Asakusa: Big-picture History Walk to Know Japan
About This Tour
Discover Asakusa through a walk that connects Tokyo’s most famous historic district to the wider story of Japan. Beginning by the Sumida River and continuing th...
Duration: 2 Hours · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Not included · Transport: Not included · Wheelchair access: No · City: Tokyo · Languages: English
Know before you go: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY; INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS; Not wheelchair accessible; We accept last-minute bookings until two hours prior to the tour start time.; The maximum group size is 12 people, to ensure proper hospitality; A moderate amount of walking is involved; please choose appropriate footwear; Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately; Bottled water is recommended but vending machines are available; Not stroller accessible; Not suitable for pets; Due to the historical focus of the tour, it is recommended for adults, but families are welcome; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is cancelled, you will not be entitled to a refund.; Prefer email to a phone call? Contact us with any inquiries:
About Tokyo
Tokyo
Steel high-rises tower over chaotic markets; electronics beep and rooftop bars bustle into the night. Welcome to Tokyo ’ a global city that’s best explored with a local guide.
What's Included
- English-speaking guide
- Earphone guide system to deliver the guide’s voice clearly even from a distance; applicable to a group of 3 or more.
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
-
1Day 01
We will start from Sumida River. Begin along the Sumida River, where the story of Japan’s isolation and opening to the world comes alive. Learn why the Edo shogunate sealed the country for over 200 years, why the Netherlands alone was permitted to trade, and how Admiral Perry’s arrival forced Japan to reopen. The guide connects this past to modern Tokyo—right down to Odaiba’s former gun batteries and today’s Statue of Liberty replica facing the Pacific. Asakusa Culture and Sightseeing Center Get a clear introduction to Japan’s two major religions, Buddhism and Shinto, setting the foundation for everything you’ll see ahead. Kaminarimon (Thunder) Gate At Asakusa’s iconic gate, explore the fascinating contrast between Japanese and Western dragons—and learn why the Japanese dragon plays exactly an opposite role from the Western one. Nakamise Shopping Street Stroll through one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets while learning about Buddhist symbols like the vajra (tokko) and the world-changing impact of ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Discover how these prints unexpectedly reached Europe—and inspired Western Impressionist painters. Hozomon (Treasure) Gate Here, your guide reveals a surprising truth: people in Japan and the West shared remarkably similar ways of thinking 1,000 years ago. Senso-ji Temple Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple offers another striking comparison between medieval Japan and Europe, along with a clear explanation of how prayer differs in Buddhism and Shinto. Asakusa Shrine End the tour at a landmark that amazes many visitors: a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple sharing the same grounds, worshippers, and history—peacefully coexisting for over a millennium. Learn why.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Taito City, JP · Tour start: Taito City, JP — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
