Ryogoku is Tokyo’s sumo neighborhood, but this traditional shitamachi (downtown) on the eastern bank of the Sumida River boasts many additional fascinating sites. Visit a sumo temple, a famous spot associated with the 47 samurai, a traditional garden, and a park that’s seen more than its fair share of disasters. Along the way, hear stories of sumo wrestlers, sushi makers and samurai bent on revenge, among others.

Explore the neighborhoods of Kiyosumi Shirakawa and Monzen Nakacho, two old “downtowns” on the eastern side of the river. Kiyosumi has a reputation as a “coffee town” – learn about the cafes that have opened their doors here in the past few years and get a caffeine-fix in one of them! Wander through a gorgeous traditional garden and a fascinating, hands-on museum that recreates life in the Edo Period, and catch a unique Buddhist ceremony (time permitting) at a historic temple.

On this special winter edition of the tour, we’ll start with a visit to a shrine with a lovely plum grove. We’ll also an origami center, a venerable shrine with unique prayer plaques, and a train station that’s living out a second life as a collection of hip boutique shops. Hear stories of flying plums, an exhausted ox, a meaningful origami gift, a horse for the gods, a secret spy tower, and more.

Enjoy a stroll through one of Tokyo’s historic neighborhoods. Hear stories of shoguns, tea sellers, sculptors, cats, and more.

On this walk, we’ll weave through the streets of central Tokyo’s nightlife and cultural quarter and detour into nearby Akasaka as well. Hear stories of spiders and space fish, famous cartoonists, geisha, generals and even The Beatles.

Explore some of Setagaya’s most atmospheric temples and shrines, including Gotoku-ji (the famed “beckoning cat temple”) and Shoin Jinja, a shrine with fascinating historical connections. Hear multiple legends associated with the beckoning cat and decide for yourself which one is real. Enjoy some final cherry blossom viewing (hopefully), and stay for an optional lunch along a revitalized shopping street before catching one of Tokyo’s two remaining streetcars back home.

Explore the neighborhoods of Kiyosumi Shirakawa and Monzen Nakacho, two old “downtowns” on the eastern side of the river. Kiyosumi has a reputation as a “coffee town” – learn about the cafes that have opened their doors here in the past few years and get a caffeine-fix in one of them! Wander through a gorgeous traditional garden and a fascinating, hands-on museum that recreates life in the Edo Period, and catch a unique Buddhist ceremony (time permitting) at a historic temple.

Visit two neighborhoods that are considered the ‘Heart’ of old Edo – a former ‘doll’ town and a beautifully revitalized shopping district. Explore hidden shrines, picturesque alleys, and famous bridges while hearing stories of currency, kimono sellers, whales, secret Buddha statues and more!

Visit an impressive 800+ year old temple built atop a hill overlooking the city and wander under the blossoms in a garden of 370 plum trees.

Come explore Ochanomizu with me! We’ll start with a visit to a shrine with a lovely plum grove, then visit an origami center, a venerable shrine with unique prayer plaques, and a train station that’s living out a second life as a collection of hip boutique shops. Hear stories of flying plums, an exhausted ox, a meaningful origami gift, a horse for the gods, a secret spy tower, and more.

Ginza has undergone several personality changes over the centuries. From silver mint of the shoguns to “experimental” Western neighborhood, Ginza has always been a neighborhood full of stories. Come stroll the streets after sunset to hear tales of how the neighborhood has evolved over the eras, while enjoying the bright lights of the district after dark.

Visit two neighborhoods that are considered the ‘Heart’ of old Edo – a former ‘doll’ town and a beautifully revitalized shopping district. Explore hidden shrines, picturesque alleys, and famous bridges while hearing stories of currency, kimono sellers, whales, secret Buddha statues and more!

Ryogoku is Tokyo’s sumo neighborhood, but this traditional shitamachi (downtown) on the eastern bank of the Sumida River boasts many additional fascinating sites. Visit a sumo temple, a famous spot associated with the 47 samurai, a traditional garden, and a park that’s seen more than its fair share of disasters. Along the way, hear stories of sumo wrestlers, sushi makers and samurai bent on revenge, among others.

Ryogoku is Tokyo’s sumo neighborhood, but this traditional shitamachi (downtown) on the eastern bank of the Sumida River boasts many additional fascinating sites. Visit a sumo temple, a famous spot associated with the 47 samurai, a traditional garden, and a park that’s seen more than its fair share of disasters. Along the way, hear stories of sumo wrestlers, sushi makers and samurai bent on revenge, among others.

Explore some of Setagaya’s most atmospheric temples and shrines, including Gotoku-ji (the famed “beckoning cat temple”) and Shoin Jinja, a shrine with fascinating historical connections. Hear multiple legends associated with the beckoning cat and decide for yourself which one is real. Enjoy some final cherry blossom viewing (hopefully), and stay for an optional lunch along a revitalized shopping street before catching one of Tokyo’s two remaining streetcars back home.

Yanaka is an area known for friendly neighborhood cats and beautiful cherry trees. Wander along traditional alleyways, browse a traditional shopping street emanating new vibes, and stop at a temple with an intriguing history. Hear stories of tea sellers, shoguns, sculptors and more.