Like to learn on holiday, but don’t know a lot of Japanese History? This crash course in Japanese history tour eases you into the culture that became modern Japan. It’s a fun and easy way to start your travels in Japan because everything you learn here will apply to the rest of your vacation!
Crash Course
Japanese History
This isn’t a history lecture and there will be no quiz. We’ll dive into 2 world-class interactive museums and one of the few remaining private gardens of a feudal lord that remain in Tо̄kyо̄.
| history tourism, heritage tourism; museum tourism; garden tourism; accessible tourism |
#3 Fan Fave!
SUMMARY
First off, this is literally a crash course in Japanese history, without the crash. It’s a low-impact walking tour that is mostly indoors and has ample opportunities to sit down and rest. Also, it’s guaranteed to give you a firm grasp of basic cultural and historical concepts that will prepare you for the rest of your travels in Japan. What’s more, we’ll end the day in one of the most beautiful, traditional gardens in Tokyo.
Don’t know anything about Japanese history? This fun Day Tour skips the names and dates and offers a hands on experience!
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- Destinations
- Edo-Tokyo Museum
Easily one of the best history/culture museums on the planet, we can experience real artifacts, intricately detailed recreations, and interactive exhibits - Koraku-en Gardens
One of the 3 few remaining daimyō gardens left in the city (there used to be more that 200 of such gardens, but this one belonged to a branch of the shogun’s family and is still preserved) - Ryogoku Sumo Hall
We can’t go inside, but we can get a great view from the sky-deck of the Edo-Tokyo Museum; if you want, we can walk around it as well. - Tо̄kyо̄ Waterworks Museum
I have no idea why this museum isn’t famous. Tokyoites don’t even know it exists, but it’s amazing! Learn how water helped grow Edo from a tiny fishing village into the Tokyo, the crown jewel of Asia
(no English, guide required).
Popular Add-ons
- Remains of Kira Kozukenosuke’s mansion
He’s often portrayed as the villain in the Story of the 47 Ronin and lived right around the corner from the Edo-Tokyo Museum) - Baseball! Let’s check out a Tokyo Giants game!
Sumo may be the traditional sport of Japan, but baseball is the definitely the modern national past time! - Hokusai Museum
Katsushika Hokusai is considered one of the greatest woodblock print artists of Japan. He was an inspiration to French Impressionists, yet his work continues to influence modern international design (if you want to do this, I recommend swapping it out for one of the museums on the Destinations list; if it’s raining hard, I often use this as an option for the gardens) - Chanko Nabe lunch
This hotpot dish is the staple food of sumo wrestlers. Despite what you’re thinking, it’s actually very healthy!
Starts at ¥55,000
(covers up to 5 people!)
My Other Cool Day Tours
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- Check out my overnight Excursions
- Don’t forget where it all began, at JapanThis.com
Build Your Own TOUR!
Private Tour
SUMMARY
Here’s a secret. All my tours are customized in one way or another. If you need a private tour or someone to make things smoother, or if you’re gathering contents and shooting video and need a fixer, I’m sure I can help out and get you sorted.
- Services
- Fixer
- Guide
- Liaison
- Interpreter
- Historical consultant
- Wingman
- A shoulder to cry on
