Asakusa: 1400-year history exploration | 3 hours 30 minutes

137 Reviews | Tokyo
Special Offer
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (20-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Youth (13-19) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Child (6-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Infant (0-5) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
History Tour
2 Adults x $112.29
$224.58
Approx Total
$224.58
Start times

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Earphone Guide System to deliver the guide’s voice securely to each participant from distance.
  • English-speaking guide
  • Selection of Japanese sweet snacks (e.g. melon pan, rice dumpling, rice cracker, sweet puffed rice).
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks, except those specified

Overview

If you are interested in a folklore of two fisherman brothers who happened to have become founding fathers of Sesoji-temple 1400 years ago and Tokyo for that matter, this tour is for you. Enjoy the tour chock-ful of interesting stories around development of Asakusa and Tokyo. Specifically, we will demystify intriguing historical facts including: 1) Why Sumida river is an origin of Senso-ji temple 2) How Senso-ji temple and Asakusa developed hand in hand 3) How Asakusa has become a forerunner of Japan's modernization 4) How the culture that flourished in the area impacted the world Other important features of the tour are: 1) Use of headsets to hear the guide clearly even from a distance; applicable to a group of 3 or more. 2) Tasting Japanese sweet snacks just made in the back the shops. 3) Each group is limited to 8 participants.

Meeting points

Burger King Asakusa Azumabashi
Cross Bil Royal Palace, 2-chÅme-20-6 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0034, Japan

Open in Google Maps

The meeting place is in front of a Burger King restaurant right next to Exit 4 of Asakusa subway station (G19) on the Ginza line. Please step outside when you reach Exit 4. See below for details. https://bit.ly/3KBlIr5

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Sumida River

    Just as Asakusa’s history started by the Sumida river, so do our tours. Across the Azumabashi bridge, we will see Tokyo Sky Tree, Asahi Breweries' headquarters with its world-famous golden flame object.

    15 minutes

  • Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

    From Sumida river, we will stroll to Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. This is not not just a valuable source of sightseeing information, but one of Asakusa’s newest sightseeing attractions. This 8-story building, designed by a world famous Japanese architect, has a very striking structure with the appearance of a stack of separate wooden buildings that seem piled up on top of each other at different angles. From the open terrace Observation Deck on the 8th floor of the Center, we will have a preview of the entire tour course: not just Tokyo Sky Tree and Asahi Flame we have just seen but the landmarks we are going to see including Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, Hozomon gate, Sensoji Temple, and more.

    30 minutes

  • Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate

    Kaminarimon gate ("Thunder Gate") is the outer of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the SensÅ-ji temple. The gate, with its huge red lantern and statues, is popular among tourists. The guide will demystify this giant lantern and its surrounding objects.

    15 minutes

  • Nakamise Shopping Street (Kaminarimon)

    This shopping street connects Kaminarimon gate and Sensoji-temple's main gate. The 250 m approach is lined with a number of souvenir shops and food stalls. The guide will show you where to buy souvenirs you are interested in. The other fun part of strolling along it is that the guide will buy you traditional snacks in Asakusa; note that the guide may buy snacks in other places in the tour based on your preferences. Toward the end of this long street, we will see a history tablets on its side which depict how Asakusa started and developed around Sensoji-temple.

    30 minutes

  • Hozomon

    The HÅzÅmon (Treasure-House Gate) is the inner of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the SensÅ-ji temple (the outer being the Kaminarimon), Tokyo. A two-story gate, the HÅzÅmon's second story houses many of the SensÅ-ji's treasures. We will see two statues, three lanterns and two large sandals housed in the first story.

