You'll discover how one half-day walk through Asakusa unlocks the bigger story of Japan. This is much more than a sightseeing tour – with an expert guide, you'll use Asakusa's temples, streets and hidden corners as gateways to understanding Japan's history, beliefs, culture and connections with the world.
You'll learn why Japan isolated itself for centuries, why the Netherlands became its main European trading partner, and how Japan later opened to the world. You'll discover how Japanese art inspired French Impressionists and influenced Western culture. You'll explore Japan's two major religions and learn how they have peacefully coexisted for centuries – often sharing the same worshippers and complementing each other in everyday life.
You'll compare Japan with the West through fascinating cultural contrasts, from the very different symbolism of dragons to surprising similarities in how people thought 1,000 years ago. Then you'll experience Asakusa's other face – the secular world that grew beside sacred Senso-ji. You'll explore an old entertainment district that flourished long before Shinjuku and Shibuya, walk through a nostalgic alley of traditional pubs, and discover how Asakusa became Tokyo's centre of theatres, cinemas and popular entertainment.
Finally, you'll step into streetscapes evoking Edo-period Japan. You won't just see Asakusa – you'll leave understanding Japan in a way few sightseeing tours can offer.
