Old-Town Shinagawa: History, Shinto Shrines, Tea, & More

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Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
Duration
3 hours
Number of Guests
1 - 6 guests
Accessibility
Family-friendly
Language
English
Other
Private Experience

Step back in time with a walking tour around Shinagawa’s old-town district. Visit historic landmarks, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, try street food, Japanese tea & more.

Highlights

  • Tour Shinagawa’s old-town district with an English-speaking guide

  • Visit key sites like Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, historic shops, explore the Shinagawa seaside, traditional buildings, & more

  • Climb Shinagawa’s ‘mini Mt. Fuji’

  • Enjoy tea, Japanese sweets, & 1 local street food

For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Journey back to Japan's Edo period with a guided tour through the old-town districts of Shinagawa; once a busy post-town and checkpoint station on the Old Tokaido Road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. While modernity has transformed much of Shinagawa into a business district, the old town retains its historic character and charm.


Stops and sights:


Shinagawa Ura Funadamari: In the Edo era, the shoreline near Shinagawa was a hub for fishing, giving rise to a thriving fishing village. You'll discover well-preserved houses, and a glimpse into a bygone time.


Kyu-Tokaido Road: This was the first stop for travelers journeying from Tokyo to Kyoto. As you traverse this historic street, you'll find a century-old green tea shop, a charming old rice cracker store, and a 200-year-old shop selling custom zori (straw) sandals.


Hōzen-ji Temple: Adjacent to the main Tokaido Road, various smaller streets and alleys conceal local temples like this one, and quaint old houses covered in greenery.


Shinagawa-shuku Koryukan (Community Lounge): The first floor offers a free rest area selling nostalgic candies from the Showa era, while the second floor houses an exhibition introducing the area's rich history and culture.


Shotokuji Temple: After exploring Kyu-Tokaido Road, take a leisurely stroll down Shinbaba Street and admire the picturesque Shotokuji Temple.


Ebara Shrine: Founded in 709, Ebara Shrine is revered as the dwelling of the dragon god, where people pray for rain. The shrine's intricate and unique carvings are a treat for art enthusiasts.


Chabako Tea Shop: Stop for refreshments at this private home-turned cozy cafe. They serve homemade roasted teas, green tea, and traditional Japanese daifuku sweets.


Shinagawa Shrine: Founded in 1187, this shrine features a mini Mt. Fuji constructed for those who couldn't climb the actual mountain due to various constraints. It stands at just 15 meters tall, constructed from rocks from the base of the real Mt. Fuji.

Inclusions

  • A knowledgeable English-speaking guide

  • A guided walking tour of Shinagawa’s old-town district

  • Green tea at Chabako Tea Shop

  • 1 local street food

Exclusions

  • Transportation fees

  • Hotel pickup (please add ¥ 4,000 for hotel pickup)

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

  • Meet your host at the ticket gates of Keikyu Line-Kita-Shinagawa Station. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.

Remarks

  • If you book this tour for immediately before your departure from, or after your arrival at, Haneda Airport, your guide can help store your luggage in station lockers; please contact us in advance

  • If you wish to change the tour time, please contact us in advance

  • Chabako Tea Shop: Only available on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, we'll visit a nearby coffee shop called Beans Station Home Roasting Coffee Shop and Cafe

Cancellation Policy

Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.

Read more

Experience Location

Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.

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2024
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Earliest available date: November 24, 2024
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¥9,000
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Please note that the time is in Japan Standard Time.
Free cancellation (2 days notice)
For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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