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
Muna S.
“Best way to see Shinjuku by night ”
Simone was awesome! He went over and above my expectations and led me through parts of Shinjuku I didn’t expect. He also went beyond just surface information and really gave in-depth history and facts about the area and culture which I really appreciated. I’d 100% recommend him to anyone looking to see Shinjuku through a different lens. Thank you again Simone!!
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Simone M.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring Shinjuku with me and that the stories and history made your experience special. It was a pleasure showing you around, and I hope you take great memories with you. I hope to see you again in Tokyo someday!
Fabrizio S.
“Bravo Simone!”
Ragazzo molto gentile e disponibile. Ha risposto a tutte le nostre domande e curiosità. Il tour proposto è molto bello e ti permette di prendere confidenza con la città. Grazie ancora.
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Simone M.
Grazie mille per le belle parole! Sono molto felice che il tour vi sia piaciuto e che vi abbia aiutato a conoscere meglio la città. È stato un piacere accompagnarvi e rispondere alle vostre domande. Spero di rivedervi presto a Tokyo!
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Alison L.
“Vintage tour ”
Had a great time walking around Shimokitawa with Simone, especially the record stores!
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Simone M.
Thanks! It was great having you here. Shimokitazawa and the record stores are always fun!
$97/ per group
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