1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature

Do you love Japanese history, culture and food? Take in the sights and experiences of traditional Tokyo on this one day walking tour. Home to the oldest temple in Tokyo, shops selling traditional crafts and an abundance of delicious food, Asakusa must be added to your Tokyo and Japan itinerary! 

Nestled within the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo, this tour in Asakusa will give guests a great experience to explore the area and travel back in time to what was once the beating heart of Edo, now known as Tokyo. Led by a locally-based and English-speaking guide, the tour will begin at the historical temple and shopping complex of Senso-ji and Nakamise Dori. You will then learn about the traditional Japanese art of Taiko and have the opportunity to play these amazing drums. Lunch time will be spent exploring Asakusa’s popular dining destinations to sample the delights of Japanese food and Izakaya culture. The afternoon will be spent exploring Asakusa’s famous ’Kitchen Town’ and tradtional crafts, before visiting temples and shrines off the main tourist trail of Asakusa. To conclude, we will spend a relaxing time on the East side of Sumida Park enjoying the serene nature and landscape before finishing the tour with amazing views of the Asakusa skyline!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Tokyo’s oldest and most ancient temple, and learn all about old Tokyo – Edo!
• The great opportunity to play authentic and tradtional Japanese Taiko drums and engage with this part of Japanese culture!
• Enjoy your lunch Izakaya hopping and eating delicious Japanese food in a retro district and area popular with Japanese locals!
• Experience hidden gems of Asakusa by visiting temples and shrines off the beaten track away from the busy tourist areas.
• Enjoy the Asakusa skyline at the top of a popular building, a great opportunity for photos!

DESCRIPTION

The tour will begin at 9.30am outside of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre where you will meet your tour guide. Once everybody has arrived, you will officially start the tour and your tour guide will escort you to the first destination – Kaminarimon Gate! An impressive first sight and the entrance to the Senso-ji temple complex, Kaminarimon towers over guests and welcomes you to explore!

You will enjoy a guided tour around the ancient and historic Sensoji temple and Asakusa shrine complex in the heart of Asakusa. We will explore the impressive Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Dori, Asakusa Shrine and Senso-ji temple together. You will also have some free time for exploring at your leisure, pictures and shopping. Be sure to try some of the street food and local delicacies on offer at Nakamise Dori!

Once you have finished exploring the temple complex and shops, you will walk over to a Taiko museum, just a short walk from your first destination. Here your guide will tell you all about the traditional Japanese art of Taiko drumming, Japanese Matsuri (Festivals) and Mikoshi (Portable shrines). You will also be able to have a go at playing traditional Taiko drums and feel the power of these amazing instruments! There is a great gift shop you can also browse at your leisure and buy some unique souvenirs! 

 It is now your lunch time! Here, you will take a short walk to a lively dining centre in Asakusa famous for its restaurants, bars and shops. The area is packed with traditional Izakaya and has a fun retro atmosphere. You will have a guided tour with an introduction to the history of the area and Izakaya culture, and you can then enjoy exploring and trying local food at your leisure! 

Now that you’re full of delicious Japanese food, you will visit some hidden gems in the Asakusa area and have a chance to go deeper into Japanese culture! Your guide will take you to three shrines and temples each of which have their own unique features and purpose! Your guide will provide some facts and history about these locations. You will see a mini Mount Fuji, a shrine full of Maneki Neko statues (Lucky Cats), and a temple with a beautiful Japanese garden that has a Koi pond and views of the Tokyo Skytree! You may also see some beautiful plum and cherry blossom trees. Make sure to take photos and pick up a small souvenir.

Next, you will continue the foodie adventure in Kappabashi, also known as Kitchen town. The area is famous for its extensive choice of kitchenware, tools, ceramics and food, but most famous of all is the impressive variety of Japanese knives and realistic plastic food on display and for sale! Here you will have a guided tour on the history and significance of the area, and also free time to explore at your leisure and shop.

Our final stop on the tour will be a slow paced and relaxing time in nature. We will walk over to the East side of Sumida Park and enjoy the tranquillity of the river, Cherry blossom and skyline. We will finish the tour by enjoying an amazing viewpoint overlooking all of Asakusa. You will be able to see Sensoji temple, Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Dori, as well as the Asahi Beer Hall and Tokyo Skytree! Make sure you take photos! Your tour will then conclude at 17:00 at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information centre. Your guide can offer you any assistance necessary in reaching your next destination safely and on time. After the tour, if you are travelling onto Nagano from Tokyo Shinkansen station to join one of our other tours, your guide will also happily assist you with any questions about your journey and even escort you to Tokyo Shinkansen station if needed.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

Outside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre @ 09:30

When you arrive at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre, look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. Once everybody has met at this location, you will officially start the tour. 

NOTES

Included

• Admission fees for Taikokan Drum Museum

• English speaking guide 

• Guided walk around Asakusa

Excluded

• Transport before and after the tour

• Food and drink

Other Information

• The Taiko museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, therefore this tour is only available for bookings Wednesday to Sunday.
  
• This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.

• There will be free time at both Senso-ji temple complex and Kappabashi, and the lunch break for guests to enjoy the locations at their own pace. However, please make sure that you are at the respective meetup points at the time stated by your guide on the day of the tour. If you get lost or need assistance, feel free to call the number which is listed on your tour pass, and our staff will assist you immediately.

• Due to this being a walking tour, it is advised that you do not bring any luggage or large bags with you on the tour. It is advised that you check if your hotel can store your luggage for you until after the tour, or you store your luggage at lockers at a suitable location such as selected train stations with appropriate storage. For example, many stations in Tokyo will have lockers, especially the larger train stations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo.