• From hidden izakayas to generations-old food shops and historic temples with taiko drum and fire ceremonies, Monzen-Nakacho has everything you could dream of in a Tokyo neighborhood – and more. On this afternoon into evening tour, we’ll explore this magical slice of old-school Tokyo, where the city’s ancient spirit and modern-day creativity live deliciously side-by-side.

We will go deep into Monzen-Nakacho’s backstreets, stopping into tiny storefronts and then out-of-the-way izakayas and bars to meet the artisans who keep the neighborhood’s bellies – and glasses – full and taste culinary delights unique to the neighborhood. More than an izakaya crawl, on this walk we’ll also plunge into the spiritual side of sake drinking and the place it holds in Japanese culture and religion, tasting some very special renditions of Japan’s traditional spirit. We’ll start our day off with a visit to one of the neighborhood’s classic spots for sushi and fukagawa meshi, a local specialty made of clams served over rice. As we head towards the Fudodo Temple to catch one of the daily fire ceremonies, we’ll make a detour to visit a bustling shopping street that dates back to the early 20th century, where we’ll pop into several old-time food shops and have a taste of a variety of artisanal specialties, including anju made at a bakery that traces its roots to 1850.