Turn just-looking sightseeing into an experience where you feel the story behind it.
GuideTunes isn't just an audio guide you listen to while standing in front of a landmark.
As you walk through the streets. As you gaze at the buildings and scenery before you. As you savor ramen, sushi, or tempura.
How did this place come to be? How did this dish come to be loved in Japan? What history, culture, and human feeling lie behind it?
GuideTunes was made so you can learn the background of what's in front of you by ear, and feel the world of that place or food more deeply.
Don't let sightseeing end at just “seeing” — walk while listening to the story of the streets. Don't let Japanese food end at just “eating” — taste it while learning its history and culture.
Just put in your earphones and press play, and your everyday sightseeing and meals turn into more memorable experiences.
Ways to enjoy GuideTunes
Listen while looking at the sights
Enjoy the audio guide while taking in the real scenery — temples, shrines, observation decks, gardens, historic buildings, and more.
We point out what to look for and the history behind it, plus details that change how you see the view once you know them.
Listen while walking the streets
Stroll through Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akihabara and beyond, learning the history and culture of each area.
Even streets and buildings you'd pass without a second thought hold many stories. Enjoy the scenery and the audio together as you walk.
Listen while tasting Japanese food
While eating ramen, sushi, tempura, soba and more, hear how each dish came to be, its food culture, and tips to enjoy it even more.
We recommend listening while you wait for your order, just before you start, or as you actually taste it.
Knowing the background of a dish lets you enjoy not only its flavor, but the history and culture it carries.
Learn about your next stop while traveling
While riding the train or bus, you can listen ahead to the guide for the place you're about to visit.
Knowing the highlights and background in advance lets you enjoy the place more deeply once you arrive.
1. Choose your language
First, choose your preferred language from the language menu at the top of the screen.
The display and the audio guide switch to match the language you select.
2. Find a guide you want to hear
From the home screen, choose a category or area you're interested in.
Find by sightseeing spot
Find guides for Tokyo's iconic spots such as Senso-ji, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Jingu, and Shibuya Crossing.
Find by town or area
Find guides by your current location or an area you plan to visit — Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Akihabara, and more.
Find by Japanese food culture
Discover the history of Japanese food and how to eat it — sushi, ramen, tempura, soba — with details that make it even more enjoyable.
3. Play the audio guide
Choose the content you want to hear and press the “Play” button.
GuideTunes is made to be enjoyed without staring at the screen. Once playback starts, put your phone away and focus on the scenery or food in front of you.
With earphones, you can listen comfortably out in the streets or in a restaurant without worrying about those around you.
While playing, you can: ・play / pause ・fast-forward / rewind ・change the playback position ・change the playback speed.
If you're using it while walking, don't operate the screen — please stay fully aware of the people, cars, and bicycles around you.
4. Try a free guide
Some audio guides are free to try.
Play a free guide first and experience how GuideTunes changes the way you feel the scenery or a meal in front of you.
If you like it, you can buy individual guides or use an unlimited plan.
Add one more story to your journey
Even looking at the same view, how you feel it changes greatly depending on whether you know the story behind it.
Even eating the same dish, knowing its history and culture makes the flavor richer.
Play GuideTunes, walk the streets, take in the scenery, and taste Japan's cuisine.
Beyond what you can see, all the way to the story that lies ahead — travel with GuideTunes and feel Japan more deeply.