We will begin our tour at the Asakusa station from a vantage point I selected which is perfect for introducing the neighborhood, and a great first impression of old-meets-new.

We continue by crossing Kaminarimon gate and walking the path down to Sensouji temple, replete with stalls and easy-to-miss landmarks. Once at the temple there are several structures and certain customs for when you visit a temple there that I'd like to introduce.

If the mood strikes we can make a quit pit stop at the worlds most delicious melon bread and ice cream stall, and perhaps even visit a lovely noren store (woodblock printed fabric, beautiful and inexpensive make the perfect gift or souvenir), and continue down the arcade toward the heart of the city. If you're not in the mood for sweets (and if we get lucky) there is a hand-kneaded ramen place that is to die for. We may have to queue but if you want to try I won't count that time for the tour.

Once back out in the open we can work our way through the back streets of Asakusa toward Kappabashi - an old street dedicated to kitchen and restaurant ware stores. I personally think it's super interesting and a unique glimpse into the customs and lifestyles of Japan. After all food is one of the biggest -if not THE biggest - passions of the Japanese.

If we are early we can walk toward Ueno park while I entertain you with trivia about Japan and the old town. Otherwise we will jump on the Ginza line and head toward Omotesando.

Upon reaching Omotesando it's about a 15-20 minute walk through Harajuku - a cool downtown area where both young and old hang out - and arrive at the gates of Meiji Jingu Shrine, and from there it's a short walk through the woods to reach the Shrine.

There are interesting items to see along the way, and if we're lucky we can even witness a wedding which sometimes happen at the shrine! Regardless, the shrine is a must to visit.