Lovely local town with people's ordinal life. Tokyo was heavily damaged during World War Ⅱ. Yanaka, also called Yanesen, survived from fire by bombing. That's how this area retains old atmosphere. This town is also known as temple town and cat town. Having been loved by artisans, lots of small galleries and cosy shops can be enjoyed in the area. "Strolling around" is the way to explore this charming town.

[ Optional experience available at antique shop ] *Booking required.

・Matcha tea ceremony by antique tea bowl (60min) 3,000JPY/person

・Matcha tea ceremony + Japanese sweet making workshop (90min) 5,000JPY/person

We can experience special Goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudoson temple. It takes about 30~40min. Will offer unusual experience. Not recommended for small kids, as it's part of buddhist training. We can also visit nearby Tomioka-hachimangu shrine, which is related to Sumo history.

Also, visit Kiyosumi Gardens, cosy charming Japanese strolling garden I love.

At Fukagwa Edo Museum, you can enjoy the a life-size reproduction of the townscape of Fukagawa and the people's lives of the Edo period (around 1840s).

Worship manner to follow at Fukagawa fudoson ritual

・This is the place of worship.

・For foreign tourists, requires donation 1,000 yen per person. Each donor will be given a talisman.

・We need to be quiet during the ritual.

・We cannot leave during the ritual (approx. 30min)

・No photo is allowed inside hall. (Photo outside is ok.)

・Please wear politely. (Sleeveless clothes should be avoided.)

・We need to take off shoes. Please wear socks.

Located north-east of Tokyo, shitamachi (old town) spirit is still surviving in this peaceful local town.

Taishakuten temple boasts elaborate sculptures and beautiful garden.( admission : 400 yen) We can enjoy traditional street food such as green kusa-dango (Japanese mugwort rice dumpling) and hand-grilled senbei (rice crackers) on approach road to the temple.

Historical Yamamoto-tei house offers beautiful break time with maccha green tea and some traditional sweets in a beautiful Japanese-stlye house with inner garden. (admission : 100 yen). Be noted taking off shoes is required for Taishakuten sculpture gallery and Yamamotei house.

Toden Sakura Tram (nicknamed in 2017 from Toden Arakawa Line) is the only Toden tram line left in Tokyo, which runs 12km / 30 stations in northern and eastern Tokyo. Ride and walk along tram line offers a timeless trip with authentic people’s life preserved from urbanization of Tokyo.

*Several stops are among the most beautiful places in Tokyo for cherry blossoms in spring.

Basic visiting spots

(1) Sugamo - Sugamo Jizodori, a shopping avenue popular with senior citizens. Nicknamed the "Grandma’s Harajuku." You can shop for unusual items such as red underwear to ensure for good health and a long life. Pay a visit to Togenuki Jizo in Kogan-ji temple and not forget to try street food bites!

*Asukayama Park (cherry blossom season)

In cherry blossoms season, we replace Sugamo to Asukayama public park, one of the most beautiful sakura spots in Tokyo from samurai period. A unique tiny cable car transports to the highest point of the park.

(2) Kishibojin Temple, a quaint temple that worships a goddess for safe childbirth and also child rearing. The unique charm of the historic candy shop and the stunning ancient ginkgo tree (700 year old) add to its appeal.

(3) Higo Hosokawa Garden - Lesser known Japanese style garden.

Walking along Kanda River, and we end up at Edogawa Park where Japanese families enjoy time.

[ Optional Experience available ]

Indigo dyeing workshop with factory tour (1.5H~2H)

Tote bag (to take home after workshop) 3,000 JPY/person