Recently Viewed
Asakusa and Kappabashi Street: Tour through History and Japanese Food Replica Shops
5.0
1 Rating
Taito City
Embark on a unique tour through the historic streets of Asakusa and explore the fascinating world of Japanese food replicas on Kappabashi Street. Discover realistic replicas and learn about their history with the help of knowledgeable guides.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Sumida Park - This bridge has been one of the most important and popular rivers in Tokyo. Actually, the story of Sensoji temple originated in this river 1400 years ago.
- Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center - Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is one of Asakusa’s newest sightseeing attractions. We will go to the open terrace Observation Deck on the top floor of the Center, where you can get a good view of the main part of Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate, Nakamise shopping street, Sensoji Temple, and much more on one side, and on the other side, another splendid view of Tokyo Skytree and the Asahi Beer Headquarters.
- Kaminarimon - Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is the entrance to the world of Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine. The world’s well-known giant red lantern is hanging under the gate.
- Nakamise Shopping Street (Kaminarimon) - This street leads to Sensoji temple. You may be surprised by its friendly and welcoming atmosphere walking on it if you had imagined solemn and stately religious facilities. The street features not just shops but “history tablets,” which recounts Asakusa’s history with beautiful pictures.
- Hozomon - Hozomon (“Treasure-House Gate”) is the inner of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the Sensoji (the outer being the Kaminarimon). A two-story gate, the Hozomon’s second story houses many of the Sensoji’s treasures. The first story houses two statues, three lanterns and two large sandals.
- Senso-ji Temple - It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Adjacent to the temple is a five-story pagoda, which holds Buddha’s ashes given by Sri Lanka government and Buddhist society for goodwill between Sri Lanka and Japan in its top floor. You can participate in centuries-old rituals at the Temple and the Asakusa Shrine and see what the fates have in store for you with Sensoji’s infamous paper fortunes.
- Asakusa Shrine - This is a shrine of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion sitting just next to Senshoji temple. Coexistence of two distinct religions in the same premises may be unfathomable. The guide will unlock the mystery from a historical standpoint.
- Asakusa Demboin-dori - 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.
- Kappabashi Street (Kappabashi Dogugai) - We will take you to the Kappabashi Street adjacent to Asakusa, a shopping street lined with dozens of strores selling everything including food samples needed by restaurant operators.
What's Included
- Selection of Japanese sweet snacks (e.g. melon pan, rice dumpling, rice cracker, sweet puffed rice).
- For a group of 3 or more, headsets for each to hear the guide’s voice clearly even from distance.
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup / dropoff
Additional Information
Kappabashi Street, nestled close to Asakusa, is a popular shopping hub, boasting a multitude of shops catering to the needs of restaurant owners. Here, uniquely in Tokyo, you can discover outlets specializing in Japanese food mimicry.
These astonishingly lifelike food imitations may appear edible, but they’re not for consumption. These deceptive treats have fascinated visitors from around the world with their enticing appearance. If you’re keen to experience this marvel yourself and carry a memento back home, this excursion will be perfect for you.
Our guides will lead you to shops where your favorite replicas can be found. They’ll assist you in browsing and facilitate communication between you and shopkeepers.
Of course, the journey before the visit to the Japanese food duplicate stores is singular in nature; it offers a comprehensive historical tour of Asakusa.
For parties of more than two, we employ a headphone guide system, ensuring our guidance is clear to you even at a distance.
Location
2-chōme-20-6 Kaminarimon
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Bernadette_o
Feb 26, 2024
Tokyo historical insights plus food replica shops - Wonderful tour with very knowledgable, kind, and thoughtful guide, Ms. Machiko. Answered all questions, accommodating, great pace.
Review provided by Viator
More activities from this operator
