Old Tokyo Asakusa Walk with Matcha and Monjayaki

Spend three hours exploring old-town Asakusa with a small group and an English-speaking guide, from Sensoji temple to the shopping streets. Then sit down to a matcha-making session and a lunch of monjayaki or okonomiyaki that you cook yourself.

Start at the heart of old Tokyo. Asakusa has been a temple town for centuries, and your guide will show you the lanes around Sensoji that most visitors rush past. You'll hear about the temple's history, the traditions of the neighborhood, and get practical tips on what to buy and eat. Along the way, you'll stop for a small snack from one of the shopping streets.

After the walk, you'll slow down at a local tea house for a matcha-making experience. You'll learn to whisk powdered green tea and taste a high-ranked matcha in a calm setting. Then it's off to a local restaurant, where you'll cook monjayaki, a Tokyo-born dish, or okonomiyaki if you prefer. Your lunch and a drink are included, and a vegetarian option is available.

The group is capped at eight people, so it feels like a walk with friends rather than a tour. It works well for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers. The guide lives in the area and knows the neighborhood well, so you'll leave with a sense of its character and a full stomach.