The five-storied pagoda and the Hōzōmon gate of Sensō-ji, lit at night in Asakusa, Tokyo.

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Tour code ASJ-DT-TYO-HER · Ash101

A slow day in old Tokyo

Tokyo heritage and old neighbourhoods

One day in the old east of Tokyo, from the gates of Sensō-ji to the Sumida river and the quiet lanes of Yanaka or Ueno.

One day · From Tokyo · Culture · City

At a glance

The part of Tokyo that still keeps its old streets, at a local pace: the temple areas are crowded, so the day takes its time, and the afternoon goes to Yanaka or Ueno, whichever suits you. A private car and a guide are with you for the day.

These are sample itineraries. Our team prepares a tailored quote for your trip; service reservations are confirmed separately once the arrangements are agreed.

Highlights

  • Sensō-ji and the Nakamise street in the morning
  • A walk along the Sumida river with the Skytree across the water
  • The afternoon in Yanaka or Ueno, at a local pace

A full day in any season, at a walking pace; the temple areas are crowded.

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The stops of the day

  1. The five-storied pagoda of Sensō-ji in Asakusa against a blue sky, above the temple buildings and trees.
    Sensō-ji, Asakusa

    Sensō-ji, Asakusa

    Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded by tradition in the seventh century, is entered through the Kaminarimon gate and its great red lantern. Incense rises before the main hall, with the five-storey pagoda beside it.

  2. Nakamise street

    The shopping street that leads from the Kaminarimon to the temple, lined with small stalls of crafts, souvenirs and snacks made on the spot, such as ningyō-yaki cakes. It is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan.

  3. Tokyo Skytree, seen from the Sumida river

    From the banks of the Sumida, the Tokyo Skytree rises 634 metres across the water. The riverside walk is an easy stroll from Asakusa; the tower is seen, not climbed.

  4. In the afternoon, one of the two, chosen with you

    • Yanaka old quarter

      An old quarter that largely came through war and earthquakes, with more than 70 temples, wooden houses and the small shops of Yanaka Ginza, reached down the Yūyake Dandan steps, whose name means “the sun setting slowly”. It shows a quieter, older Tokyo.

    • Ueno Park and its museums

      A large park around Shinobazu Pond that holds several of Tokyo’s major museums, among them the Tokyo National Museum, which traces its history to 1872. Shaded paths lead past temples and shrines.

Trip details

Length
One day
Route
Starts and ends in Tokyo
Regions
Tokyo and Kanto
Seasons
Any season
Style
Culture · City

The full programme

A suggested journey, day by day, adjusted to your dates and interests.

  1. Day 1Old Tokyo on foot

    Sensō-ji and Nakamise first, a walk along the Sumida river with the Skytree across the water, lunch nearby, then the afternoon in Yanaka or Ueno at a local pace.

    Programme details

    The day begins at Sensō-ji, walking in through the Nakamise street. A walk along the Sumida river follows, with the Skytree across the water, and lunch nearby. In the afternoon you choose between the small shops and old houses of Yanaka and the museums and park of Ueno, seen at a local pace before the drive back.

    Old Tokyo

    • Sensō-ji, Asakusa
    • Nakamise street
    • Tokyo Skytree, seen from the Sumida river
    • Yanaka old quarter
    • Ueno Park and its museums

A day-by-day sample. Times of day are not promised; the order can change on the ground.

What your proposal can include

  • Private car with driver
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Admission tickets

Your proposal names exactly what is included, for your dates and your group.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off will be arranged according to your agreed itinerary. We’ll choose the places to visit together when planning your day.

Good to know

  • The temple areas are crowded; the day keeps a local pace.

Start from this tour

Open the planner, or write to us. We answer with questions, then with a plan and a quote.

Plan my tripContact

Mention the code ASJ-DT-TYO-HER · Ash101 when you write.

Where this tour comes from An outline route prepared by Asahi; the stops are suggestions until the plan is made with you.

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Photo credits

The photographs on this page are real photographs from Wikimedia Commons, shown under the licences listed. Creators are named as they are published there. They are resized and cropped for display.