Along the Yamanote Line

What to Expect

Panoramic view and Meiji Jingu Shrine
In the Shinjuku-ku area, from the observation deck on the 45th floor of Tokyo City Hall, you will overlook the entire city, and then learn about the works of Kenzo Tange, the Pritzker Prize laureate in architecture. Next, we will move to the Shinto Meiji Jingu Shrine, where I will talk about the life of Emperor Meiji and the grand transformations during his reign. You can witness a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony at the shrine.

From the station to the Imperial Palace
You will visit the recently opened Tokyo Station and learn interesting facts about its history, construction, and restoration. From the station, we will walk towards Nijubashi Bridge (the Imperial Palace), where I will tell you about the current imperial family, Emperor Akihito, and everything related to the imperial court.

Samurais in Ueno, beautiful lotuses, and Tokyo shrines
In the Ueno area, battles took place between the imperial forces and the Tokugawa shogunate forces. There is a mass grave of samurais and a monument to the last samurai. We will talk about the legendary Japanese warriors, how they mastered martial arts, and the philosophy behind their path. If you visit in the summer, you will witness the magnificent lotus blossoms at Ueno Pond. Additionally, you will visit the Shinto shrines of Benzaiten and Tosho-gu, walk along the stone lantern pathway, and see the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu Kannon-do. The walk will end at Ameyoko Shopping Street.

Upon request, the program can include a visit to the museum on post-war and pre-war life in Japan.

The excursion is on foot, and we will move between the sites using public transport.

Additional Expenses

• Approximately $15 per person for a ticket when traveling along the Yamanote Line. Participants of the excursion also cover the guide's ticket. Lunch at a restaurant or cafe.
• Tickets to the Sitamati Museum - $3 per person.