Asakusa Culture and Sightseeing Center
Get a clear introduction to Japan’s two major religions, Buddhism and Shinto, setting the foundation for everything you’ll see ahead.
Kaminarimon (Thunder) Gate
At Asakusa’s iconic gate, explore the fascinating contrast between Japanese and Western dragons—and learn why the Japanese dragon plays exactly an opposite role from the Western one.
Nakamise Shopping Street
Stroll through one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets while learning about Buddhist symbols like the vajra (tokko) and the world-changing impact of ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Discover how these prints unexpectedly reached Europe—and inspired Western Impressionist painters.
Hozomon (Treasure) Gate
Here, your guide reveals a surprising truth: people in Japan and the West shared remarkably similar ways of thinking 1,000 years ago.
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple offers another striking comparison between medieval Japan and Europe, along with a clear explanation of how prayer differs in Buddhism and Shinto.
Asakusa Shrine
To those familiar with religions, it is unfathomable that Busshist temple and shinto shrine coexist on the same premises and share both their origins and worshipers. In that sense, Asakusa shrine is not just another shinto shrine in Japan. The guide will tell you why and you will find how these two religions are ingrained in life of the ordinary Japanese.
Ryotei
You will arrive at a ryotei, a highly exclusive traditional dining and entertainment venue where you will have the geisha experience.
Kaiseki dinner
You will be led to a private room and be seated. The kaiseki dinner will start to be served.
Geisha shows up
Three geisha show up in your room.
Entertainment starts
The geisha experience starts with geisha poring you sake and having pleasant conversations.
Geisha dance
Be enthralled by geisha's refined dancing to Japanese traditional string instrument, shamisen.
Traditional games with geisha
Enjoy traditional games with geisha. No Japanese skills are necessary to play games with geisha, but your guide will be available as an interpreter the entire evening should you have any questions.
