Tokyo Real Experience
Tokyo Traditional Tours
Cultural Temple Tour with a Real Local
A tour to explore off-the-beaten-path East Tokyo with a local Japanese person and Ph.D. holder
Join us for an intimate small-group tour of Monzennakacho, a historic district in East Tokyo, known as "Shitamachi." Led by Manami, a local native with a Ph.D. in cultural heritage protection, this experience offers a deep dive into the spiritual and cultural backstory of the area.
Manami was born and raised in Monzennakacho, absorbed the local history from elementary school's education, and completed the Ph.D. study to protect and manage old cultural sites. Her tour tells you how Japanese people are involved in two religions, how Buddhism and Shinto are different, besides how properly to visit temples and shrines. She is the only guide who explains what's happening at the Naritasan Fukagawa Fudōdō temple's fire ceremony scene by scene.
1. Discover Shitamachi’s Rich History: Manami will reveal the unique geography and history of Shitamachi utilizing visual tools and story telling. She'll also explain how Buddhism and Shinto coexist in Japan, their distinctions, and their significance to the Japanese people.
2. Witness the Naritasan Fukagawa Fudōdō fire ceremony: Visit a local Buddhist temple where you'll witness a spectacle fire ritual accompanied by powerful drum beats. Manami will guide you through the etiquette and photography rules, and use explanation sheets to share what's going on as we observe the ritual in silence.
3. Explore the Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine: Experience the calm atmosphere of this Shinto shrine, and view the impressive "Sumo rocks" and grand festival floats. Manami will assist with the "omikuji" fortune-telling lottery or "goshuin" stamps if you wish.
As we end the tour, Manami will show you a food cafe map of Monzennakacho, which she created for her guests. Manami will be happy to guide you to a cafe or restaurant, talk to the staff to make sure you are comfortable there.
Come and experience the authentic charm of East Tokyo with a knowledgeable local guide!
Information
Tour start time
Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays 8:30AM, 10:30AM, 12:30AM, 14:30AM
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30AM
Duration
1.5 hours to 2 hours
Prices (direct booking)
Under Age 12 3500JPY/person
Age 13 or over 6800JPY/person
Meet up point
Monzennakacho station Exit4 in front of red drug store "Kusuri no Fukutaro"
Group size 1 - 6 people
Language English
How to book
Please contact Manami via the following Email address, Slack message or What'sApp and inquire for her availability.
Payment
Credit card. We will send you a Stripe payment link once we agreed on the tour date.
About Manami
Manami, a native of Monzennakacho in eastern Tokyo, has been captivated by the traditional ambiance, vibrant festivals, and bustling markets of her hometown.
Manami obtained a Ph.D. focused on the preservation of historical sites, during which she spent a year in Germany for study and half a year in Switzerland for an internship.
Manami has been active on Airbnb Experiences since 2019. Amid the pandemic, she hosted over 400 virtual origami sessions. Presently, she offers both in-person and online origami workshops alongside the Shitamachi tour. The tour has achieved 4.96/5.0 (176 reviews) on Airbnb since July 2022, having accommodated over 350 guests.
In her leisure time, Manami delights in wearing kimono, savoring sake, and unwinding at sento, or public baths. However, her fondest moments are always spent in her beloved neighborhood.
