The itinerary begins in Asakusa, Tokyo's most traditional district. We will arrive at the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), which leads us to Nakamise-dōri, a long street lined with traditional shops that runs to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, founded in the 8th century.
We will visit Sensoji, consult the oracle by drawing “omikuji” (fortune-telling slips of paper), and also explore the adjacent Asakusa Shinto shrine. Our guide will explain the relationship between Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan's history and in the daily lives of its people.
After a tour of the neighborhood, we will take the subway to Akihabara, a mecca for electronics as well as for manga and anime fans. In addition to visiting the historic “Electric Town,” we will browse the various shops in the area, encountering “maids” – young women dressed in cosplay style – who work in the local maid cafés.
This is a shopping area where you can buy a wide range of items, from electronics to Japanese watches to manga and action figures.
Finally, we will head to nearby Kanda, where, if we wish, we can enjoy an excellent and affordable sushi lunch at an authentic local restaurant frequented only by locals.