Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets

Tour Description

In this tour, I’ll take you to three of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets:

  • Okuni Tama Jinja – An 1,800-year-old Shinto shrine
  • Jindaiji – Tokyo’s second oldest temple, famous for its traditional township
  • Takahata Fudo – A 13th-century Buddhist temple known for its unique Fire Purification ritual

These sites are ‘Tokyo’s secrets’ because, while well-known to locals, they remain hidden gems to most tourists. Located in vibrant neighborhoods of Western Tokyo, both the shrine and temples offer a peaceful ambiance. Surrounded by natural forests, these sites showcase beauty in every season. Highlights of this tour include:

  • Exploring beautiful ancient temple buildings in tranquil settings
  • Visiting the Water God Shrine to seek divine assistance for your health
  • Witnessing the ancient Fire Purification ritual
  • Experiencing old Edo charm in Jindaiji’s traditional township
  • Receiving your yearly fortune and a good luck talisman
  • Enjoying delicious local cuisine
  • Glimpsing everyday life in Tokyo

Method of Transportation:

On this tour we use public transportation – train or subway/ taxi to Jindaiji Temple and back

Travel times:
About 15 minutes from the center of the city (Shinjuku) to the Jindaiji Temple.

About 10 minutes between the sites

Itinerary:

  • Pick up from your hotel in central Tokyo
  • Go to Jindaiji Temple
  • Sightseeing at the temple’s grounds
  • Shopping for local souvenirs, hand-made ceramics and more at the Temple’s township (optional)
  • Lunch or snacks
  • Go to Takahata Fudo temple
  • Explore the site
  • Witness the Fire Purification Ritual
  • Receive your omikuji fortune slip and power talisman
  • Go to Okuni-Tama shrine
  • Explore the shrine’s grounds
  • Participate in the ancient Shinto Hito-Gata-Nagashi purification ritual
  • Return to your hotel or I can leave you in Shinjuku
BOOK THIS TOUR

  • Main gate, Okuni Tama shrine

  • Dragon purification fountain, Okuni Tama shrine

  • The five-story pagoda of Takahata Fudo temple

  • The shrine of Okuni Nushi, the founder of the nation – Okuni Tama Shrine

  • The Shrine of Benten, the Femininity Goddess – Takahata Fudo temple

  • The Fire Purification Ritual Hall, Takahata Fudo temple

  • Jindaiji Temple’s Township

  • Jindaiji Temple

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Tour Duration: 6 hours

Price: $350

Number of participants: up to 5 people

Note: This private tour is not priced per person but per group.

Availability:

Daily from 9:30 am, except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

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. Taxi to Jindaiji Temple and back

What is an extra: Your transportation and food expenses, any souvenirs or other items you purchase.

This tour is suitable for all ages.