Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Italian
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers
Overview
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of tradition with our Step into Tradition, Sumo Wrestlers and Geisha. This journey invites you to witness the rich legacies of sumo and geisha in Japan.
This tour will lead you to some of the most peculiar and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods of Tokyo. Ryogoku, laying on the banks of Sumida River, is the center of Tokyo’s Sumo culture. This usually quiet area lights up during sumo tournaments, held here in the Kokugikan, the sumo stadium. This small area is filled with sumo culture, from the stadium to the statues of famous sumo wrestlers. Kagurazaka on the other hand, not far from the Imperial Palace, is a former geisha district of the Edo period. Nowadays the main street is an elegant shopping district full of traditional and international shops.
Very Important: This tour does not include any sumo matches or training viewing.
**Rain, shine, or a bit of both— our walking tours still go on!**
Options
English Guide
Italian Guide
What's included
English or Italian speaking travel story teller
Public transportation (about 200 JPY)
What to expect
Ryogoku
30m
Ryogoku is the home of Sumo. With its Kokugikan and dedicated museums, the district still keeps one of Japan's iconic sports alive today. Walking through its streets, it is very common to bump into numerous athletes arriving from all over the country to participate in representative matches.
Kyu Yasuda Garden
20m
A small green oasis next to the Ryogoku Kokugikan. From this small park, you can also strategically visit the Japanese Sword Museum and Yokoamicho Park.
Yokoamicho Park
30m
A park of historical significance, which served as a safe place to house all the people evacuated during the Great Kanto Earthquake. It is also a memorial symbol for all those who lost their lives during the great Tokyo air raid.
30m
Kakurembo Yokocho, better known as the Hide-and-Seek alley, is a very distinctive route present in Kagurazaka. Its uniqueness is due not only to the peculiar paving but also to the fact that there are diamond- or heart-shaped cobblestones. These cobblestones are said to have magical properties and to grant good luck and wealth to all who find them.
20m
An alley that evokes the old atmosphere of the ancient city. Its name is said to derive from the arsenal (Hyogo) of Ushigome Castle during the Sengoku era.
40m
Known as the little Paris of Tokyo, Kagurazaka is renowned for its high-end restaurants and cafes as well as the unique style of its alleys. The area was once populated by many French people because of the multitude of French language schools there. Since the Edo period, it is considered one of the few neighborhoods in Tokyo that boast the presence of geisha, who still perform in some of the clubs in the area today.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
JR Ryogoku Station, North Exit West Side.
Travel Story Teller will wait for you showing a nameboard with “IOJ Logo” on it.
End point
IIdabashi Station or nearby Kagurazaka
Additional information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
