Explore Local Tokyo: Buddhism & Shinto

Join us for an intimate small-group tour of Monzennakacho, a calm and historic area in East Tokyo, known as "Shitamachi." Led by Manami, a local native with a Ph.D. in cultural heritage protection, this tour offers a deep dive into the local spiritual and cultural backstory. 1. Discover Shitamachi’s Rich History: Manami will reveal the unique history of Shitamachi utilizing visual tools. She'll also explain how Buddhism and Shinto coexist. 2. Naritasan Fukagawa Fudōdō: Visit a Buddhist temple where you'll see a spectacle fire ceremony accompanied by powerful drum beats. Manami guides you through the etiquette and photography rules. She shows scene by scene explanation sheets as we observe the ceremony in silence. 3. Tomioka Hachimangu: Experience the calm atmosphere of this Shinto shrine, and view the impressive "Sumo rocks". Manami can assist with the "omikuji" fortune-telling lottery or "goshuin" stamps. Manami shows you a food & cafe map of Monzennakacho as we end the tour.