    15 minutes

  • Senso-ji Temple

    Between Hozomon gate and Sensoji's main hall, we have a lot to see and do. On the left, we will see Five-storied Pagoda the second highest (53m-high) pagoda in Japan built in 942. It holds Buddha's ashes on its top floor given by Sri Lankan goverment and buddhist society for goodwill between Sri Lanka and Japan. We will have three major things to observe or do before entering the temple's main hall. First: - You will draw omikuji, or paper fortune, to predict your future (included in the costs you have already paid). Second: - Most Japanese stop at the huge bronze incense burner to bathe their hands and faces in the smoke. This is a ritual to ward off illnesses-before climbing the stairs to offer their prayers. Third: - Water purification fountain which people use to purify themselves before going inside the temple. You will also see a famous sculpture perching on the fountain. We will now proceed to the main hall of the temple which is the climax of the tour. Look forward to what you will see and the guide will recount there!

    45 minutes

  • 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 found how these two religions are ingrained in life of the ordinary Japanese.

    15 minutes

  • Denboin Street

    After the magnificence of Sensoji, we'll escape into the Rokku area: Asakusa's traditional entertainment district, always bustling yet rarely busy. Walk through the Meiji period into the present day (with stops along the way for more Japanese sweet snacks). Once a district of endless novelty — movies, comedians and exotic animals — Rokku passed through its glory days to become a quaint neighborhood of handicrafts and nostalgia. Through vivid descriptions of its complex, colorful history, you'll even see sights that aren't there to see anymore! Packed with cosy bars, eateries, and snack stands, as well as boutique shops for traditionally crafted goods of all kinds, the narrow, winding and wandering streets of Rokku will lead you through the other Asakusa experience.

    45 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • We accept last-minute bookings until two hours prior to the tour start time.
  • The maximum group size is 8 people, to ensure proper hospitality
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved; please choose appropriate footwear
  • Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
  • Bottled water is recommended but vending machines are available
  • If you have special dietary or accessibility requirements, please contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate you
  • Children younger than 6 may join the tour without charge but will not be entitled to inclusions
  • Due to the historical focus of the tour, it is recommended for adults, but families are welcome

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.7

137 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    115
  • 4 stars
    14
  • 3 stars
    2
  • 2 stars
    5
  • 1 star
    1

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 115 reviews with 5 stars

Spring 2025 Tour at Asakusa + Tokyo Skytree

Published on Apr, 2025

The Tour Guide, Sachi, explained the history of Asakusa very well, fun facts about the Tokyo Skytree, and she even gave us some tips and good places for shopping! Thank you so much, Sachi!

Excellent

Published on Apr, 2025

Fabulously instructive tour of past Japan. Visited temples and unusual locations we would never have found on our own

Great Experience In Tokyo!

Published on Apr, 2025

I had an amazing time in Tokyo! The food, architecture, and especially the people were absolutely amazing. All of this was made possible by the fact that I had the best guide in Tokyo, named Machiko. She was the ultimate professional and was very knowledgeable about all aspects of Tokyo’s history. Machiko took her time to show me all the major historical highlights of Tokyo and answer my questions thoroughly. In addition, I was provided with water and snacks throughout my tour, so that I was always hydrated and full. Thank you so much Machiko!

Knife shopping

Published on Apr, 2025

Kay did an amazing job both showing us the sites and also explaining the history and the religion of the area making all so much more interesting. She was also a huge help at the knife shops.

A Wonderful Tour of Tokyo!

Published on Mar, 2025

The Asakusa tour was wonderful!! First, it was private, and my wife and I had the Guide’s full attention. She was warm and attentive!! Next, it was priceless. Along with the marvelous historical sights, we sat briefly in a coffee cafe in Tokyo and interacted with “four lovely Japanese girls dressed in kimonosâ€. Guess who translated for us?!? Our Guide was Shizuoka “Sue†Nishizawa. Thanks Shizuoka!!

