Half-Day Edo Tour with Asakusa Traditions, and Hidden History

This tour will explain the history of Asakusa's bright and dark side. The history of Yoshiwara is not often mentioned on regular tours, but it is very important when you understand Japanese history. Yoshiwara was a famous red-light district in Edo-period Tokyo, located near Asakusa. It was officially licensed by the government and operated from the 17th to the early 20th century. Yoshiwara was known not only for entertainment but also for its unique culture, fashion, and art. Today, only traces remain, but its legacy lives on in Japanese literature and history.

Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. Located in the east of the city, it has long been a center of religion and entertainment. At its heart is Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 628. Legend says two fishermen found a statue of the Buddhist goddess Kannon in the Sumida River. A wealthy local man recognized its value and turned his home into a temple. Over time, Sensō-ji became a major place of worship. In the Edo period (1603–1868), Asakusa thrived as a cultural and entertainment hub. The area was filled with shops, theaters, and food stalls, and was close to the Yoshiwara red-light district. Together, they created a vibrant world of art and tradition. Although much of Asakusa was destroyed in World War II, it was later rebuilt. Today, it remains a top tourist spot where visitors can experience a taste of traditional Japan within modern Tokyo.

We won't be going to Tokyo Skytree, but we can see it beautifully up close. Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower located in the Sumida district. It was officially completed in February 2012 and opened to the public in May 2012. Standing at 634 meters (2,080 feet), it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world, after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The Skytree was built to improve digital television broadcasting signals, replacing the aging Tokyo Tower, which had become too short for modern needs due to the growth of high-rise buildings. The tower’s design blends futuristic style with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Its shape is inspired by the structure of a five-story pagoda and the curvature of a samurai sword. Tokyo Skytree also includes two observation decks that offer panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji. The base of the tower features a large shopping complex and aquarium, making it a major tourist destination.

Asahi Group is one of Japan’s leading beverage companies, best known for Asahi Super Dry, a popular Japanese beer launched in 1987. The company was originally founded in 1889 in Osaka as the Osaka Beer Brewing Company and later became Asahi Breweries, Ltd. Over the years, Asahi has expanded both domestically and internationally, offering a wide range of beers, soft drinks, and food products. A notable symbol of the company is its Asahi Beer Tower and the adjacent Super Dry Hall, located along the Sumida River in the Asakusa area of Tokyo. The Super Dry Hall is especially famous for its unique design: a black building topped with a large golden flame-like structure, often called the “Asahi Flame” or humorously referred to as the “Golden Poo” by locals. It was designed by French designer Philippe Starck and completed in 1989. Today, the Asahi buildings are a popular sightseeing spot, offering restaurants, bars, and beautiful river views.

Nakamise-dori is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous shopping streets, located in the heart of Asakusa, Tokyo. The street stretches about 250 meters, leading from Kaminarimon Gate to Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple. It is lined with nearly 90 shops offering traditional snacks, souvenirs, crafts, and kimono accessories. The history of Nakamise-dori dates back to the early 18th century during the Edo period. Local residents were granted permission to set up stalls to serve temple visitors. Over time, it developed into a lively commercial area. The street was destroyed by fire several times and most recently rebuilt after World War II, but it still retains the charm of traditional Japan. Today, it is a must-visit for tourists looking to experience Japanese culture, taste local treats like ningyo-yaki (sweet cakes), and find authentic souvenirs.