TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
This walking tour will take you through the back alleys of Asakusa, a residential area of Tokyo where the vestiges of an older Japan can still be seen. There are lots of cafés, shops, and private dwellings, which are maintained in traditional style. During the Edo era, and even into the Meiji era, this district was famous throughout Japan for its geisha, and late night entertainment.
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Meet at 10:00am at Kiyosumi-shirakawa station. The first stop on your tour will be to see the graves of two colourful characters from local history, Mamiya Rinzo and Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Mamiya Rinzo was a famous explorer of the 18th century, who was the first to make a map of Hokkaido, and the Sakhalin peninsular. Kinokuniya, on the other hand, was a famous merchant from the same era, who was famous for his lavish displays of wealth. It was his practice, once a year, to throw gold coins from the windows of his mansion, crying, “let my fortune out, and let the devil in!”
For lunch, you will try a local delicacy, Fukagawa meshi, a mouth-watering stew of clams and miso served over rice. After lunch, your guide will take you to Asakusa, part of the way by metro, and the rest, by cruising the Sumida river. Once in Asakusa, your guide will take you walking through the back alleys of Asakusa, where you will be able to feel how Tokyo might have been 100s of years ago. On your way, you will see the famous Nitenmon Gate, the last remaining part of Toshogu Shrine, which was originally built in 1618 to house the remains of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo era. You will also have the chance to visit the Buddhist temple, Henshoin, where the famous ukiyo-e artist, Hokusai, spent his last days before he died. The tour will conclude at Minowa station.
Meal Breakfast Lunch Dinner Hotel