Shrine Etiquette: Discover Japanese Worship Traditions

Interested in learning the proper ways to visit shrines? Our guide shares stories of renowned local shrines and teaches the traditional Japanese methods of worship and prayer.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Ochanomizu / Akihabara / Kanda - Meet at Ochanomizu Station
    Begin your tour with an introduction to Tokyoā€™s shrine culture and your guideā€™s insights on the dayā€™s plan.
    Yushima Seido Shrine
    Learn how Neo-Confucianism from China shaped modern Japanese society.
    Kanda Myojin Shrine
    Discover the history and deities of this vibrant shrine, known for itsā€¦
What's Included
  • Local tips
  • Small group size
  • Cultural insights
  • English-speaking guide
  • Photo opportunities
What's Not Included
  • Transportation costs
  • Toshogu Shrine needs a ticket for inner grounds, unlike free shrines. Youā€™ll explore nearby too.
Location
Starbucks Coffee - Ochanomizu Saint Clair
Our guide will be ready to meet you outside of Starbucks cafe at Ochanomizu Station. They will be holding a sign with our logo, so it will be easy to find.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(7 Ratings)
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Renee_p
Jan 14, 2025
Going Above and Beyond - Lakki and Mari were wonderful! I got lost and they went out of their way to find me. The tour started an hour later than planned. Fortunately for me, I was the only one who booked that day. Mari had to leave as she had prior plans. She was kind and intelligent. Some might be worried about a foreigner hosting and discussing Japanese shrines, temples, and history, but Lakki is very passionate and knows more than most Japanese people. I learned a lot about the Tokugawa period. I went on the 13th of January, which is the holiday Coming of Age Day. There were lots of booths for different food and souvenirs. If you are in Tokyo on the 13th, I highly recommend this tour, both to look at all the shrines and temples to learning learn more about Japan, but also another aspect of a major holiday that doesn't receive very much international coverage. Lakki, I hope your trip back to Sri Lanka to see family goes well. Mari, I hope you will be able to ski in Hokkaido again soon and maybe you'll be able to come to my county in California eventually. Thank you both!
Review provided by Viator
Charles_c
Dec 30, 2024
Fantastic History Tour! - Get ready to learn! Lakki really knows his stuff and is very passionate about this itinerary. We really enjoyed seeing a new part of Tokyo.
Review provided by Viator
799analenaw
Dec 8, 2024
Wonderful tour off the beaten path! - Great way to get a closer insight on shrine & temple culture. Easy walk, jam-packed with information. I felt well taken care of and definitely got my moneyā€™s worth.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeremy_d
Oct 27, 2024
Knowledgeable guide on Japanese history and culture - Lakki, our tour guide, has a wealth of knowledge about Japan, its culture and history, and did a fantastic job of conveying this to us during the tour. I also learnt the proper etiquette for visiting a shrine from him which I used in the days after this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Wanderer60088931110
Oct 4, 2024
We loved the tour - Our first time in Japan. We were very excited to learn about beautiful rich Japanese history through this tour. Our guide, Lakki did a great job. He was very passionate and knowledgeable about Japanese history and we got to learn interesting history of Japan and how different countries especially China had impacted on Japanese history and culture. Now, a lot of things will make sense when we are walking in Japan. Thanks a lot Lakki.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
216agrai
Sep 24, 2024
Unique way to Experience Tokyoā€™s spiritual heritage!! - We enjoyed our first ever Shrine tour with Lakki who guided us through 5 main shrines in Tokyo and each shrine comes alive as Lakki shares fascinating anecdotes, local legends, and insights into the spiritual significance of the sites. He is also incredibly accommodating and ensuring that everyone feels included and engaged. Whether youā€™re a history buff or a first-time visitor, Lakki makes each tour a personalized experience. You feel like youā€™re exploring with a knowledgeable friend rather than just a guide. So don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to connect with the heart of Japan!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laki
Sep 24, 2024
Amazing walk through Japanese History - Wow an amazing Experinence. Covering 5 shrines mostly hidden. Learned a lot from tour guide Lakki about japanese culture and hiatory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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