Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner

Tokyo , Japan

Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner

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About this experience

Take a deep dive into Tokyo’s lesser-known past on this small-group evening walking tour through Asakusa and Yoshiwara—neighborhoods rich in Edo-period history, local culture, and quiet charm. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll stroll through alleys once home to geisha, merchants, and entertainers, learn about Yoshiwara’s red-light district legacy, and visit atmospheric spots like Yoshiwara Shrine and retro vending machines tucked away from the crowds.

Unlike typical Tokyo city tours, this experience offers local insights, hidden backstreet stops, and a window into the lives of people who lived outside the mainstream.
Upgrade to enjoy dinner at a nostalgic izakaya, where you can try regional dishes and connect with authentic neighborhood culture.

Highlights:
- Explore Asakusa and Yoshiwara: historic red-light and entertainment districts
- Optional dinner at a retro local izakaya (Option to add dinner)
- Small-group format with a local guide for a personalized experience

Available options

Tour (No Dinner Option)

Tour (With Dinner Option)

What's included

After Tour Assistance: If you want to go to a bar,shopping or entertainment area I will take you.

Guided walking tour with a multilingual local guide

Dinner option is available

Detailed itinerary

Step into one of Tokyo’s most iconic and historic neighborhoods—Asakusa. On this immersive walking tour, you’ll explore hidden alleys and backstreets often missed by tourists, while learning about the area’s Edo-period roots and evolving role in modern Japanese culture.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll uncover how Asakusa became a cultural crossroads, blending ancient temples, kabuki theaters, street food stalls, and traces of geisha and entertainment history. This is the perfect tour for travelers seeking a deeper, more authentic side of Tokyo.

Walk through Nakamise Street, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic shopping streets, as the crowds fade and the lanterns begin to glow. Though many shops will be closing, you’ll enjoy a peaceful view of its traditional storefronts and architecture leading up to Senso-ji Temple.

Your guide will share stories of the street’s rich history as a merchant route and explain the cultural significance of local sweets like ningyo-yaki or senbei, which were once sold to pilgrims along the path. A small tasting may be included depending on availability.

Stop 3

Explore Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist site, as the sun sets and the crowds begin to fade. In this more peaceful atmosphere, your guide will share the temple’s legends, rituals, and spiritual significance, helping you connect deeply with what you see.

You’ll admire the temple’s grand gate, glowing lanterns, drifting incense smoke, and timeless architecture that continues to inspire millions—especially magical under the evening sky.

As dusk falls, stroll through the quiet backstreets of what was once Edo’s most famous pleasure district—Yoshiwara. While much of the original area has changed, subtle architectural clues and spiritual landmarks still whisper its history.

Your guide will offer respectful, historically grounded insights into how Yoshiwara shaped Tokyo’s urban structure, entertainment culture, and gender roles over centuries. You’ll stop at meaningful spots such as the Yoshiwara Shrine and the site of the former Oomon Gate, imagining life during its vibrant, complex past.

Explore a lesser-known side of Tokyo where local life quietly thrives beyond the tourist trails. As you walk through these atmospheric backstreets, you’ll pass by nostalgic bathhouses, wooden homes, and small businesses that reflect Tokyo’s enduring neighborhood spirit.

The tour concludes with an optional dinner at a cozy, retro-style izakaya, where you’ll enjoy local dishes and soak in the authentic vibe of everyday Tokyo life—just like a local.

What's not included

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at dinner are not included, but all prices are affordable.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Your guide will be waiting in front of the 7-Eleven 10 minutes before the tour starts.
They will be holding a sign that says "YURAGI TOUR", so please gather at the meeting spot on time.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

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

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.