The image shows the exterior of a traditional Japanese shrine with a modern black building adjacent to it. The shrine has a green, ornate roof and wooden details, while the contemporary building features a geometric facade covered in patterns. A set of stairs leads to the shrine.

Tokyo

Explore Edo Tokyo at Your Own Pace: A Private Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through Tokyo's rich past with our Edo Tokyo Walking Tour. Discover historic landmarks, explore cultural sites, and feel the city's pulse at a local market. Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable dive into Japan's history!

Language

English

Location

Tokyo

Duration

4hrs

Are you curious about the term "Edo" and the tales that echo within it? Do you wonder what secrets and stories are nestled in the heart of Japan's culture and history? Then let us take you on an immersive journey that’s just as appetizing as it is educational. Your journey unravels in the enchanting Fukagawa region of Tokyo, a place where time seems to stand still, cradling the warmth and charm of Japan's iconic Edo era (1603 - 1868).

As you wander through the atmospheric streets, accompanied by a guide who's as passionate about history as they are about sharing it, you'll taste not just the local cuisine but also the rich essence of Japan's past. You'll delve deep into the captivating history of Japan and the Tokugawa shogunate, encountering sights, sounds, and stories that let you experience the Edo period like never before. Whether you're a history buff or just an avid explorer at heart, this personalized walking tour offers you a slice of Edo Tokyo that’s uniquely your own.

Tour Itinerary

1. Beginning Your Journey: Your Tokyo Hotel

Your unforgettable journey into the Edo period starts right at your hotel lobby in Tokyo's 23 wards. Our professional guide, fluent in English and rich in knowledge, will meet you there at 10:00 AM sharp, setting the tone for the day of exploration ahead.

2. Step into the Past: Fukagawa Edo Museum

Our first stop will be the Fukagawa Edo Museum. Established in 1986, this cultural center transports you back in time to the Edo period. Discover life-sized reconstructions of streets and houses that once teemed with life in Fukagawa. As you wander through this charming setup, you’ll see a variety of everyday artifacts and plants that further immerse you into this captivating era. Just remember, the museum takes a break on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month.

3. Stroll in Serenity: Kiyosumi Teien Garden

Next, we journey to the Kiyosumi Teien Garden, a tranquil spot that was once the residence of the renowned Edo period business magnate, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Despite suffering extensive damage during the great Kanto earthquake, this garden stood as a beacon of hope, offering shelter to many. Explore the beautiful miniature lake "Sensui" located in the garden's heart, surrounded by three small islands.

4. Sacred Grounds: Fukagawa Fudoson

Our journey takes a spiritual turn at the Fukagawa Fudoson Shrine. With a rich history of over 300 years, this shrine is believed to be under the protection of the Acala's Shingon (Mantra). Don't miss the modern-style Shingon inscriptions on the main hall wall. Join the locals in their daily prayers held in the main hall and feel the sacred atmosphere enveloping you.

5. Home of the Sumo: Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

We continue to the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, revered as the birthplace of Kanjin-zumō, the origin of professional sumo wrestling. Experience the thrill of standing in the same ground where two basho (Spring and Autumn) sumo events were held annually under the shogunate's permission. Join in the excitement of the annual summer festival, one of Edo's three great festivals.

6. A Local's Paradise: Sunamachi Ginza Shotengai Arcade

Our next stop is Sunamachi Ginza, a bustling shotengai or shopping street, reborn from the ashes of World War II. The locals' tireless efforts have resulted in a vibrant street that houses around 180 small shops selling fresh produce, daily groceries, and more. Today, Sunamachi Ginza is a beloved part of the locals' everyday life, with about 18,000 people shopping or strolling there daily. Immerse yourself in the lively Showa period (1926-1989) atmosphere that still lingers in the air.

7. Wrapping up Your Journey: Your Tokyo Hotel

As the sun begins to set, we will drop you back at your hotel in Tokyo's 23 wards, ending a day filled with history, culture, and unique local experiences.

Included in Your Tour:

Services of a guide fluent in English
Costs for transportation during the tour
Convenience of pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
Admission to the following sites:
Fukagawa Edo Museum
Kiyosumi Teien
Tomioka Hachimangu
Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street
Fukagawa Fudodo

Exclusions:

Costs for food and beverages
Tips or gratuities

Itinerary

Your Hotel in Tokyo (Scheduled at 10:00)

Tokyo

We offer pickup from any hotel in Tokyo 23 wards. Your professional English speaking guide will wait you at your hotel lobby at 10:00AM.

Fukagawa Edo Museum

1 Chome-3-28 Shirakawa, Koto City, Tokyo

Fukagawa Edo Museum is a culture center which was established in 1986. This museum is all about Edo period, and the housing in Edo period is displayed.

Kiyosumi Teien Garden

3 Chome-3 Kiyosumi, Koto City, Tokyo

The origin of this garden was the site of the residence of the famous Edo period business magnate, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon.

Fukagawa Fudoson

Naritasan Fukagawa Fudōdō, 1 Chome-17-13 Tomioka, Koto City, Tokyo

Don's miss Fukagawa Fudouson Shrine with 300 years history originated from the Naritasan Shrine located in Chiba Prefecture. What's unique about this shrine is the wall of the main hall.

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

1 Chome-20-3 Tomioka, Koto City, Tokyo

Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is also known as the birthplace of Kanjin-zumō, founded in 1684 and origin of the current professional sumo.

Sunamachi Ginza Shotengai Arcade

Sunamachi Ginza Shopping District, 4 Chome-18 Kitasuna, Koto City, Tokyo

"Shotengai" is the Japanese word for shopping streets with small local shops on both sides. Sunamachi Ginza arcade used to be a quite and small arcade before the air raid in Tokyo.

Your Hotel in Tokyo

Tokyo

As the sun begins to set, we will drop you back at your hotel in Tokyo's 23 wards, ending a day filled with history, culture, and unique local experiences.