Tokyo: 1.5 Hour Shrine Hopping in Ueno to Akihabara

Discover Tokyo’s spiritual side with a compact shrine hopping tour. You’ll visit two beautiful shrines, learning purification rituals and customs along the way. This intimate experience, limited to just six participants, offers an insider’s look at Shinto practices. Start in Ueno, then explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Okachimachi and Akihabara. Beyond the shrines, you’ll have a chance to uncover unique local items that may pique your interest.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour guided tour takes visitors to two shrines in the Ueno and Akihabara neighborhoods of Tokyo.
• Participants will learn about proper shrine etiquette, including purification rituals, bowing, and making offerings.
• The tour allows for the purchase of shrine-specific souvenirs like Goshuin and Omikuji to enhance the cultural experience.
• The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 participants and is conducted in English.
• The tour starts and ends at Ueno Station, providing convenience for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 1.5-hour tour offers visitors a chance to explore two iconic Tokyo shrines with a local guide.

Priced from $43.28 per person, the small-group experience is capped at 6 participants and conducted in English.

Along the walking route from Ueno to Akihabara stations, guests will learn proper shrine etiquette and receive support for purchasing special stamps and fortunes.

The tour operates rain or shine, though comfortable shoes are recommended as some stair-climbing is involved.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making this an easily accessible introduction to Tokyo’s spiritual side.

Itinerary & Experience

The tour begins at Ueno Station, where participants walk to the nearby Akihabara Station.

Along the way, the group visits two shrines with a Japanese host who provides insights into shrine etiquette.

The experience includes:

1. Learning proper shrine manners and customs.
2. Support for purchasing Goshuin (special stamps) and Omikuji (fortune-telling slips).
3. Exploring the vibrant Ueno Okachimachi and Akihabara neighborhoods.

After the shrine visits, the tour disbands, allowing participants to continue their sightseeing or exploration of the Akihabara district on their own.

Meeting Point & Directions

Participants meet in front of the Hard Rock Cafe at Ueno Station. This is the central meeting point for the tour.

Travelers should use the central ticket gate of the JR Ueno Station to access the meeting location. The guide will be present to provide assistance and directions.

At the end of the tour, the guide will help participants with return directions to get back to Ueno Station. The tour starts and ends at the same location, making it convenient for travelers to begin and conclude their shrine hopping experience in the Ueno Okachimachi and Akihabara areas.

What’s Included

The tour includes a guided experience with a knowledgeable host who’ll introduce participants to proper shrine etiquette.

The tour provides the following:

• Support for purchasing local shrine items like Goshuin (special stamps) and Omikuji (fortune-telling slips)
• Assistance with navigating the shrines and understanding their significance
• A walking tour through the Ueno Okachimachi and Akihabara areas, allowing visitors to experience the local culture firsthand.

These inclusions ensure a well-rounded and informative experience for those new to visiting shrines in Japan.

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Important Information

Although the tour is suitable for first-time visitors to Japanese shrines, it may not be appropriate for individuals with low fitness levels. The tour involves walking and stair climbing throughout the 1.5-hour duration. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.

The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should dress accordingly. Certain items aren’t allowed, such as baby strollers, luggage, and large bags, as they may hinder the group’s mobility during the walking tour.

Shrine Etiquette

As visitors approach the shrines, they’ll notice various customs and etiquette to observe.

First, they’ll need to cleanse their hands and mouth at the temizuya (purification fountain) before entering.

Next, they’ll bow twice, clap their hands twice, then bow once more to pay respects.

Finally, they can toss a coin into the offertory box and make a wish.

These simple gestures show reverence and respect for the sacred space.

Purchasing Local Items

During the shrine visit, participants can choose to purchase local items, such as Goshuin (special shrine stamps) and Omikuji (fortune-telling slips).

Goshuin are unique stamps collected in a dedicated book, serving as a memento of the shrines visited. Omikuji, on the other hand, are slips of paper that provide fortune-telling insights.

The tour guide can assist participants in acquiring these items, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Collecting these souvenirs is a popular activity, allowing visitors to engage with Japanese shrine culture and take home a piece of their journey.

Sightseeing in Akihabara

After the shrine visits, participants are free to explore the vibrant district of Akihabara, known as the "Electric Town" of Tokyo.

Akihabara is a mecca for anime, manga, and electronics enthusiasts. Some highlights include:

1. Browsing quirky electronics shops and anime merchandise stores
2. Visiting the iconic Sega Game Center for retro and modern gaming experiences
3. Indulging in Japanese pop culture by dining at themed cafes or watching a live anime performance

The tour disbands at Akihabara, allowing participants to continue their sightseeing and immersion in the unique atmosphere of this dynamic neighborhood.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are not permitted to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour focuses on shrine visits and supporting the purchase of local items, so outside food and beverages are not allowed.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible as it involves stair climbing and walking through the Ueno and Akihabara areas. Guests with mobility limitations may find this tour challenging. Alternative accessible tours are recommended.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for individuals with low fitness levels due to the walking and stair climbing involved. Children are welcome to join the tour.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Shrines?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos inside the shrines, but should be respectful and avoid disrupting any ongoing ceremonies or rituals. Photography guidelines may vary at each shrine, so it’s best to check with the host.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration cannot be extended, but guests can continue exploring Akihabara on their own after the 1.5-hour guided portion concludes. No option for a longer tour is offered.

Sum Up

This intimate 1.5-hour shrine hopping tour from Ueno to Akihabara offers a unique opportunity to explore Tokyo’s spiritual side. Participants will learn proper shrine etiquette, explore vibrant neighborhoods, and have the chance to purchase local items like Goshuin and Omikuji. It’s a practical way to discover the spiritual essence of Tokyo in a short amount of time.

You can check availability for your dates here: