Edo Resilience: Ryogoku Culture & Disaster Heritage Walking Tour
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Ryogoku beyond sumo.
This isn’t just a walking tour—it’s a journey through Edo’s resilience.
Ryogoku, now known for sumo, was once the beating heart of Edo’s joys and sorrows. Fires, floods, earthquakes, and even war tore through this riverside district time and again—but each time, the people rebuilt with strength, artistry, and compassion.
We begin at a temple that offered rest to the forgotten, then walk along the Sumida River to explore how water shaped both life and tragedy in Edo. We’ll stop for a traditional lunch in a lively food hall, then visit the Great Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum and Tokyo Memorial Hall to reflect on how Tokyo’s people endured catastrophe and loss.
From there, we continue to a shrine dedicated to the legendary ancestor of sumo, before stepping into the colorful world of Hokusai—whose art captured Edo’s vibrant spirit even in hard times.
This tour is a living story of survival, remembrance, and renewal—a walk through Tokyo’s heart of resilience.
Available options
Edo Resilience: Ryogoku Culture & Disaster Heritage Walking Tour
What's included
Sumida Hokusai Museum
Detailed itinerary
1
Learn how this temple offered comfort to the forgotten of Edo—sumo wrestlers, pets, and disaster victims—while exploring its quiet grounds.
2
Stroll through a beautifully preserved Japanese garden with ponds and greenery, once part of a wealthy samurai family’s estate.
3
Reflect on Tokyo’s resilience while seeing exhibits that honor the victims of the 1923 earthquake and World War II bombings.
4
Visit a small but meaningful shrine dedicated to the legendary ancestor of sumo, connecting past to present.
5
Step into the vivid world of ukiyo-e and admire masterpieces by Katsushika Hokusai, including the iconic Great Wave.
What's not included
Lunch is in a facility with many options. The area's famous food is Chanko Nabe (Sumo wrestler stew), and cost about ¥4,000, per person, with a 2 person minimum . Other restaurants start at ~¥1,100.
There will be vending machines and convenience stores for drinks and snacks, so please purchase them at your own discretion.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We will be doing a lot of walking at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of places to sit down and take a rest, however if you cannot stand for prolonged periods of time (20 minutes), it may be difficult. At the Yasuda gardens, much of the routes are loose pebbles, so it may be hard to navigate with a wheelchair. In that case, we can take you to the next destination that has a park you can equally enjoy.
Meeting point
Please meet outside of the Noren building adjacent JR Ryogoku Station.
If you need help getting there from the Oedo Line Ryogoku Station, please let us know at least a day before the tour, and we will arrange an early pick up from there for you.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
