Electric-Powered Biking Tour Asakusa Akihabara and Imperial Palace

Electric-Powered Biking Tour Asakusa Akihabara and Imperial Palace

Have you heard of the Japanese word "Edo"? Do you know what it exactly means and the stories behind it? In this walking and food tour, your knowledgeable and friendly guide will explore the Fukagawa area in Tokyo where you can experience the historical and cultural atmosphere of the Edo period of Japan (1603 - 1868) while learning the fascinating history of Japan and Tokugawa shogunate.

You will be picked up at your hotel in Tokyo in the morning and your informative guide will take you to the local areas in Tokyo with the atmosphere of Edo period. Edo is the former name of Tokyo and Edo Period is from 1603 to 1868. The period was the seat of power for the famous Tokugawa shogunate and grew to become one of the largest cities in the world at that time. 

Start your adventure at the Fukagawa Edo Museum. Fukagawa Edo Museum is a culture center which was established in 1986. This museum is all about Edo period and the exhibition hall is full of exciting features, such as a reconstruction of the streets of Fukagawa from days gone by as well as displays including everyday life items and plants. Later visit the Kiyosumi Teien Garden. The origin of this garden was the site of the residence of the famous Edo period business magnate, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. When the great earthquake hit the Kanto area, this garden was greatly damaged, but it saved a lot of lives by providing shelter to the local people. See the beautiful miniature lake "Sensui" located in the central of the garden with three small islands. The water of the lake is currently financed by rainwater, but in the past water from Sumida River was used. For this reason the pond by the ebb and flow of the tide landscape is said to have changed subtly.

You will also visit the Fukagawa Fudoson Shrine and Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. Fukagawa Fudouson Shrine has 300 years of history originated from the Naritasan Shrine located in Chiba Prefecture. What's unique about this shrine is the wall of the main hall. See Shingon (Mantra) of Acala written on the wall in a surprisingly modern style. People believe that this place is protected by the Shingon (Mantra) of Acala and prayer is held everyday at the main hall. Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is also known as the birthplace of Kanjin-zumo, founded in 1684, and origin of the current professional sumo. Two "basho" (Spring and Autumn) were held at the shrine every year under the permission of the shogunate. Also, the annual summer festival here was one of the three great festivals of Edo.

Lastly, don't miss the Sunamachi Ginza "shoutengai" arcade. "Shotengai" is the Japanese word for shopping streets with small local shops on both sides. Sunamachi Ginza arcade used to be a quite, small arcade before the air raid in Tokyo, but after the huge air raid in 1945, it became a scorched earth. Now it is one of the most popular shopping street with approx. 180 small shops that sell fresh local produce, everyday grocery, and everything else. If you visit the area on the 10th of the month, you can also experience the great bargain called "bakane-ichi", meaning the lowest price sale in Japanese. When the tour concludes, you'll be dropped off at your hotel.