Ever dreamt of time-traveling to Edo-era Tokyo? Get ready to explore the historic streets of Asakusa and Kitasenju, then glide down the river on a traditional Yakatabune boat. Imagine enjoying exquisite Edo cuisine, live shamisen music, and an exclusive geisha performance. What era would you visit first if you could travel back in time?
Rojicoya Co., Ltd., an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Japan’s traditional culture, invites participants on an unparalleled Edo Time-Trip experience through the historic districts of Asakusa and Kitasenju in Tokyo. This unique offering blends the charm of ancient Edo with engaging modern cultural immersion, promising a journey back to a vibrant historical epoch.
The meticulously curated program features two distinct Edo Time-Trip tours: one exploring the captivating streets of Asakusa and another delving into the heritage of Kitasenju. Both walking tours culminate in an enchanting Yakatabune dinner cruise, where guests can relish Edo-style cuisine and be entertained by traditional Japanese performing arts, including geisha and shamisen.
Scheduled for September through November 2025, these experiences are perfectly timed as Tokyo embraces the spirit of Edo, celebrating its enduring cultural legacy. Asakusa, famously linked to the “media king of Edo” Jūzaburō Tsutaya, and Kitasenju, celebrating its 400th anniversary, were once bustling gateways where commoner culture flourished and travelers gathered, retaining their timeless charm to this day.
The Asakusa walking tour, available in September and November, guides participants through iconic sites like Asakusa Shrine and Denpoin Street. A highlight of this tour is a hands-on Edo kiriko glass-cutting workshop at a historic studio, offering a tangible connection to traditional Japanese craftsmanship near Kaminarimon.
In October, the Kitasenju walking tour unfolds, leading visitors along Yacchaba Street, through the former Senju Honjin, and to the preserved townhouse “Nakacho-no-Ie.” This journey also explores sites associated with the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho, concluding with an engaging wagashi (Japanese confectionery) workshop led by a master artisan.
The Edo Time-Trip Yakatabune Night Cruise departs from Asakusa, offering an authentic Edo riverside banquet experience. Guests will savor freshly fried tempura and seasonal dishes inspired by Edo-period flavors, accompanied by unlimited drinks. The evening is elevated by live Tsugaru shamisen music and captivating performances by three geisha from Asakusa’s historic hanamachi, all set against the backdrop of the city lights reflecting on the river.
Guiding these expeditions is a humorous and insightful Rakugo storyteller, a member of the Rakugo Geijutsu Kyokai. Through his engaging narratives, participants gain deep insights into Edo’s food culture and the daily life of its residents, truly bringing the historical streets and waterways to life. Whether choosing Asakusa or Kitasenju, the evening’s climax aboard the Yakatabune offers a rare opportunity to relive 400 years of history.
These unique tours provide a comprehensive cultural experience, inviting travelers to create their very own Edo journey. From the intricate Edo kiriko to the delicate wagashi, and the vibrant geisha performances, every detail is designed to transport guests back to the heart of traditional Japan, fostering a profound appreciation for its rich heritage.
