Asakusa: 1400-year history exploration

If you are interested in a folklore of two fisherman brothers who happened to have become founding fathers of Sesoji-temple 1400 years ago and Tokyo for that matter, this tour is for you. Enjoy the tour chock-ful of interesting stories around development of Asakusa and Tokyo.

Specifically, we will demystify intriguing historical facts including:
1) Why Sumida river is an origin of Senso-ji temple
2) How Senso-ji temple and Asakusa developed hand in hand
3) How Asakusa has become a forerunner of Japan’s modernization
4) How the culture that flourished in the area impacted the world

Other important features of the tour are:
1) Use of headsets to hear the guide clearly even from a distance; applicable to a group of 3 or more.
2) Tasting Japanese sweet snacks just made in the back the shops.
3) Each group is limited to 8 participants.

Just as Asakusa’s history started by the Sumida river, so do our tours. Across the Azumabashi bridge, we will see Tokyo Sky Tree, Asahi Breweries’ headquarters with its world-famous golden flame object.

From Sumida river, we will stroll to Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. This is not not just a valuable source of sightseeing information, but one of Asakusa’s newest sightseeing attractions. This 8-story building, designed by a world famous Japanese architect, has a very striking structure with the appearance of a stack of separate wooden buildings that seem piled up on top of each other at different angles. From the open terrace Observation Deck on the 8th floor of the Center, we will have a preview of the entire tour course: not just Tokyo Sky Tree and Asahi Flame we have just seen but the landmarks we are going to see including Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, Hozomon gate, Sensoji Temple, and more.

Kaminarimon gate (“Thunder Gate”) is the outer of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the Sensō-ji temple. The gate, with its huge red lantern and statues, is popular among tourists. The guide will demystify this giant lantern and its surrounding objects.

This shopping street connects Kaminarimon gate and Sensoji-temple’s main gate. The 250 m approach is lined with a number of souvenir shops and food stalls. The guide will show you where to buy souvenirs you are interested in. The other fun part of strolling along it is that the guide will buy you traditional snacks in Asakusa; note that the guide may buy snacks in other places in the tour based on your preferences.
Toward the end of this long street, we will see a history tablets on its side which depict how Asakusa started and developed around Sensoji-temple.

The Hōzōmon (Treasure-House Gate) is the inner of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the Sensō-ji temple (the outer being the Kaminarimon), Tokyo. A two-story gate, the Hōzōmon’s second story houses many of the Sensō-ji’s treasures. We will see two statues, three lanterns and two large sandals housed in the first story.

Between Hozomon gate and Sensoji’s main hall, we have a lot to see and do.
On the left, we will see Five-storied Pagoda the second highest (53m-high) pagoda in Japan built in 942. It holds Buddha’s ashes on its top floor given by Sri Lankan goverment and buddhist society for goodwill between Sri Lanka and Japan.
We will have three major things to observe or do before entering the temple’s main hall.
First:
– You will draw omikuji, or paper fortune, to predict your future (included in the costs you have already paid).
Second:
– Most Japanese stop at the huge bronze incense burner to bathe their hands and faces in the smoke. This is a ritual to ward off illnesses-before climbing the stairs to offer their prayers.
Third:
– Water purification fountain which people use to purify themselves before going inside the temple. You will also see a famous sculpture perching on the fountain.

We will now proceed to the main hall of the temple which is the climax of the tour. Look forward to what you will see and the guide will recount there!

To those familiar with religions,it is unfathomable that Busshist temple and shinto shrine coexist on the same premises and share both their origins and worshipers. In that sense, Asakusa shrine is not just another shinto shrine in Japan. The guide will tell you why and you will found how these two religions are ingrained in life of the ordinary Japanese.

After the magnificence of Sensoji, we’ll escape into the Rokku area: Asakusa’s traditional entertainment district, always bustling yet rarely busy. Walk through the Meiji period into the present day (with stops along the way for more Japanese sweet snacks).

Once a district of endless novelty — movies, comedians and exotic animals — Rokku passed through its glory days to become a quaint neighborhood of handicrafts and nostalgia. Through vivid descriptions of its complex, colorful history, you’ll even see sights that aren’t there to see anymore!

Packed with cosy bars, eateries, and snack stands, as well as boutique shops for traditionally crafted goods of all kinds, the narrow, winding and wandering streets of Rokku will lead you through the other Asakusa experience.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We accept last-minute bookings until two hours prior to the tour start time.
• The maximum group size is 8 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
• If you have special dietary or accessibility requirements, please contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate you
• Children younger than 6 may join the tour without charge but will not be entitled to inclusions
• Due to the historical focus of the tour, it is recommended for adults, but families are welcome

• History Tour
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• Earphone Guide System to deliver the guide’s voice securely to each participant from distance.
• English-speaking guide
• Selection of Japanese sweet snacks (e.g. melon pan, rice dumpling, rice cracker, sweet puffed rice).

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks, except those specified

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The meeting place is in front of a Burger King restaurant right next to Exit 4 of Asakusa subway station (G19) on the Ginza line. Please step outside when you reach Exit 4. See below for details.
https://bit.ly/3KBlIr5

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Arumachi.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 137 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.