- Located in the center of Harajuku on the famous Takeshita Street, the Ninja Experience Cafe Tokyo Harajuku invites visitors to enjoy a unique, hands-on ninja adventure. Inside, guests can discover hidden mechanisms such as a rolling door, secret compartments, and scrolls, experiencing the thrill of striking down “enemies” like real ninjas. The café also features a red balustrade where visitors can pose for unforgettable photos in ninja costumes. The venue is only a few minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station, making it easily accessible to both domestic and international travelers. The Ninja Experience Cafe is a perfect place to explore Japan’s ninja culture in a fun, interactive way.
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- Yakitori, or Japanese grilled chicken skewers, is one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods. Small pieces of chicken—sometimes meat, sometimes skin, liver, or other parts—are carefully skewered and grilled over charcoal, giving them a smoky, irresistible flavor. Each skewer is usually seasoned either with “tare,” a sweet-savory soy-based sauce, or simply with salt, allowing the natural taste of the chicken to shine.
Click on the photos above for a description!
