Asakusa: Culture exploring bar visits after history tour

This bridge has been one of the most important and popular rivers in Tokyo. Actually, the story of Sensoji temple originated in this river 1400 years ago.

After viewing Tokyo Sky Tree and Sumida river, we will stroll to the Culture Center. Have a preview of the tour route by seeing Asakusa from high up in this building designed by a well-known Japanese architect.

Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is the entrance to the world of Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine. The world's well-known giant red lantern is hanging under the gate.

This street leads to Sensoji temple. You may be surprised by its friendly and welcoming atmosphere walking on it if you had imagined solemn and stately religious facilities. The street features not just shops but "history tablets," which recounts Asakusa's history with beautiful pictures.

Hozomon ("Treasure-House Gate") is the inner of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the Sensoji (the outer being the Kaminarimon). A two-story gate, the Hozomon's second story houses many of the Sensoji's treasures. The first story houses two statues, three lanterns and two large sandals.

The main part of the tour will begin as you get to know Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple and an essential sightseeing spot from your well-informed guide. You'll start at the Kaminarimon or 'Thunder Gate', a symbol of Asakusa, then navigate Nakamise-dori, marvel at the 'Treasure House Gate', and finally enter the temple's expansive main grounds, with plenty of history and secrets to uncover along the way. After completion of this portion of the tour, we will head for a Japan's traditional izakaya restaurant to enjoy dinner with a 2-hour all-you-can-drink.

This is a shrine of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion sitting just next to Senshoji temple. Coexistence of two distinct religions in the same premises may be unfathomable. The guide will unlock the mystery from a historical standpoint.

After the magnificence of Sensoji, we'll escape into the Rokku area: Asakusa's traditional entertainment district, always bustling yet rarely busy. Walk through the Meiji period into the present day (with stops along the way for more Japanese sweet snacks). Once a district of endless novelty — movies, comedians and exotic animals — Rokku passed through its glory days to become a quaint neighborhood of handicrafts and nostalgia. Through vivid descriptions of its complex, colorful history, you'll even see sights that aren't there to see anymore! Packed with cosy bars, eateries, and snack stands, as well as boutique shops for traditionally crafted goods of all kinds, the narrow, winding and wandering streets of Rokku will lead you through the other Asakusa experience.

The first izakaya visit is to the Hoppy Street. This 80-meter street is lined up by izakayas with lanterns and outdoor street-side seating. They are open day and night but become festive and lively especially after dark with happy customers. Their typical offerings are Hoppy and stew made from beef tendons and vegetables. Both are cheap and come from the post-war era when people could not afford decent meals or beer. Hoppy is a a beverage with a taste similar to beer but a very low alcohol content. It is typically mixed with shochu to make a cocktail. People back then substituted Hoppy for beer. Nowadays many enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere there and rediscover the charm of their offerings.

We are now heading to Kamiya Bar - almost a legend in that the bar was established in 1880 making it the oldest Western-style bar in Japan. However, quite unlike the way its name sounds, it is actually a Western-style izakaya which caters to locals in a friendly and raucous setting as typical izakayas do. Since its inception, its specialty cocktail "denkiburan"- literally means electric brandy - has been a centerpiece of its offerings and loved by many. When the cocktail was invented, electricity symbolized modernization. Therefore, electricity meant everything modern that was adored. Enjoy denkiburan - a sweet blend of wine, gin and brandy - whose recipe has been and is still now a secret.

The last izakaya we visit specializes in sake with incredible varieties in stock. The guide will help you understand key factors about sake such as ... 1) Why it developed in Japan. 2) Which ingredients play a key role to make good sake. 3) What are key differences in the production process between sake and wine. 4) What determines its grades. Taste several types of sake. Discover how distinctly different it is in terms of its appearance, aroma, texture, and flavor. Toward the end of this tour, you will find what types of sake suit your taste.