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Asakusa: Culture exploring bar visits after history tour

4.8
Free cancellation
Manual confirmation

Asakusa: Culture exploring bar visits after history tour

4.8
Next available dates
Thu
May 1
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May 3
Bestseller

Start time - Evening Tour

Free cancellation
Manual confirmation
Start time - Evening Tour

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USD 201.84

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Highlights

This tour focuses on food and drink which constitute an integral pillar of Japan's culture and history.


The tour starts with a non-gastronomical part. As we stroll through the Asakusa history tour course, the guide will demystify intriguing historical facts including:
1) Why Sumida river is an origin of Senso-ji temple
2) How Senso-ji temple and Asakusa developed hand in hand
3) How Asakusa has become a forerunner of Japan's modernization
4) How the culture that flourished in the area impacted the world


After discovering Asakusa's charm, make your way to three distinct but typical izakaya restaurants. Izakaya is a place where locals come typically with co-workers and friends to relax away from the daily grind. Since Izakaya is commoners' favorite place, the offerings there are unassuming but closely tied to Japan's history and culture. The guide will help you unlock the myth of Japanese cuisine as you see how locals unwind there.

Itinerary

  • Sumida Park

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    After viewing Tokyo Sky Tree and Sumida river, we will stroll to the Culture Center. Have a preview of the tour route by seeing Asakusa from high up in this building designed by a well-known Japanese architect.
  • ASAKUSA-KAMINARIMON

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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)

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    The main part of the tour will begin as you get to know Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple and an essential sightseeing spot from your well-informed guide. You'll start at the Kaminarimon or 'Thunder Gate', a symbol of Asakusa, then navigate Nakamise-dori, marvel at the 'Treasure House Gate', and finally enter the temple's expansive main grounds, with plenty of history and secrets to uncover along the way. After completion of this portion of the tour, we will head for a Japan's traditional izakaya restaurant to enjoy dinner with a 2-hour all-you-can-drink.
  • Asakusa Shrine

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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.
  • Asakusa

    40 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    The first izakaya visit is to the Hoppy Street. This 80-meter street is lined up by izakayas with lanterns and outdoor street-side seating. They are open day and night but become festive and lively especially after dark with happy customers. Their typical offerings are Hoppy and stew made from beef tendons and vegetables. Both are cheap and come from the post-war era when people could not afford decent meals or beer. Hoppy is a a beverage with a taste similar to beer but a very low alcohol content. It is typically mixed with shochu to make a cocktail. People back then substituted Hoppy for beer. Nowadays many enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere there and rediscover the charm of their offerings.
  • Asakusa

    40 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    We are now heading to Kamiya Bar - almost a legend in that the bar was established in 1880 making it the oldest Western-style bar in Japan. However, quite unlike the way its name sounds, it is actually a Western-style izakaya which caters to locals in a friendly and raucous setting as typical izakayas do. Since its inception, its specialty cocktail "denkiburan"- literally means electric brandy - has been a centerpiece of its offerings and loved by many. When the cocktail was invented, electricity symbolized modernization. Therefore, electricity meant everything modern that was adored. Enjoy denkiburan - a sweet blend of wine, gin and brandy - whose recipe has been and is still now a secret.
  • Asakusa

    40 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    The last izakaya we visit specializes in sake with incredible varieties in stock. The guide will help you understand key factors about sake such as ... 1) Why it developed in Japan. 2) Which ingredients play a key role to make good sake. 3) What are key differences in the production process between sake and wine. 4) What determines its grades. Taste several types of sake. Discover how distinctly different it is in terms of its appearance, aroma, texture, and flavor. Toward the end of this tour, you will find what types of sake suit your taste.

What's included

INCLUDED

On average, 3 – 4 drinks and 3 – 4 dishes, which is enough for a full dinner meal.

NOT INCLUDED

Hotel pickup or drop-off

Customer reviews

4.8

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Additional information

Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Location

Provider

Arumachi

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