Japan's Cultural Curiosities

Trade the fast-paced side of Tokyo for a calmer side, one that very few people get to see! On this 3-hour tour, you will visit centuries-old, family-run businesses and see the arts, food and Japanese customs that have persevered throughout the ages.

Your adventure centers in the neighborhoods of traditional Ningyocho and the more modern Nihonbashi. During your outing, you will visit a shop that has been specializing in Japanese sweets since 1897, where you will get the chance to try a small sponge cake filled with sweet red bean filling. After which, you'll make another stop in a gift shop for traditional souvenirs such as calligraphy tools and decorative wares then head to snack shops and sample long-beloved foods such as caramels, fish jerky, Ramune soda, bean paste snacks, and sweet and savory rice crackers. Visit a shamisen shop to learn about this beautiful Japanese musical string instrument and view woven hand towels depicting street scenes at the tenugui shop. We'll also visit a shop that specializes in a traditional snack: senbei (rice crackers), a favorite in many Japanese households, which is happily gluten and dairy-free.

Other shops on the tour sell seaweed, stationary and toothpicks. Pick up some fish shavings for your fish broth at the 200 year-old katsuobushi shop. Round your shopping out with a special store that sells paper thin golden leaves for ceramics, food and more.

Along the way take a break at one of the local temples where you can visit the shrine, offer up a prayer, and wash a coin for a prosperous life.

Your tour concludes with some sweets at the Nihonbashi information center.

Step back in time with this small tour through the traditional side of Tokyo.