Saitama Prefecture , Japan

Gyoda Tabi Shoes Cultural Walking Tour

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(7 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, located about one hour from central Tokyo, is the largest producer of Tabi Shoes in Japan and is recognized as a Japan Heritage site as “Gyoda, a town of Tabi Shoes warehouses that continues to support the footwear culture.
In this tour, visitors will choose their favorite “Gyoda Tabi Shoes” and “Yukitadas” and actually walk around the town of Tabi Shoes warehouses with a guide to experience the kimono culture and enjoy the history and culture of “Gyoda Tabi Shoes” in the town of the most famous Tabi Shoes in Japan. Visitors will also enjoy the history and culture of Tabi Shoes and food culture by touring a Tabi Shoes warehouse and a Tabi Shoes factory, as well as local cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy the “Gyoda Hanahancozu”, where they can see beautiful flowers.
We hope you will enjoy a special moment in the town of Tabi Shoes, a Japanese Heritage Site.

Available options

Chinese Guide travel together

Gyoda Tabi Shoes Cultural Walking Tour

What's included

Jelly fries(LOCAL　FOOD) ・Jumangoku manju (japasee buns)

足袋(Japanese socks with split toe)

In-person guide is not licensed or certified

Zori sandals

Detailed itinerary

Choose the Gyoda tabi socks you will wear on the tour.
Enjoy free Gyoda City sightseeing maps, souvenir stores and more!

Eat jelly fries, a local food。The Chujirou warehouse is a historical building designated as a Japan Heritage component cultural property and a nationally registered tangible cultural property.

Tour of historical buildings and tasting of manju。
Built in 1836, the storehouse is a historical building designated as a national tangible cultural property.

Visiting the shrine and viewing the hanachozu。
Hachiman Shrine is famous for its blessings for cancer. It is visited by local residents and people from all over the country.Participants may visit the shrine on their own.

Guided tour of the Gyoda Tabi factory。
Built in 1917, it is Gyoda's largest saw-toothed-roof Tabi Shoes factory and is registered as a Component Cultural Property.The exterior of the building will be visited.

Guided tour of the Gyoda Tabi manufacturing factory。
A tour of Gyoda's Tabi Shoes culture with a guide will take you through the Tabi Shoes production process. This is a Japanese technique that uses a number of special sewing machines.

What's not included

guide Tip

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your guide will be waiting for you inside the store.

About Saitama Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture, located just north of Tokyo, offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. Known for its parks, museums, and as a gateway to the mountains, it's a perfect blend of modern living and traditional charm.

Top Attractions

Kawagoe

Known as 'Little Edo,' Kawagoe features well-preserved Edo-period buildings, traditional sweets, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Budget to Moderate

Chichibu

A mountainous region known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes.

Nature Full day to overnight Budget to Moderate

Saitama Super Arena

A multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports events, and exhibitions.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Variable

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kawagoe Mochi

A traditional sweet made from rice flour, often filled with red bean paste or other sweet fillings.

Dessert Vegetarian

Saitama Gyu (Beef)

High-quality beef from Saitama, often grilled or served in hot pots.

Dinner Contains meat

Soba Noodles

Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce or in a broth.

Lunch Vegetarian (check for dipping sauce ingredients)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park Canyoning in Mitake Gorge Onsen (hot spring) visits Strolling through Kawagoe's historical streets Visiting temples and shrines in Nikko and Kamakura Exploring traditional candy shops in Kawagoe Boating on Lake Chuzenji in Nikko Skiing and snowboarding in the mountains of Chichibu

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn provides cool temperatures and beautiful fall colors. These are the most popular times to visit.

10-25°C (50-77°F) 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saitama is generally safe with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and official tour operators.
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services, especially in tourist areas.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 80 km (50 miles)
Haneda Airport • 30 km (19 miles)

By train

Tokyo Station, Ueno Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Buster Terminal Tokyo

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and punctual train network covering the entire prefecture and connecting to Tokyo.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Omiya Kawagoe Chichibu

Day trips

Nikko

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural landscapes.

Kamakura

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

A coastal town known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha.

Kumagaya

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A city known for its historical sites and the Kumagaya Onsen hot spring.

Festivals

Kawagoe Festival • Early October Saitama Gold Theater Festival • Annual (dates vary) Chichibu Night Festival • Early December

Pro tips

Use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for easy and discounted public transportation.
Visit Kawagoe during festivals for a more authentic and vibrant experience.
Explore the rural areas of Saitama for stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
Try local specialties like Kawagoe Mochi and Saitama Gyu for a taste of the region's cuisine.
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.