Tokyo & Sanja Matsuri
Ancient Traditions, Modern Tokyo
Tokyo is a city of contrasts: a hyper-modern metropolis built on centuries of history and tradition. This 10-day adventure explores both sides of the city, from tea ceremonies and historic neighborhoods to towering skylines, cutting-edge attractions, and the vibrant everyday life of Tokyo.
The trip culminates in the Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo's largest and most celebrated traditional festivals, held annually at Sensō-ji in Asakusa. Expect music, dancing, food, elaborate processions, and hundreds of mikoshi carried through the streets in celebration.
Food is an integral part of the experience, from casual neighborhood favorites to a special omakase dinner and a traditional dinner aboard a yakatabune. With a small group and a flexible itinerary, we'll experience Tokyo at a comfortable but active pace, with room to follow the interests of the group.
Trip Highlights
Experience the Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa
Rent and wear traditional yukata or kimono for the festival
Explore Sensō-ji and historic Asakusa
Participate in a traditional tea ceremony
Discover Tokyo's history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum
Take in panoramic views from Tokyo Skytree
Attend the early-morning tuna auction at Toyosu Market
Enjoy a traditional yakatabune dinner cruise and high-end omakase
Sample Itinerary
This itinerary represents the type of experience you can expect. The exact order of activities may vary based on festival schedules, reservations, weather, and the interests of the group.
Day 1 — Welcome to Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and make our way to our accommodations in or around Asakusa. After settling in, we'll take a relaxed first walk through the neighborhood and begin getting our bearings.
Day 2 — Tea, History & Tradition
We'll begin with a traditional tea ceremony, providing an introduction to some of the customs and ideas we'll encounter throughout the trip.
From there, we'll visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum to explore the history of Tokyo and better understand how the city developed from Edo into the metropolis we see today.
Day 3 — Modern Tokyo
Today we'll explore Tokyo's modern side, taking in some of the city's iconic neighborhoods and landmarks before heading to Tokyo Skytree.
From above, the sheer scale of the city becomes apparent—a modern metropolis built across centuries of history.
Day 4 — Asakusa & Yakatabune
We'll spend the day exploring Asakusa and Sensō-ji, getting a closer look at the spiritual and cultural traditions that define the neighborhood.
In the evening, we'll board a traditional yakatabune for dinner on Tokyo Bay. Enjoy a meal, drinks, and the Tokyo skyline from the water while taking a break from the pace of the city.
Day 5 — Tokyo, Your Way
Today we'll choose our adventure as a group.
Depending on everyone's interests, possibilities could include the Ghibli Museum, teamLab, Odaiba, a trip toward Mt. Fuji, or another part of Tokyo worth exploring. Once we've decided, I'll handle the planning and logistics.
Day 6 — Explore & Experience
We'll continue exploring Tokyo at a more local level, with time to discover neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences that catch our interest.
The evening will include a special omakase sushi dinner, giving us an opportunity to experience one of Japan's great culinary traditions.
Day 7 — Toyosu & The Festival Begins
We'll start early with a visit to Toyosu Market and the famous tuna auction, followed by breakfast and some time to recover from the early morning.
That evening, the Sanja Matsuri begins. We'll head back to Asakusa to experience the opening celebrations and Shinto ceremony, setting the stage for the main festival days to come.
Day 8 — Sanja Matsuri
Today is the centerpiece of the trip.
We'll dress in rented yukata or kimono and immerse ourselves in the Sanja Matsuri. The streets around Sensō-ji will come alive with music, food, celebration, and the procession of mikoshi—portable Shinto shrines carried through the streets as part of the festival.
With the cultural context we've built throughout the trip, you'll have a better understanding of what you're seeing and why it matters.
Day 9 — Farewell to Sanja
As the Sanja Matsuri begins to wind down, we'll take in the final celebrations and carry that energy into the rest of the day.
We'll leave room to explore, shop, eat, or discover another part of Tokyo before enjoying our final evening together.
Day 10 — Farewell to Japan
Enjoy a relaxed final morning for last-minute shopping, souvenirs, or one final Japanese breakfast before we make our way to the airport.
Then it's time to head home—with ten days of Tokyo behind you and hopefully a much deeper appreciation for the city, its people, and the traditions that continue to shape it.