Ancient Tokyo's History - city exploration game

Embark on an exciting city game in Tokyo's Kagurazaka and uncover the intricate history of Old Edo, featuring tales of shoguns, geishas, and samurais. As you stroll through the labyrinth of narrow alleys, geisha teahouses, temples, samurai houses, and old traditional restaurants (ryotei), you'll immerse yourself in the former pleasure district, hanamachi, or City of Flowers. Get ready to take the way of the Samurai and enter the world of Old Edo on the winding back alleys of Kagurazaka.

Discover hidden temples and shrines, learn about life in the Edo period, and dive into the city's underworld of crime while exploring aspects of spirituality and religion in Japanese culture. This unique experience combines a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt. Each clue will lead you from one place to another, providing exact directions. Answer the questions, and the story of the place is unlocked.

Itinerary

The adventure begins at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, also known as 'O-Ise-sama in Tokyo,' where you will search for clues and unlock the secrets of the shrine. Next, you'll explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum, established in 1993, which features exhibits on the history and culture of Tokyo during the Edo period. As you make your way through the museum, you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for the next clue.

Continuing on, you'll venture to Kakurenbo Yokochō, also known as Hide-and-Seek Alley. This mysterious alley is named for a story that tells of people losing sight of each other as soon as they enter the street. You'll have to look closely to find the answer to the challenge and move on to the next location.

Next, you'll visit Zenkokuji Temple, a vibrant and popular temple in Kagurazaka. The temple has been busy since the Edo period, and its Bishamonten statue is worshipped as a bringer of good luck. You'll have to scour the temple for clues to advance to the next location.

As you wander through the winding streets, you'll come across Hyōgo Yokochō Alley. This refined-looking alley was once home to weapons merchants, giving it its name, which means 'arsenal.' Search for the next clue and continue on to the next location.

The adventure will take you to Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Hachiman. You'll have to explore the shrine to uncover the next clue and solve the challenge. Your journey will end at Akagi Shrine, which was once a vital support for Tokyo's political elite.

As a final stop, you'll encounter the bronze statue of Kobo Chan, a popular cartoon figure from the national daily newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. Keep your eyes open to find the final clue and complete the challenge.

FAQ

1. Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families with children. It is a walking tour that takes you through a historical neighborhood in Tokyo, and the clues and challenges are designed to be engaging and fun for all ages.

2. Do I need an internet connection to play this city game?
No, you do not need an internet connection to play this city game. The tour is designed to be played offline, so you can explore the area without worrying about internet access.

3. Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you have full flexibility to start the tour at any time that is convenient for you. You can also take a break at any time and resume the tour later.

4. Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private tour. You will be exploring the neighborhood on your own, so you can avoid crowds.

5. Is a physical tour guide included in this tour?
No, a physical tour guide is not included in this tour. The tour is designed as a self-guided experience, with clues and challenges to guide you through the neighborhood and discover its rich history and culture.

Key Takeaways

This is a walking tour in Tokyo's Kagurazaka area that will take you through a labyrinth of narrow alleys, geisha teahouses, temples, samurai houses and old traditional restaurants that used to fill this former pleasure district. You will learn about the complicated history and stories of Old Edo, including the times of shoguns, geishas and samurais. The tour includes discovering temples and shrines, some of them hidden in the narrow alleys, as well as learning about life in the Edo period and diving into the city's underworld of crime. Each clue will lead you from one place to another, giving you exact directions. Answer the questions and the story of the place is unlocked. The tour is available to book 24/7, every day of the week and provides full flexibility. It is a private tour and is designed to be played offline, so you don't need an internet connection to enjoy it.

Related Read: Japanese Cultural Experiences: Must-Visit Museums in Japan