Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour

5.0 (2 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

PIXTA — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Tiered Pricing

12,000 JPY per person — Group of 5-8

14,000 JPY per person — Group of 4

17,000 JPY per person — Group of 3

21,000 JPY per person — Group of 2

35,000 JPY per person — Solo traveler (1 person)

4,000 JPY per child (ages 6–11)

This tour is perfect for those who feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. An English-speaking guide will take you to a temple just outside central Tokyo, known for its countless small statues of beckoning cats. We'll also visit a nearby Shinto shrine, offering a chance to learn the differences between Japan’s two main religions. These sites are in a quiet, refined residential area, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through local streets and get a feel for everyday life. Next, we’ll head to the other side of Tokyo to explore Yanaka, a charming old neighborhood known for its narrow streets, wooden houses, and small shops. You’ll also visit Yanaka Cemetery, a historic public cemetery and the resting place of many notable figures.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Japan Gray Line

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: English-speaking Guide
Included: Hotel pick-up (drop-off is not included)
Included: Transportation fee (subway/train)

Not included

Not included: Gratuity (not obligatory)
Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Gotokuji Temple

one hour

The highlight of this half-day tour is Gotokuji Temple, a serene Buddhist temple with a charming legend.

Originally founded in the mid-15th century, the temple later came under the patronage of the powerful Ii samurai clan, who made it their family temple for generations. Gotokuji is best known as the birthplace of the Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, a beloved symbol of luck in Japan.

According to legend, during a thunderstorm, a samurai warlord from the Ii clan was beckoned into the temple by a cat. Taking shelter there, he narrowly avoided the storm—an event that inspired the tradition. Today, visitors from all over the world come to buy small white Maneki Neko statues and leave them at the temple as a gesture of gratitude or to wish for good fortune. You’ll see hundreds of these charming cat figures, creating a truly unique and photogenic scene.
Shoin Shrine

30 min

Shoin Shrine is a small but historically significant Shinto shrine located in Setagaya, Tokyo.

The shrine is dedicated to Shoin Yoshida, a revered intellectual and educator who deeply influenced many young samurai of the Choshu Domain. His teachings inspired a number of key figures who went on to lead the Meiji Restoration, a major turning point in Japan's modern history.

Shoin was arrested by the Tokugawa shogunate for his political views and was executed at the young age of 30. After his death, his devoted students reburied his remains at this site, and later established the area as a Shinto shrine to honor his legacy. Today, the shrine remains a peaceful spot where visitors can reflect on the life and impact of a man who helped shape Japan’s future.
Yanaka District

40 min

Yanaka is an old downtown area of Tokyo that miraculously escaped damage during World War II. The neighborhood is filled with narrow streets lined with old wooden houses. It also features a famous shopping street called Yanaka Ginza, which leads to a staircase where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset at dusk.
Yanaka Cemetery

30 min

This large public cemetery, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, spans a vast area and is the final resting place of many renowned figures, including the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu—the 15th Tokugawa shogun who returned power to the emperor in the mid-19th century. We'll enjoy a peaceful stroll through this serene cemetery, which is also surrounded by many local Buddhist temples.
Ueno Park

20 min Admission not included

The tour ends at Ueno Park, one of the most famous parks in Japan. The park is home to the Tokyo National Museum—the oldest and most renowned museum in the country—Ueno Zoo, and many historical sites. You can spend the rest of your day exploring and enjoying the area at your leisure.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

The Aoyama Grand Hotel
Nest Hotel Tokyo Yaesu
APA Hotel Nihombashi Bakuroyokoyama Ekimae
Okachimachi Station Hotel
Section L Yushima-Ueno
sequence SUIDOBASHI
Hotel Matsunoi
Hotel Monte Hermana Tokyo
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Takadanobaba
The Keikyu EX Inn Akihabara
Pegasus
Jing House Akihabara

and 593 more pickup points

You will be picked up at your hotel by a guide. Please let us know if your hotel is located outside our designated range. Public transportation, such as the metro or JR train, will be utilized from the nearest station to reach the first destination.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please prepare rain gear, such as umbrella or a raincoat, in case of bad weather.
If your hotel is situated outside our designated pick-up range and alternative transportation, such as a subway, is not feasible, guests are responsible for covering the fare. This includes the cost for both the guide's transportation to the first destination and from the last destination back to your hotel.
Due to weather condition or other operational reasons, the itinerary may be subject to change or certain visits may be omitted or substituted. Even in such circumstances, the tour may not be canceled, and the tour fare will not be refunded.
Remaining time will be allotted for pick up and travel time in between the attractions .
The tour involves a good amount of walking outdoors. We suggest wearing sneakers or comfortable shoes.