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Off-The-Beaten Track!! Nogawa River Spring Walking Tour
Just 40 minutes from the Shinjuku, one of the busiest centers of Tokyo, this tour visits an area which maintains an atmosphere of good old local village of Japan. We will be walking along Nogawa river, a small but clear river with several springs. The river has been loved and enjoyed by locals. If timing is right, you may be able to see lots of cherry blossoms in the tour. We will also visit various interesting historic spots along it.
Meeting Point
At your hotel in central Tokyo
At your hotel in central Tokyo
Nogawa Nature Observation Park
To start with, we will visit a small swamp in woods with wild birds and plants. By walking on a broad walk, you will feel really refreshed!
An old farmhouse of Osawa
A farmhouse of a family who grew/sold wasabi. This house was originally built in 1902 and restored several years ago. Here you can learn how Japanese farmers lived in the past.
An ancient cave tomb
This is one of about 60 cave tombs that were found in this area, which were built in mid 7c-early 8c. When it was discovered there were bones of two men, one woman and a boy. Here you can see the interior of the restored tomb with replicated bones through a glass window.
A water wheel house
This may be quite different from what you would imagine by the word "water wheel". It's a rather complicated wooden machinery than a simple water wheel. You will be amazed by the elaborate and delicate devise built more than 100 years ago.
Jindaiji temple
Built in mid 8c, this is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Tokyo. It has an interesting legend about the origin of the temple.
The temple is famous for an ancient Buddhist statue which is designated as national treasure.
Soba lunch
Thanks to the abundant clear water from springs, the area is also famous for Soba - buckwheat noodle. Let's have lunch in one of them. There are some other options like tendon (Tempura bowl), etc. Those who are not sure about buckwheat allergy can enjoy delicious tempura bowl!
At your hotel in central Tokyo
Ending Point
At your hotel in central Tokyo
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, hotel pick-up in central Tokyo
Transportation fee (you and guide; about 1,000yen for roundtrip from Shinjuku), entrance fee for the farmhouse/water mill (you and guide, 300 yen each), lunch (you and guide)
Tour Important Information
This is a walking tour and you will walk a lot. In addition, you are required to take off your shoes at some spots.
I suggest that you wear comfortable shoes which are easy to take off/on.
We will have lunch at a soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurant. If you are not sure whether you have a buckwheat allergy or not,
you can have Tempura bowl, etc.
Not available on Mondays (as some facilities are closed) or rainy days. If it's likely to rain, I will suggest an alternative tour.
Important message from the guide
Reservations must be made at least three days in advance.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Tokyo Tour Reviews
“Splendid guide, lovely traveling companion”
My wife and I had a wonderful first-day tour of Tokyo with Yumi, who we wholeheartedly recommend as a personable, knowledgeable, energetic and able guide. Yumi worked closely with us in advance to tailor every detail of our day together and ensured that every need was met along the way. She seamlessly wove together the history, religion and culture of Japan to give us a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of this magical country. Thanks, Yumi!
Yumi T.
(8 reviews)Hi Alan, Thank you so much for your kind words. I also had a wonderful time with you, as you two were so nice! Now I really miss you, and hope you can come back to Tokyo in the near future so that I can show you more of it! Yumi
“A rainy but still perfect day in Tokyo”
I really enjoyed the day with Yumi a lot. Getting all the information about Shintoism and the late emperors of Japan when visiting the Mejii Jingo and Buddhism when visiting the Sensō-ji was wonderful. Closing the day in the quiet Hama-rikyu Gardens was perfect too. But I also enjoyed our conversations about „Gott und die Welt“ („all the world and his wife“ to save you from looking it up) which gave me so much insight into the Japanese culture and thinking. どうもありがとございます Yumi
Yumi T.
(8 reviews)Eduard, Thank you so much for having me show you around Tokyo. I'm glad you enjoyed it although the weather was not so good. Yes, we talked about various things, and found many things in common in our different cultures, which was amazing! Please come back in the near future, as I would like to show you many other interesting places in Tokyo!
“Outstanding!”
Excellent day in Tokyo with Yumi who was a delight to be with. She was very informative and kept the day interesting and adapted our day as required. His English is very good and his knowledge was excellent. She is extremely efficient and will help you with all your questions in Kyoto. I would highly recommend her. Paloma. Madrid (Spain)
Yumi T.
(8 reviews)Thank you so much, Paloma. I’m glad you enjoyed the day. I had a wonderful time with you, too. I really hope to see you again either in Japan or Madrid! Yumi
