• Join us for an intimate small-group tour of Monzennakacho, a calm and historic area in East Tokyo, known as "Shitamachi." Led by Manami, a local native with a Ph.D. in cultural heritage protection, this tour offers a deep dive into the local spiritual and cultural backstory.
• 1. Discover Shitamachi’s Rich History: Manami will reveal the unique history of Shitamachi utilizing visual tools. She'll also explain how Buddhism and Shinto coexist.
• 2. Naritasan Fukagawa Fudōdō: Visit a Buddhist temple where you'll see a spectacle fire ceremony accompanied by powerful drum beats. Manami guides you through the etiquette and photography rules. She shows scene by scene explanation sheets as we observe the ceremony in silence.
• 3. Tomioka Hachimangu: Experience the calm atmosphere of this Shinto shrine, and view the impressive "Sumo rocks". Manami can assist with the "omikuji" fortune-telling lottery or "goshuin" stamps.
• Manami shows you a food & cafe map of Monzennakacho as we end the tour.

Shitamachi is referred to the eastern Tokyo, the delta area in between the two big river. We the locals call ourselves "Edokko". Edokko are not rich, not posh, but we believe that we are the ones who built the foundation of Edo (previous Tokyo) and supported its prosperity for over 250 years. We will first go to a cafe and the host will give you a short presentation before starting the exploration. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS 1. Water channels What is this water? You will hear about the unique geographical features which generated the Shitamachi economy, and the background of local pride. 2. Fudo-son temple You will learn about the diffent religions in Japan as well as manners to visit temples and shrines. 3. Tomioka Hachimangu shrine The emotional home for us "Edokko" people. The architecture is so elegant in the daytime but also recommended to see at night tours. Some facilities are closed at night, but you will get the magical feeling seeing lanterns in the darkness at the shrine.