Tokyo Time Machine: Exploring Old School Monzen-Nakacho

4.9
(34 reviews) Tokyo, Japan

5 to 6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Dinner
Coffee and/or Tea
Private transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Monzen-nakacho Station

On the street by Exit 1 of the Tozai line. If using the Tozai line - Follow the signs to Exit 1, and go up the stairs where you'll find a mailbox and the entrance gate for the temple. If you're taking the Oedo line, Please use Exit 5 and walk on the street to the meeting point outside Exit 1.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Fukagawa Fudodo

    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.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Tokyo

    After paying our respects at the temple and taking in the multisensory ceremony there, we’ll do as the locals do and start heading to the neighborhood’s watering holes, where the drinks are accompanied by expertly crafted bites. As the afternoon turns into evening, we’ll visit a sake specialist, stop by an oyster shucker who’s doing his part to help fisherman recover from the lingering effects of the devastating 2011 tsunami by buying his bivalves directly from them and then squeeze our way into a hidden tachinomi, or “standing bar,” where the small kitchen miraculously turns out edible wonders. Before we finish our time together, we’ll hit several more spots where we’ll rub elbows with the locals and get an even deeper understanding of what makes Monzen-Nakacho the magical place that it is.

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Travellers need to be 18 or older
Supplied by Culinary Backstreets Walks

Tags

Day Trips
Half-day Tours
Walking Tours
Sake Tasting
Small Group
Food & Drink
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

4.9 Based on 34 34 reviews
5 stars
32
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}