Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets
Tour Description
In this tour I take you two of Tokyo’s best kept secrets: the Okuni Tama Jinja – an 1, 800 years old Shinto shrine and Takahata Fudo – a 13th century Buddhist temple. I call these two sites ‘Tokyo’s secrets’ because while they are well known to the locals, not many tourists are aware of these two gems of a site. Even if they are located in lively neighborhoods in Western Tokyo, both shrine and temple have a unique, peaceful ambience. Surrounded by natural forests the two sites are rich in beauty and offer something to enjoy in every season.
Things to enjoy on this tour:
- beautiful old temple buildings, peaceful and tranquil surroundings
- a visit to the Water God Shrine – ask the Gods to help you achieve your dreams
- witness the ancient Fire Purification ritual
- discover what happens when you clap your hands under the Clouds Dragon
- get your fortune for the year and a talisman that brings good luck
- delicious food of your choice
- souvenir shopping
- see what every day life in Tokyo is like
and more
Method of Transportation:
On this tour we use public transportation – train or subway.
Travel times:
About 20 minutes from the center of the city (Shinjuku) to the Okuni-Tama shrine.
About 10 minutes between the sites
Itinerary:
- Pick up from your hotel in central Tokyo
- Go to Okuni-Tama shrine
- Explore the shrine’s grounds
- Participate in the ancient Shinto Hito-Gata-Nagashi purification ritual
- Shopping (optional) for local souvenirs, hand-made ceramics and more
- Lunch or snacks
- Go to Takahata Fudo temple
- Explore the site
- Witness the Fire Purification Ritual
- Receive your omikuji fortune slip and power talisman
- Return to your hotel or I can leave you at the center of the city at a place of your choice
- End of Tour
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Price: $300
Number of participants: up to 6 people
Note: This private tour is not priced per person but per group.
Availability:
On Thursdays, Fridays from 9:30 am
On Saturday and Sundays from 9:30 or 10:00 am
Level of difficulty: Light
What is included in the cost: my guiding and translation services as well as my transportation and food expenses. Participation in the purifying ritual at the Water God shrine and Power Talisman at Takahata Fudo temple.
What is an extra: Your transportation and food expenses, any souvenirs or other items you purchase.
This tour is suitable for all ages.
