Itinerary

1. Full-Day Tokyo Old Town Walking Tour: Ueno & Yanaka Exploration

   Start Time: 9:00 AM

   • Meet your guide at Ueno Station (Park Exit).

   • Begin the day with a peaceful stroll through Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s oldest public parks.

   • Visit Shinobazu Pond, a lotus-filled lake once used for feudal duck hunting.

   • Explore Bentendo Temple, dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, located on a small island in the pond.

   • Walk down hidden alleyways to see traditional sentō (public bathhouses) and artisan workshops preserved from the 1960s.

   • Stop at Ameya-Yokocho, a bustling post-war black-market-turned-shopping street. Sample snacks like takoyaki or yakitori while hearing stories of its WWII past.

   Lunch Break (Optional Local Restaurant or Street Food Tasting):

   • Dine in a small local eatery known for showa-style Japanese comfort food. Try katsudon, curry rice, or a seasonal bento.

   Afternoon: Step into Yanaka’s Living History
   Start Time: Approximately 1:30 PM

   • Travel by foot or short subway ride to Yanaka, a district known for its nostalgic charm and untouched streets.

   • Walk through Yanaka Cemetery, resting place of samurai, writers, and historical figures, lined with cherry trees and peaceful paths.

   • Explore Yanaka Ginza, a retro shopping street offering local snacks such as menchi katsu and taiyaki.

   • Visit preserved Edo-period wooden row houses (nagaya) and century-old paper and tea shops.

   • Discover hidden art galleries and crafts studios, where local artisans continue age-old Japanese traditions in ceramics, textiles, and calligraphy.

   Late Afternoon: Cultural Wrap-Up & Local Tea

   • End the day at a tranquil kissaten (traditional café) or tea shop, where you may enjoy matcha or iced hojicha with a sweet treat.

   • Recap the day’s discoveries with your guide, and receive personalized recommendations for the rest of your Tokyo stay.

   Tour Ends: 4:00–4:30 PM at Nippori Station or Back in Ueno