Full-Day Tokyo Walking Tour to Learn about Japanese History and Culture

1. Imperial Palace

◆The imperial palace is the Japanese Emperor’s official residence located in the heart of Tokyo, and is approximately 5 kms around. Since it was Edo Castle, the official residence of the Tokugawa Shogun, the leader of the Samurai government during the Edo Period(1603～1868),even now there are Edo Castle remains including the castle gates and guard towers.

2. Tsukiji area

2-1. Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple

◆The current temple rebuild in 1934 has the unique design of being a stone building as a Buddhist temple in Japan, which was based on an ancient Indian-style exterior and influenced by architectural styles drawn from Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Its columns and wide stairs are reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture.

2-2.Tsukiji Market

◆ Former Fish Market in Tokyo(at the time called Edo) was founded in Nihonbashi(Near Tokyo station) early 17th century. Since then, Nihonbashi Fish Market flourished as the center of food culture for 300 years until it’s in the devastation of The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Then 12 years later, current Fish Market was founded here in Tsukiji in the year 1935.

[Important : About the relocation of wholesaler area of Tsukiji Market (October,2018)]

Only wholesaler area of Tsukiji market, so called Inner Market will relocate to a new market site completed lately. However, Tsukiji Outer Market will stay current site filled with the nostalgic air of its long history !!

3. Hama-rikyu Gardens

◆”Hama-rikyu Gardens” respectfully dubbed ”Hama Palace where sea breeze blows as a reminder of the Edo era.” was the family garden of the the Tokugawa Shogun. It functioned as an outer fort for Edo Castle that retains a tidal pond of sea water drawn from Edo bay(present Tokyo Bay) called Shioiri-no-ike, 2 duck hunting grounds, and hawking sites.

◆And also,you’ll enjoy tour of traditional teahouses built in the time of 5th Shogun Tsunayoshi and 11th Shogun Ienari, which are reconstructed faithful to the historical resources!!

4. Waterbus Cruise on the Sumida River

 ◆You can enjoy 14 unique bridges and views of the heart of the city while passing under the bridges along the Sumida River. And also,from the river, you can see Tokyo’s new hot spot-the Tokyo Skytree!!

5. Asakusa area

◆Traditional Entertainment Area of Asakusa is a typical tourist spot that inherits the energetic downtown area filled with nostalgic air. Once you walk under the large lantern of Kaminarimon(meaning Thunder Gate), there’re many gift shops selling various kinds of Japanese goods on the street of Nakamise-dori.

Even now,many shrines and Temples still remain here, and this area is known for its historic atmosphere and warm hospitality!!