Private Walking Tour: The Little Kyoto of Tokyo, Kagurazaka

Duration2h

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesGerman, Japanese, English, French, Spanish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Unveil the Secret of the Little Kyoto of Tokyo
Welcome to Kagurazaka: A Town of Serendipity!

Stroll along cobblestone paths and black wooden fences in Kagurazaka, a town steeped in history and charm. Built by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd Shogun, this serene escape is perfect for those seeking quiet streets, hidden beauty, and a taste of old Japan.

What You Will Gain from This Tour

1. Kagurazaka Street, constructed by the Shogun in 1636, offers a unique opportunity to gain deep insight into all aspects of Japanese culture. Explore Samurai culture, the geisha district, shrines, temples, shopping streets, residential areas, and Japanese modern literature on a 2-hour walking tour.

2. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, discovering heart-shaped stones, encountering geisha, and experiencing spontaneous moments of happiness. This is a town of serendipity.

3. Enjoy a leisurely walk with few tourists in the heart of Tokyo.

What's included

Multilingual local guide (English / French / German / Spanish)

Participants can savor local delicacies that are unique to this area, including traditional Japanese sweets, doughnuts, tofu desserts, and delicacies from butcher shops like croquettes.

What to expect

10m

AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū is a commercial facility renovated by the architect Kengo Kuma from the warehouse of Shinchosha Publishing Co. It sells a variety of high-quality items, including rice, dashi, seasonings, baked sweets, and cooking tools, all created with a commitment to authenticity. The store also offers household goods and clothing, making it an ideal spot for souvenirs from your trip to Japan.
Participants can shop inside the store if they wish.
15m

Akagi Shrine was founded in Ushigome Waseda by Ohgoshi Hikotaro Shigeharu, who migrated from the foot of Mount Akagi (in Gunma Prefecture) in 1300. It was then relocated to its current location in 1555. During the Edo period, it was designated as one of the Edo Great Shrines by the Tokugawa shogunate and garnered reverence as the guardian deity of Ushigome. The current shrine pavilion, completed in 2010, was designed under the supervision of architect Kengo Kuma.
15m

Bishamonten (Zenkoku-ji Temple) was established in 1595 in Nihonbashi Bakurocho under the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, to protect the nation. After several fires, it was later relocated to Kagurazaka. Since the late Edo period, Zenkoku-ji has been popularly known as 'Kagurazaka's Bishamonten.' The prosperity of Kagurazaka, known as 'Yamanote Ginza' from the Meiji to the Taisho era, developed as the temple's front town. It is said that the tradition of night markets during festival days in Tokyo originated with Bishamonten.
15m

Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine is an ancient shrine, believed to have been established about 1200 years ago. It is said that the statue of Amitabha Buddha enshrined in a small shrine here was carved by Saicho, known as Dengyo Daishi. The shrine got its name, Tsukudo Hachiman, because it was built on the soil brought from Usa Shrine in Tsukushi (Oita Prefecture). The Koshin Tower, erected in 1664, is exceptionally rare, featuring two monkeys. Additionally, the stone torii gate, donated in 1726, is the oldest in Shinjuku Ward. While the shrine is a cherry blossom spot in spring, its relative obscurity allows for peaceful cherry blossom viewing.
10m

The Ushigome Gate, located in the outer moat of Edo Castle, was constructed in 1636. Seeing the remains of the gate (stone walls) today, one can understand it was a massive structure. The name of the gate originated from its function as an exit toward the Ushigome area. From the side of Edo Castle, passing through the Ushigome Gate and going northwest leads to Kagurazaka. Ushigome Gate and Kagurazaka are also depicted in the ukiyo-e woodblock prints by Utagawa Hiroshige. Hiroshige was a famous ukiyo-e artist who influenced Western painters such as Van Gogh and Monet.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Kagurazaka (T05) Station, Exit 1b (ground level)
Our guide will be waiting for you at the meeting place.
Since few foreigners use this area, your guide can easily find you. Please rest assured.

End point

JR Iidabashi Station, West Exit

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

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