Shimokitazawa and Gotokuji: From tradition to vintage
Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modern style on this Shimokitazawa and Gotokuji tour.
Visit Gotokuji Temple, the birthplace of the maneki-neko (lucky cat), and learn about its rich history.
Then, explore Shimokitazawa’s vibrant vintage scene, from second-hand clothing stores to trendy boutiques. Music lovers can enjoy browsing records.
Finish with a visit to Hachiman Shrine or the creative Bonus Track, where Japanese traditions meet European influences for a unique experience.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Shimokitazawa Station
- We’ll start our tour at Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu Odawara and the Keio Inokashira lines ), specifically at the East Exit. Here, we’ll meet and discuss the day’s itinerary. If you have any special requests, feel free to share them! After that, we’ll begin this charming tour.
Gotokuji Temple
Our first destination is Gotokuji, a peaceful temple full of history, known as the birthplace of the maneki-neko (the lucky cat).
We’ll stroll through the temple grounds, where you can see hundreds of small cat statues.
I’ll share the fascinating history of the temple and the legend behind the maneki-neko.
Back to Shimokitazawa
After visiting Gotokuji, we’ll return to Shimokitazawa to explore its amazing vintage clothing boutiques.
This area is home to some of the best second-hand and vintage stores, such as New York Joe Exchange and Kinji.
We’ll wander through the shops, where you can find unique items, from trendy styles to classic vintage pieces.
Records and Music
Shimokitazawa also boasts excellent record shops, perfect for music lovers.
We’ll visit Disk Union, one of the most popular stores, offering a wide selection of vinyl, CDs, and other music-related products.
If you’re a music enthusiast, this is the ideal spot to discover timeless classics.
Hachiman Jinja and Bonus Track
If you’d like to add a bit of culture to the tour, we can stop by Hachiman Jinja, a small and charming shrine nearby.
For a different experience, we can conclude the tour with a visit to Bonus Track, a creative corner blending traditional Japanese elements with European influences.
It’s perfect for a relaxing and unique experience, where you can participate in local events or explore galleries and creative spaces.
Ending Point
Shimokitazawa Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
guide transportation fee
entrance fees (if applicable)
hotel pick up
your transportation fees
meals
Tour Important Information
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Important message from the supplier
Even if some days appear blocked on my calendar, please try to contact me before making a reservation. I will do my best to accommodate you, and together we can find the best solution.
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Anche se alcuni giorni nel mio calendario risultano bloccati, ti invito a contattarmi prima di fare una prenotazione. Farò del mio meglio per venirti incontro e insieme troveremo la soluzione migliore.
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
About Tour Guide Simone M.
Hello! Ciao!
My name is Simone, I’m Italian, and I’ve been living in Japan for many years. I know the culture of this wonderful country well, thanks to my Japanese wife, and I love sharing this passion with those who visit Tokyo.
I organize personalized tours to help you discover not only the main attractions but also the most authentic places, far from typical tourist paths.
We can explore fascinating neighborhoods like Yanaka, with its ancient streets, or visit traditional markets to taste delicious Japanese street food. We can also discover the historic Asakusa with its famous Senso-ji Temple or wander through the vibrant streets of Shibuya, known for its iconic crossing.
If you love food, I can take you to hidden restaurants to try sushi, ramen, or kaiseki meals, sharing everything about the ingredients and traditions. Each tour is tailored to offer a unique and unforgettable experience in real Tokyo. Let’s create the best memories of your trip together!
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Ciao!
Mi chiamo Simone, sono italiano e vivo in Giappone da molti anni. Conosco bene la cultura di questo meraviglioso paese, grazie a mia moglie giapponese, e amo condividere questa passione con chi visita Tokyo.
Organizzo tour personalizzati per aiutarti a scoprire non solo le principali attrazioni, ma anche i luoghi più autentici, lontani dai percorsi turistici tradizionali.
