Shibamata Retro: Temple Life & a Top-Class Japanese Garden
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This small-group walking tour explores everyday life in Shibamata, a neighborhood where Japan’s retro atmosphere continues as part of daily living rather than nostalgia.
Instead of treating “retro” as a preserved past, the tour presents it as a lifestyle still practiced today. Walking through temple grounds, local shopping streets, and quiet residential paths, you’ll see how faith, small family-run businesses, and community routines remain closely connected. These places reveal a slower rhythm of life that has largely disappeared from central Tokyo.
The route is carefully designed and enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Along the temple approach, there is time for optional light food sampling, such as traditional sweets.
The experience concludes at one of Japan’s top-class Japanese gardens, where stillness, balance, and thoughtful use of space express Showa-era aesthetics.
This tour focuses on understanding how daily life, belief, and aesthetics continue to shape a living temple town.
Available options
Shibamata Retro: Temple Life & a Top-Class Japanese Garden
What's included
Photo opportunities throughout
A Professional Local Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide and receive a brief introduction to the tour. Learn why Shibamata is not a purpose-built tourist town, but a living neighborhood shaped by everyday life. Using the Tora-san statue as a starting point, your guide explains how Shibamata came to be seen as a symbol of the Showa era, focusing on the relationship between the town and its residents rather than film history.
2
Stroll along the temple approach at a relaxed pace. Observe traditional dumpling shops, rice cracker stores, and family-run businesses from the outside. Rather than framing the area as nostalgic, your guide explains Showa retro culture as everyday commerce with familiar faces. Differences between this street and more tourist-oriented areas such as Asakusa are also discussed. Enjoy photo opportunities and optional light snacking.
3
Explore the temple grounds while learning about the history of Taishakuten and why it remains deeply rooted in the local community. Your guide explains how faith here exists as an extension of daily life rather than special occasions. Architectural features and carvings are interpreted from the perspective of how the temple encourages people to return again and again. Take a quiet walk around the grounds.
4
Walk along the Edo River and learn about its role as a boundary shaping the town. Experience one of the rare open spaces in Tokyo where “doing nothing” is part of the value. Enjoy the contrast between urban life and nature while taking a short break and photos.
5
Enter one of Japan’s top-class traditional gardens. Rather than simply viewing the garden, spend time experiencing it as a place to stay and relax. Your guide explains Showa-era aesthetics such as quietness, negative space, and architecture that draws the outside in. Enjoy free time to sit on the veranda and appreciate the garden at your own pace.
What's not included
Admission fee to Yamamoto-tei Japanese Garden
Transportation during the tour
Food and beverage expenses
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
ES
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Your guide will be waiting outside the ticket gates of Keisei “Shibamata Station,” holding a signboard for our inbound tour service. If you have trouble finding them, please contact the guide via WhatsApp or phone.
About Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.
Top Attractions
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for some areas)
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.
Cultural
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.
Architecture
2-3 hours
¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)
Odaiba
Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.
Entertainment
Half day to full day
Varies by attraction
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sushi
Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.
Dinner
Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegan and vegetarian options available.
Tempura
Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby mountains
Parasailing at Odaiba
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Traditional tea ceremonies
Kimono rentals and photo shoots
Boat tours on the Sumida River
Beach activities at Odaiba
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Getting there
By air
- Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
- Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train
Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station
By bus
Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Shibuya
Shinjuku
Asakusa
Ginza
Akihabara
Day trips
Nikko
120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day
Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Kamakura
50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day
Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Hakone
90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight
Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.
Festivals
Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years)
Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years)
Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July
Pro tips
- Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
- Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
- Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
$45
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
