Sugamo, a vibrant neighborhood in Tokyo, beckons adventurers to embark on a captivating journey that promises to delight the senses. At the heart of this excursion lies the enchanting Rikugien Garden, a 17th-century oasis where visitors can indulge in a picnic amidst meticulously crafted landscapes inspired by classical poetry. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Explore the bustling Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street, known for its unique shops and local treats, before finding respite at the serene Togenuki Jizoson Koganji Temple. With a blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights, this Sugamo adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the very essence of Tokyo’s urban charm.
Key Points
- Explore the historic Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street, known as "Grandma’s Harajuku," and discover a blend of traditional and modern experiences.
- Visit the Togenuki Jizo Kouganji Temple, a 17th-century Buddhist temple renowned for its healing powers, and learn about the sacred atmosphere.
- Indulge in a 1.5-hour picnic at the serene Rikugien Garden, where you can discover 88 scenic viewpoints inspired by classical Japanese poetry.
- Savor a selection of curated local snacks during the garden picnic, providing a delightful fusion of nature, culture, and culinary delights.
- This intimate journey, limited to 5 participants, offers a memorable experience of Tokyo’s urban oasis and the timeless beauty of Japanese culture.
Activity Overview
What enticing adventures await on this captivating 2.5-hour journey through the enchanting Sugamo district?
Priced from £1,708 per person, this bespoke experience whisks you away to the charming Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street for a guided tour, followed by a visit to the renowned Togenuki Jizo Kouganji Temple.
The highlight? A blissful 1.5-hour picnic amidst the serene beauty of Rikugien Garden, where you’ll savor local snacks while enjoying the garden’s 88 poetic scenes.
This intimate group adventure, limited to just 5 participants, promises an unforgettable taste of Sugamo’s unique culture and history.
With complimentary admission to Rikugien and free cancellation up to 24 hours, this experience offers unparalleled value.
Itinerary Highlights
This enchanting Sugamo adventure commences at the NewDays Sugamo Store, where participants embark on a guided 20-minute tour of the vibrant Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street.
Visitors then venture to the renowned Togenuki Jizoson Koganji Temple, spending 15 minutes exploring its hallowed halls renowned for their healing powers.
The highlight of the day is the 1.5-hour picnic at the breathtaking Rikugien Garden, where visitors savor local snacks while seeing the 88 scenic waka poetry-inspired landscapes.
The tour concludes at Komagome Station, leaving participants with cherished memories of Sugamo’s unique charms.
Sugamo Experience
Known as "Grandmas Harajuku," Sugamo captivates visitors with its 780-meter-long shopping street, brimming with specialty stores and enticing local snacks.
The district’s crown jewel, Togenuki Jizo Kouganji Temple, is renowned for its healing powers and draws worshippers seeking cures for ailments.
Within this vibrant neighborhood, the meticulously crafted Rikugien Garden transports guests to the Edo period, where 88 classic Japanese poetry scenes unfold amidst serene ponds and graceful hills.
This enchanting oasis, built over seven years, offers a peaceful respite from the bustling streets, inviting visitors to enjoy the timeless beauty of Japanese culture.
Included Amenities
Included in the adventure fee are three carefully curated snack items from select shops along Sugamo’s lively promenade, offering visitors a tantalizing taste of the neighborhood’s culinary delights. The fee also grants access to the enchanting Rikugien Garden, where participants can enjoy the serene beauty of its 88 scenes inspired by classic Japanese poetry. While the souvenir fee is not included, the overall experience promises to be a memorable one, blending cultural exploration with the simple pleasures of an outdoor picnic.
| Included Amenities |
|---|
| 3 Snack Items |
| Rikugien Garden Entry |
| Guided Tours |
| Picnic Spread |
Important Information
The meeting point for this enchanting Sugamo adventure is the Sugamo Station Front Exit, where you will find the guide wearing a distinctive dark blue Happi coat.
Comfortable shoes are a must, as the tour involves a gentle walking pace through the charming Sugamo neighborhood and the serene Rikugien Garden.
While the itinerary is carefully planned, participants should note that it’s subject to change based on availability and conditions on the day.
With an early afternoon start time, this Sugamo excursion promises a delightful combination of local exploration, culture, and a picturesque outdoor respite in one of Tokyo’s most enchanting urban oases.
Enchanting Picnic at Rikugien Garden
After exploring the vibrant Sugamo shopping district and visiting the revered Togenuki Jizo Kouganji Temple, the tour leads participants to the captivating Rikugien Garden.
This stunning 17th-century landscape garden enchants with its meticulously crafted ponds, bridges, and hills, each element inspired by famous Japanese poetry. Guests settle down for a delightful 1.5-hour picnic, savoring local snacks as they take in the serene surroundings.
Strolling the garden’s winding paths, they discover 88 scenic viewpoints, each a breathtaking tableau. The tour culminates in this harmonious fusion of nature, culture, and culinary delight, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Sugamo’s timeless allure.
Exploring Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street
Amidst the bustling energy of Sugamo, the Jizodori Shopping Street unfolds as a captivating tapestry of tradition and modernity.
Stretching for roughly 780 meters, the street beckons visitors with its array of specialty stores and mouthwatering local snacks. Charming shops selling Japanese knickknacks, traditional wares, and artisanal confections line the sidewalks, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Elderly locals mingle with curious travelers, seeing the unique character of this "Grandmas Harajuku" district.
Strolling along the street, one can’t help but be enchanted by the blend of old and new, the familiar and the unexpected, that defines the essence of Sugamo.
Visiting Togenuki Jizoson Koganji Temple
As the group moves on from the lively Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street, their steps guide them towards the revered Togenuki Jizoson Koganji Temple.
This 17th-century Buddhist temple is renowned for its healing powers, drawing pilgrims seeking relief from various ailments.
The guide leads the group through the temple grounds, explaining the significance of the Jizo statues and the rituals performed by worshippers.
The air is filled with the scent of incense and the murmurs of prayer, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation.
The participants take a moment to absorb the sacred energy of the place before continuing their Sugamo adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the COVID-19 Safety Protocol for the Activity?
The activity follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including limited group sizes, mandatory mask-wearing, and social distancing measures. Participants are asked to monitor their health and stay home if feeling unwell.
Can I Customize the Snack Items During the Picnic?
Guests can’t customize the snack items during the picnic, as the activity package includes a pre-selected set of 3 local snacks. However, the guide is happy to provide recommendations for exploring the area’s specialty foods after the garden visit.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
The tour offers a private option for an intimate experience. Guests can enjoy the serene garden and local snacks without the crowds of a group tour, allowing for a more personalized and immersive Sugamo adventure.
Can I Join the Activity Alone or Do I Need to Come With a Group?
Travelers can join the activity alone. The group is limited to 5 participants, so solo adventurers are welcome to experience the enchanting picnic at Rikugien Garden as part of the tour group.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations for the Participants?
The activity welcomes participants of all ages, with no specific restrictions. Guests can join the adventure solo or with up to 4 others, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for anyone interested in exploring the enchanting Sugamo and Rikugien Garden.
Recap
The Sugamo Adventure offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle. Strolling through the serene Rikugien Garden, savoring local delicacies, and immersing oneself in the vibrant Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street create an unforgettable cultural experience. Unwind amidst the meticulously crafted landscapes, inspired by classical poetry, and let the enchanting picnic in Tokyo’s urban oasis rejuvenate the senses.
