Explore Japan Walking Tours
Day Walking Tours in the Tokyo Area
On its surface, Tokyo appears to be large, crowded, noisy and modern. So, instead of walking around with your nose in a guide book, join me for a fun, informal and informative look back at the fascinating history of Tokyo and the surrounding areas. I want to take you to the places were you can experience something special from this great city of past and present. I have designed these walks as an alternative to the typical Japanese city bus tour. We'll walk at a leisurely pace with time to enjoy the surroundings. No noisy buses or "drill sergeant" tactics. For a personal approach, I try to limit walks to less than 10 participants.
I'm American, but I've lived and worked in Tokyo for the past four years and I'd like to share my knowledge of this city with visitors whose time and command of Japanese are limited. Don't let this limit your enjoyment of Tokyo. Come on one or more of my walks and find out about the Tokyo of yesterday and today!
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SUMO!
3 hour walking tour of the area where sumo wrestlers live and work
We'll make an early start in order to watch wrestlers at morning practice. Then a walk through their neighborhoods with stops at the shops which cater to these giants and the temple where the first tournaments were held. Relax in the soothing atmosphere of a 200+ year old Edo-period garden built by a daimyo, then stop by a temple that looks both a castle and a church! After a visit to the Sumo Museum, you may sample "chanko nabe," the sumo wrestlers' favorite stew, for lunch.
Footsteps of the Shoguns
3 hour walking tour in Central Tokyo
Escape from the bustle of modern day Tokyo to the days of the Edo period (1603-1868). While strolling around the grounds of the former Edo Castle (built 1457), learn about the history of the castle, the shogun and daily life during the Edo period. Hear the tales and legends of samurai and their exploits while enjoying the shogun's water garden, including the haunting story of the Great Fire of 1657 -- The Long-Sleeved Kimono Fire, and the "47 Ronin Story."
Kamakura
and Japan's War of the Roses
This is an all-day walk in Kamakura, approximately one hour away from Tokyo by rail
Highlights
Kamakura was the capital of Japan from 1192 to 1333 and contains some of the most fascinating and best-preserved temples in the area. It is an excellent day trip from Tokyo and a stop not to be missed by history buffs. On our walk you will learn the story of the centuries-long war between the Genji and Heike clans, Japan's most powerful and power-hungry families, and its role in the founding of Kamakura. The town is also the home of some original temples of Nichiren, one of the most famous proponents of Buddhism in Japan during the 12th century.
Tread the "Path of Enlightenment" to the Great Buddha statue on a short hike through the peaceful Kamakura hills.
Double your money by washing it in the sacred waters of a mountain shrine.
Visit the grave of the most powerful and influential woman in Japanese history -- called the "Nun Shogun."
Savor Japanese tea served in the traditional garden of a Zen temple.
Explore some of the oldest Zen temples in Japan.
Other stops include the famous "Divorce Temple," a shrine dedicated to the fox god and a Zen-style rock garden.
HIDDEN TEMPLES
Two half-day walks through quiet Tokyo backstreets. You may choose to take either or both.
Highlights -- Morning
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Stroll through a peaceful neighborhood where we can roll back the clock to a bygone era.
- Enjoy the serenity of a traditional rock and water garden and a museum set in the home of a well-known sculptor.
- See a 20-foot golden statue of the goddess Kannon, a 600-year old tree and the "Great Buddha" of Tokyo.
- Sample "Hell Noodles" during the lunch break (optional).
Highlights -- Afternoon
- Visit temples where you can pray for strong legs, a happy marriage or a good figure!
- See a temple with more than 20,000 sculptures of the benevolent Buddhist deity Jizo, guardian of children.
- Try Japanese tea and sweets for an afternoon snack.
- We'll also stop by a temple with Chinese-style carvings, a path of torii (red temple gates) and a famous azalea garden.
Each tour visits about 8 locations. We will also stop along the way for a peek into shops offering traditional Japanese washi paper, rice crackers, calligraphy brushes and paints.
How to book a tour
Last update: June 13, 1996
Page maintained by Naomi Smith