What draws many foreigners to Japan is the country’s distinct (and perhaps, odd) mixture of traditional and modern ways of living. Nihonbashi is a ward in Tokyo that particularly captures a more concentrated dose of this essence of ‘past meets present’.
Omotenashi Nihonbashi offers memorable day tours that immerse guests in Nihonbashi’s historical Edo culture combined with its significance as a booming modern hub for business. Both fun and educational, this tour is a wonderful choice for couples, groups, and families of all ages and backgrounds.
A number of activities and tours are offered, ranging from a ‘Best of Japan Gourmet Tour’ to kimono rentals and origami workshops, as well as tea ceremonies, geisha dance performances, and more.
The kimono rental costs 5,500 yen per person for adults and 3,500 yen for children (aged 12 and under). Guests can try on a kimono or obi (for men) of their choice, with an utterly stunning array of fabrics and patterns to choose from. Umbrellas, bags, and hair clips are also offered to complete your look, allowing for plenty of opportunities to interact with other guests and take photos.
After you’ve taken some photos, you are free to stroll around Nihonbashi in your kimono, something that I found to be a surprisingly immersive and authentic touch. Locals will likely stop you for a photo as it’s rare for them to see foreigners in kimonos, and many appreciate you taking part in their culture.
The ‘Best of Japan Gourmet Tour’ is a walking tour that lasts approximately 90 minutes and will cost you 1,000 yen per person. Your guides will take you to a number of different shops located in the COREDO building, each offering different goods that speak to a different time period of Nihonbashi’s rich history.
During this tour, many delicious and carefully made food samples are offered, such as kelp, rice milk, sweet potatoes, fish flakes, and sweet Japanese desserts. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available and are just as delicious. The rice milk in particular has no added sugars or sweeteners and will catch you off guard with how intensely rich and sweet the flavour is. Many guests return to these shops once the tour has finished to purchase their own items to take home, and I would highly recommend stocking up on the rice milk (my suitcase is filled to the brim with them).
Each shop inside the COREDO buildings offers a high level of craftsmanship in relation to the goods they offer. Unfortunately there are too many for the Best of Japan Gourmet Tour to take you through all of them, but adversely the tour serves as an enjoyable introduction to all that Nihonbashi has to offer. Wondering what a chopstick that takes an entire year to make looks like? This tour’s got your answer.
The origami workshop is a mini activity lasting approximately 30 minutes and costs 500 yen per person. An instructor will guide you through the steps to fold a paper crane, goldfish, kimono, and more depending on the season. This is a highly enjoyable, quick, and rewarding activity for both kids and adults, and leaves you with your own Japanese creation to take home!
Information regarding reservations for tours and activities can be found on their website, along with a more detailed description of each activity complete with photos and slideshows.
