• Ōtsuka Station - Experience a journey on Tokyo’s last remaining tram. Travel towards Sugamo while admiring the vintage houses along the route.
• 甘味処 いっぷく亭 - Relax at this charming Japanese-style tea shop and enjoy the renowned “Ohagi,” a traditional Japanese sweet rice ball. Preserving the authentic taste for three generations, they continue to serve them with the same flavor and style as the first generation. These large, mildly sweet, classic “Ohagi” are freshly prepared daily. Choose from flavors like azuki bean paste, matcha green tea, white bean paste, soybean flour, or black sesame.

Delight in the freshly crafted “Ohagi” made by a seasoned lady in a nostalgic setting!

• Sugamo Sarutahiko no Ōkami Kōshindō - Koshinzuka is a site for worshiping a Taoist deity introduced from China, but at Sugamo Koshinzuka, an ancient Japanese god named Sarutahiko is also honored. Listen to the guide explain the Koshin beliefs and the legend of Sarutahiko, who led the heavenly gods to earth.
• Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street - Explore Sugamo Jizodori Street, a theme park where you can experience the nostalgic Japanese daily life. Immerse yourself in Japanese traditions and culture by enjoying snacks in a local shopping street.

Situated in the northern part of Tokyo, Sugamo is a local town renowned for its Jizodori Shopping Street, which extends over 1 kilometer and is home to two temples and two shrines that draw worshippers. Once known as “Grandma’s Harajuku,” the Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street hosts a variety of stores and is always lively with people of all ages, including families and young individuals. Here, you’ll also find shops specializing in local specialties, operated by local university students as part of their coursework. After graduation, they return to their hometowns to aid in the local economy’s growth.

• Togenukijizo Kogan Temple - The most notable feature of Koganji is Arai Kannon. A stone statue of Kannon, the goddess of Mercy, resides in the temple grounds, and it is believed that washing your afflicted areas will bring health.

Unlike other temples, this one does not host a lively bean-throwing ceremony. Setsubun is observed as a Buddhist ritual in a solemn atmosphere, with monks drumming and chanting prayers to dispel evil. Worshippers quietly toss beans, proclaiming that fortune is in.

It is also customary to consume all the ehomaki rolls at once, facing the year’s direction to attract good luck. Not a word should be spoken until the meal is complete. Ehomaki is a type of hand-rolled sushi with various ingredients like tuna, salmon, beef, or salad.

• Shinshoji - You might be surprised to find a large Jizo Bosatsu statue enshrined in a temple at the entrance of a shopping street. This is one of the 6 Edo Rokujizoson, a guardian deity for travelers, constructed at six entrances and exits in Edo (the former name of Tokyo) between 1708 and 1720.

Let’s pray for the safety of all travelers!

Behind this temple, there is another separate temple where Fukuju Kannon and Fudo Myoo are enshrined. Kannon is a compassionate Buddha who alleviates people’s suffering and listens to their pleas. Fudo Myoo is considered to be “Shiva,” the Hindu deity of destruction and creation originating from India, and is believed to bestow blessings such as the removal of troubles, personal safety, business prosperity, health, and academic success.

• Masu Sake cup made of Japanese Cypress tree
• Snacks

• Gratuities

Seize this unique opportunity of a lifetime!

Step away from the usual tourist spots and savor snacks at a local shopping street, then visit Kogan-ji Temple to experience a Setsubun ritual.

Hop on Tokyo’s last remaining tram! Relish the nostalgic townscape along the tracks and make your way to the local shopping district. After a brief five-minute journey, indulge in a traditional Japanese sweet at a vintage coffee shop.

Sugamo is renowned for its Jizo-dori shopping street, bustling with people of all ages. The well-known Kogan-ji Temple features a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, believed to cleanse bad spots and promote good health.

The Setsubun event at Kogan-ji Temple is a dignified Buddhist ceremony.

For good fortune, consume all the ehomaki rolls in one go, facing the year’s auspicious direction. Remain silent until you have finished eating.

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