Tokyo: Asakusa Temple & Shrine Walking Tour with Local Guide

About this experience

Come with us on this small group walking tour through Asakusa and Tokyo´s oldest Temple! We’ll begin at the Azumabashi Bridge with riverside views of the Tokyo Skytree to see the golden poop (yes that is what the locals call it), then head to the top of the Asakusa Tourist Information Center for a hidden view point of the entire Temple area! From there, we’ll enter the famous Kaminarimon Gate, where you’ll learn the story behind its 700kg red lantern and the meaning of its name; "The Thunder Gate." As we walk through Nakamise shopping street, your guide will share the cultural significance behind the treats and souvenirs, as well as where to find the good stuff! If you need any help with translations, just ask our guide :) But the real heart of the tour lies in what most visitors miss: tucked away shrines and temple sites that reveal the complex spiritual life of Japan! You’ll see how Shinto (Japanese religion) and Buddhism coexist, how rituals like temizu hand washing and omikuji fortune telling works, and why locals burn incense for healing, both physically and mentally. All of this you will also get to do together with your guide, and its fun rituals we recommend everyone to do as a cultural experience :) Inside the Sensoji Temple itself, you’ll learn how to properly pray in the Buddhist style , a different process than at the neighboring Shinto Asakusa Shrine (where you will also get to go). You'll even learn how to bow the correct way, walk on the correct side through the torii gates, and learn what even most Japanese people don’t realize about their own mix of traditions! Whether you’re here for the history, the rituals, or just want a deeper connection with Japanese culture, this tour is perfect for you! We want everyone to feel comfortable, so please wear whatever you like, tattoos are welcome, and there is no dress code! Our small-group tours make it easy to ask questions to your guide about anything in Tokyo (dosent have to be tour related). Whether you are a couple, family, or traveling solo, we want you to leave Asakusa with a real sense of its culture, history, and local traditions :) We look forward to welcome you on this tour! :) All the best from Team Sunrise Adventure

About this activity

Highlights

• Small-group tour with friendly local guide
• Learn Japanese traditions while having fun!
• Visit to Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine & other smaller Temples
• We know the best photo spots, just ask your guide!
• Perfect for couples, families, solo travelers and first time visitors

Full description

What's included

• Guided walking tour of Asakusa with a friendly local guide
• Small Group for a more exclusive experience
• Visit Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and smaller local temples
• Hidden view point to see the entire Temple grounds
• Interactive rituals: Temizu (hand washing), Omikuji (fortune telling), incense smoke for both physical and mental healing
• Stories from guide about the old town, streets, temples, and local vendors
• We know the best photo spots (just ask your guide)
• No dress code, tattoos welcome
• Personal expenses (e.g., snacks or souvenirs purchased during the tour)

Not allowed

• Comfortable shoes
• Smoking
• Drones
• Alcohol and drugs
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended
• Bring water on a hot day (vending machines are also available during the tour)
• Please dress accordingly to the weather as tour takes place, come rain or come shine
• Small group with limited bookings, so book in advance to ensure your spot :)

Know before you go

• Ask us about Kimono rental if interested as we partner with local kimono store only 2min away from meeting point :)

Meeting point

Cancellation policy