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Yanaka - Old Tokyo Backstreet Walking Tour
Yanaka is a quaint old town where traditional buildings dating back to the Edo period still remain. Here you can find local food stands, clothing stores, supermarkets, tea shops, sweet shops and cafes or restaurants. There are also many other great spots to visit including historical shrines, and cozy cafes! It is a lot quiter than other areas, and has many temples dotted around the area. Famous for it's cats, how many can you spot on our walk through the neighbourhood!
Meeting Point
Nippori Station
- By the North ticket gate.
Yanaka Ginza
The old shopping street with many traditonal temples and shrines dotted around. Famous for it's cat 'theme' there are many dotted around the town. How many can you spot?
Traditional narrow shopping street
The 200m narrow shopping street has over 60 unique shops. Enjoy Japanese street food and snacks, wagashi, rice crackers, etc and visit the many charming shops selling traditional japanese crafts and it's cat themed stores.
Traditional Temples / Edo period remnants
Visit some of the many temples and see glimpses of the past. The remains of an old tile and mud wall still remains, and we visit the peaceful and serene Yanaka cemetary whith it's cherry tree lined boulevard.
Nezu Shrine
Walk down the winding residential backstreets dotted with local shops and visit Nezu shrine. Modelled on the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko with pathways and tunnels of small shrine arches, and elegant, beautifully colored, wooden structures that reflect Japanese culture in all its age and beauty.
Ueno Park
The backstreet Yanaka and Nezu Shrine walk finishes up at the back of Ueno park, so you can visit the bustling Ameyoko Shopping area. From here, catch the Yamanote green circular train to continue your Tokyo journey to another destination. I can give you ideas on where to go next.
Ending Point
The tour finishes at the bottom of Ueno Park - We will walk down to the station area, where you can either get on a train to continue your Tokyo adventure or take a walk through the bustling Ameyoko Market area.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
* guide fee
* guide's transportation
*your transport
*your lunch if necessary and transportation costs
*tickets for museums, etc
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
I am flexible with dates and times and areas to explore. I can arrange an interesting itinerary for you or you can give me ideas as to what you would like to see and do.
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
“Taking Ed off the beaten path”
I really appreciated Ed's willingness to discuss subtle cultural differences between Japan and US visitors. He had many insights into language use, norms and food that I have not figured out through visiting my Japanese relatives. Ed was also willing to help me track down an aunt I had lost touch with in Kawasaki - a town he was to that familiar with. We found my aunt - which was super sweet, but also hidden delights of Kawasaki: a neighborhood onsen, the tofu delivery guy on his bike, the local food shop that my aunt orders food from. Such a great day and Ed rocked being a guide and participant! I look forward to coming back for more cultural lessons - and looking for my other relatives.
Ed J.
(8 reviews)What a bizarre, funny, interesting littel adventure we had! Such a memorable day. I can't believe we tracked down your Aunt and had tea with her! Thank you so much for being brave enough to do something a bit different with me. I'll send you the videos of our meeting. Ed
“Best guide for Tokyo”
We are so happy that we found Ed who shared two amazing days with us around this huge city. A wonderful personalised tour that took in everything we needed to see with good coffee and food on the way. We totally recommend Ed and he hasn’t seen the last of us! 11 out of 10! Rina and Gary Cutler
Ed J.
(8 reviews)Gary & Rina, thank you for being amazing guests. I had such a great time with you guys. And I'll see you in Australia ; )
“A hidden gem ”
If I could I would give Ed a 5 + rating he is the hidden gem In Japan we had an excellent day made happy memories with Ed he thought of everything that we would need and we learnt not only about the history but how navigate the train system he gave us a unique experience the old and new Japan and a few more tips along the way friendly and easy to get on with just give Ed your personal interest which he can factor into into your tour
Ed J.
(8 reviews)It was an absolute pleasure showing you guys around Tokyo. My highlight was chatting to the wise, senior lady in Asakusa. We were so lucky having her pose for a photo with us in front of the Gold Mikoshi shrines at Asakusa Shrine. And, also the ice-cream in Yanaka was super delicious : ) Have a safe trip. Ed