Possiamo esplorare quartieri affascinanti come Yanaka, con le sue stradine antiche, o visitare mercati tradizionali per assaporare delizioso street food giapponese. Possiamo anche scoprire la storica Asakusa con il suo famoso tempio Senso-ji o passeggiare per le vivaci strade di Shibuya, conosciute per il suo incrocio iconico.
Se ami la cucina, posso portarti in ristoranti nascosti dove provare sushi, ramen o pasti kaiseki, raccontandoti tutto sugli ingredienti e le tradizioni. Ogni tour è personalizzato per offrirti un'esperienza unica e indimenticabile nella vera Tokyo.
Creiamo insieme i migliori ricordi del tuo viaggio!
Reviews
Davide F.
“Esperienza indimenticabile grazie a Simone”
Abbiamo avuto il piacere di esplorare Tokyo con Simone come guida, e posso dire senza esitazione che è stata una esperienza magnifica. Simone ci ha accompagnato alla scoperta di Asakusa con il suo fascino antico, del quartiere verde e tranquillo di Yanaka, della vivace Ueno e dell’inimitabile Akihabara — un percorso ricchissimo e variegato, capace di mostrare le mille anime di questa città meravigliosa. Ciò che ha reso tutto davvero speciale è la sua capacità di accompagnare senza mai imporre. Simone ci ha lasciato liberi di scegliere cosa vedere, quanto tempo fermarci, cosa esplorare: non la classica guida che ti trascina da un punto all’altro con l’occhio all’orologio, ma una presenza discreta e preziosa, sempre pronta a offrire contesto, curiosità e consigli su misura. Viaggiavamo con i bambini, e questo — come ogni genitore sa — può rendere tutto più imprevedibile. Simone si è adattato con naturalezza ai nostri ritmi, alle soste improvvisate, ai momenti di stanchezza e agli entusiasmi inaspettati dei ragazzi. Nessuna fretta, nessun giudizio: solo tanta flessibilità e il sorriso giusto al momento giusto. Se state pianificando un viaggio a Tokyo e volete una guida che sappia davvero ascoltarvi, Simone è la scelta giusta. Lo consiglio di cuore a chiunque, e in particolare alle famiglie. Grazie Simone, ci hai regalato ricordi che porteremo a lungo!
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Simone M.
Grazie mille di cuore per queste bellissime parole! È stato un vero piacere accompagnarvi e passeggiare insieme a voi e ai ragazzi tra le diverse anime di Tokyo, da Asakusa ad Akihabara. Per me la guida ideale deve adattarsi ai ritmi e ai desideri di chi accompagna, specialmente quando si viaggia in famiglia; sapere che vi siete sentiti liberi e a vostro agio è la soddisfazione più grande. Un grandissimo saluto a tutti voi e ai bambini, vi auguro il meglio e spero di rivedervi in futuro!
Isabella R.
“Ottimo viaggio”
Straordinaria La ns guida ci ha fatto entrare nel mondo GIAPPONESE soffermandosi su tutti gli aspetti umani e architettonici Grazie Simone al prossimo viaggio Isabella e Roberto
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Simone M.
Grazie mille Isabella e Roberto! È stato un vero piacere accompagnarvi e potervi trasmettere l'essenza del Giappone, tra la sua cultura e le sue architetture. Un caloroso saluto e alla prossima avventura insieme!
Beatrice B.
“Un tour super interessante”
Volevamo ringraziare Simone per averci fatto scoprire luoghi magnifici di Tokyo. Con la sua passione e il suo interesse ci ha raccontato pillole di storia, curiosità che ci hanno fatto capire al meglio la cultura giapponese. Si è reso disponibile per qualsiasi cosa. Lo consigliamo vivamente!
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Simone M.
Grazie di cuore per le vostre splendide parole! È stato un vero piacere accompagnarvi alla scoperta di Tokyo e condividere con voi la storia e le curiosità di questa splendida cultura. Sapere di esservi stato utile mi riempie di gioia. Vi auguro il meglio e spero di rivedervi presto!
$94/ per group
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