Calm Tokyo - Cultural Temple Tour with a Real Local

0 Review | Tokyo

From $30.75 Lowest Price Guarantee

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Free Cancellation Up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time) Learn more

1 hour to 2 hours

Mobile ticket

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Free visit to a Buddhist daily ritual

Small coins to throw in the box at temples and shrines but this is not mandatory.

Overview

Join us for an intimate small-group tour of Monzennakacho, a historic district in East Tokyo, known as "Shitamachi." Led by Manami, a local native with a Ph.D. in cultural heritage protection, this experience offers a deep dive into the spiritual and cultural backstory of the area. 1. Discover Shitamachi’s Rich History: Manami will reveal the unique geography and history of Shitamachi. She'll also explain how Buddhism and Shinto coexist in Japan. 2. Witness the Fukagawa Fudo-do Buddhist Ritual: You'll witness a spectacle fire ritual accompanied by powerful drum performances. Manami will guide you through the etiquette and photography rules, and use her smartphone to share insights about the ritual as we observe in silence. 3. Explore Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine: Experience the calm atmosphere of this Shinto shrine. Manami will assist with the "omikuji" fortune-telling lottery or "goshuin" stamps if you wish. Come and experience the authentic charm of East Tokyo!

Meeting Point

We will meet outside the Exit 4 of the subway (O-edo & Tozai lines) Monzennakacho station. The drug store called "Kusuri no Fukutaro" with a red sign banner is just outside of the exit.

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

1. Shitamachi is referred to the eastern Tokyo, the delta area in between the two big river. We the locals call ourselves "Edokko". Edokko are not rich, not posh, but we believe that we are the ones who built the foundation of Edo (previous Tokyo) and supported its prosperity for over 250 years. We will first go to a cafe and the host will give you a short presentation before starting the exploration. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS 1. Water channels What is this water? You will hear about the unique geographical features which generated the Shitamachi economy, and the background of local pride. 2. Fudo-son temple You will learn about the diffent religions in Japan as well as manners to visit temples and shrines. 3. Tomioka Hachimangu shrine The emotional home for us "Edokko" people. The architecture is so elegant in the daytime but also recommended to see at night tours. Some facilities are closed at night, but you will get the magical feeling seeing lanterns in the darkness at the shrine. 1 hour 40 minutes

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

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