Samurai Outlaws, Crime & Punishment Tokyo Offbeat Tour

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6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Kabuki, swordsmanship, ukiyo-e, jujutsu, sword appraisal, Western medicine, ghosts, drugs, and even outcasts of society—during the Edo period, one place connected them all. That place, central to Edo culture, was the execution grounds.

■ Punishment and Execution Grounds: The Birthplace of Japanese Culture
When we think of Japanese punishment, seppuku comes to mind, but Edo punishments went far beyond. On this tour, we follow the path of a young samurai executed for murdering over 130 people, visiting his crime scenes and the northern and southern execution grounds of Tokyo. We will see towering statues that witnessed executions, giant memorials for the condemned, pedestals once used in executions, and wells where severed heads were washed.

We will uncover how these grim places shaped the very heart of Japanese culture.

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What's Included

Guided tour
There will be a stop for lunch with many choices of restaurants, so please bring cash, as not all restaurants take credit or digital money.
We will be using public transportation to travel to some stops on the tour, so please bring budget about ¥1000 per person in your group. This is done to avoid overcharging smaller groups.
There will be souvenir and refreshment opportunities along the way, so please bring cash for souvenir shops, convenience stores, and vending machines if you would like to purchase something.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We will meet you outside if the McDonald's. We will have a Japan B sign.

End point

If you need directions to your next destination, we would be happy to tell you.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Learn about the infamous execution grounds active during the Edo period and see the peaceful jizo that watched over the condemned. Learn about how it played an integral part in bringing wester learning and medicine to Japan, as well as how the generational executioners contributed.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Visit the throw in temple, where the bodies of those who lived on the edges of society were discarded after they were no longer useful in the eyes of society.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Visit the grounds of the former Kodenmacho prison and learn about the daily life of prisoners, what they did to end up there, as well as the flow from arrest, interrogation, to verdict. There are periodically special exhibitions nearby, such as ukiyo-e showcases. We will visit if time permits.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Visit the lower execution site, the stage of the last infamous fight of Hirai Gonpachi and the final stop of where the mist notorious criminals were paraded before they were executed in different ways. Many artifacts used are still there.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by JAPAN B

Tags

Half-day Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Walking Tours
Crime Tours
Small Group
Additional fees

Cancellation Policy

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

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