Hidden Temples Tour of Tokyo in Karasuyama

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3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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English speaking guide
Public transport or taxi fare

Food and drink
Food and drink
Hotel pick up and drop off

Overview

Teramachi Dori, otherwise known as Temple Street, is a peaceful area of Setagaya where 26 temples are concentrated. Only 11 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station, Temple Street bears little in common with the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku, instead being a haven for those who wish to stroll around a quiet part of Tokyo and explore some hidden gems in this authentic, local spot. This tour is for people who want to visit off-the-beaten-path spots in Tokyo and discover more of the true Tokyo beyond the glittering lights and skyscrapers. There are not so many spots in central Tokyo where so many temples are clustered together like this, and of those that exist, many are overcrowded with tourists, making the experience not quite so relaxing as it could be. This Tokyo Temple Town tour takes you on a serene walk through an ordinary neighbourhood and lets you delve deeper into one of the many faces of Tokyo.

Meeting Point

You will meet the guide at the North Exit of the station.

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

1. Kogen-in This temple has been in the area since 1926 after being relocated from Shinagawa. Its pond called Benten-ike is a calm and serene spot where wild ducks are often found. The shrine in the middle houses Hosho Benzaiten. You will walk around the temple grounds which make the perfect photography setting. 30 minutes

2. Myojuji was founded in the Yanaka area of Tokyo in 1631 but was moved to Setagaya after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. On the temple grounds you can find a mini bamboo forest, colourful azalea bushes and a former priest's quarters building that is over 100 years old. The Nabeshima guesthouse which can be seen in the grounds of the temple belonged to the Nabeshima family, one of the powerful feudal lords during the Edo period, and it features architecture that was reserved only for high-ranking people. The building was relocated from Roppongi due to the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. The house shows the lifestyle of the nobility and upper class during the Meiji period. Our guide will take you around the temple and it's expansive grounds. 30 minutes

3. Joei-ji Temple Joei-ji was moved to the area in 1924 from Tsukiji. You will hear about the temple and stroll around the beautiful green grounds. 10 minutes

4. Tamon-in Temple Tamon-in suffered damage in the Second World War and the surviving buildings and graveyard were moved to Setagaya in 1949. There is a three-meter-high “grave of 568 unknown people”, which enshrines those who died of in the Tenmei Famine. 5 minutes

5. Karasuyama Tsutsuji Park From mid-April to mid-May (approximately), you can see 32 different types of azalea flower over a 1000sqm park. It's a gorgeous place to take photo in season, so the tour will stop there in spring. 10 minutes

6. Setagaya Literary Museum The Setagaya Literary Museum contains exhibits by both comptemporary and classic Japanese authors, as well as displays of original manga illustrations and animation themed exhibits. They also have special collections that change regularly, along with a special area for children's books. You will visit the museum with your guide who will explain some of Japan's most famous literary works to you, as well as letting you browse at your leisure. You will reach the museum either by bus or walking, depending on how you feel. 30 minutes

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
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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