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Asakusa: 1400-year history exploration
Special Offer
74853P1
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
137
Asakusa: 2-hour history exploration
Special Offer
74853P25
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
25
Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with G ...
92136P95
time

6 hours

time Non Refundable
23
Private Tokyo Tour with Local Guide
New On TravelOne
487454P1
time

4 hours to 5 hours

time Free Cancellation
8
Tokyo Private Sightseeing Tour by Bike w ...
151281P11
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
3
Sumida River Walk to Asakusa Senso-ji te ...
Likely To Sell Out
442381P19
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
2
Asakusa: Family-Oriented Private Tour wi ...
74853P18
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
0
Tokyo: Asakusa Enjoyment Mystery-Solving ...
442381P26
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
0
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour
28575P2
time

9 hours to 10 hours

time Free Cancellation
9,176
Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bulle ...
Special Offer
2142TYO_F800_F820
time

11 hours 50 minutes

time Free Cancellation
6,921
Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Tokyo Bay ...
Likely To Sell Out
57331P2
time

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
3,434
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
63670P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
3,073
Tokyo: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes at ...
New On TravelOne
5507368P3
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,740
Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya
Likely To Sell Out
57331P9
time

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
2,720
Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-L ...
Likely To Sell Out
92136P34
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,607
Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Cultu ...
Special Offer
21490P9
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,392
ã€2nd Anniv.】Sushi Making Tokyo! Popu ...
Special Offer
217172P1
time

1 hour 50 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,988
Tokyo Asakusa Rickshaw Tour
Likely To Sell Out
6808TYORICKSHAW
time

30 minutes to 3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,375
Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bus 1 ...
Special Offer
2142TYO_F880_F830
time

12 hours 35 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,271
Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day
5924TYOCUSTOM
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,267
Recently Viewed
Wave Rock & Rottnest Island - Air & Grou ...
34533P26
time

10 hours

time Free Cancellation
2
All New Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguà ...
333084P1
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
38
Denver Graffiti Tour
120411P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
157
Chinatown's & Her Stories
Likely To Sell Out
185145P3
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Ful ...
211850P16
time

11 hours

time Non Refundable
0
Half-Day Guided City Tour in Marrakech H ...
11402P6
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
145
Private walking tour of the magical city ...
391342P2
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
23
6-Hour Private Limousine Wine Country To ...
7262P1
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
122
Private Shore Excursion Rotorua/ Taurang ...
7974P2
time

7 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
17
Korea Ski Tour from Seoul - Jisan Forest ...
14882P37
time

11 hours

time Free Cancellation
9
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Dining recommendations/reservations?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Olive Oil Tasting Wine Making Workshops
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings High Tea
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Brunch Dinner Lunch Breakfast Restaurants Dinner and Show Tickets
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Shark Diving Wildlife Watching Wildlife Encounters Swim with Dolphins Zoos & Wildlife Parks Aquariums Safaris
    Hiking & Exploration
    Hiking Tours Glacier Walks Nature Walks National Parks Nature Parks Parks Natural Attractions Outback Tours
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Horseback Riding Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Sailing Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding Jet Ski Rentals
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Snorkeling Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Fishing Charters Eco Tours
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Attractions & Museums Planetariums
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Ghost Tours Crime Tours Underground Tours
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers Classic Car Tours
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Sufi Whirling Shows Easter Lunar New Year
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Spas Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    National Parks Nature Parks Involves Poverty Stricken Communities Involves Animals
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Walking Tours Self-guided Tours
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Cycling Cycling Classes Bike Rentals Bike Tours E-Bike Tours
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows Live Concerts Music Tours
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Festivals Mardi Gras Carnival Christmas Halloween Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Cultural Tours Culture Costume Dress Up Experiences Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Pottery Classes Photography Tours
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Helicopter Tours Heli-Hiking Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Hummer Tours Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Motor Sports Go Kart Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks Flyboarding
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Caving Sea Caving
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing Scavenger Hunts Fun & Games
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Sports Lessons Cycling Cycling Classes
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Private and Luxury Viator VIP Tours Once in a Lifetime Experiences Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator Exclusive Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations Photo Shoots
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Pack Animal Tours Ferry Services Water Transfers Water Parks Water Equipment Rentals
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Summer Winter Spring Break Winter Sports

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!