Kagurazaka: The Nice Small Town in Tokyo That Captivates Every Visitor
The second reason why our traditional cultural experience tours receive such high ratings is because Kagurazaka is such a nice small town in Tokyo, known for its overwhelming charm.
Not only our traditional cultural experience tours but also our Kagurazaka walking tours and Izakaya (Pub) hopping tours, which do not involve artisans or geisha, have received perfect scores. This suggests that the appeal of our tours isn't solely due to the authenticity of the artisans and geisha involved.
One of the reasons our Kagurazaka walking tours are highly rated is the incredible charm of Kagurazaka itself. Many travelers who participate in the tours often say, "I didn't know about Kagurazaka," but by the end of the tour, everyone says, "I want to come back to Kagurazaka." That's how captivating Kagurazaka is.
Kagurazaka: Tokyo’s Second Oldest Historical District
Kagurazaka Street was constructed in 1636 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Edo period. It was known as "Onari-dori," a road used by lords and high-ranking officials. Today, this historical street has become a bustling shopping district, a transformation that is quite rare even across Japan.
Even before Kagurazaka Street existed, there was a road called "Karukozaka," which was part of Kamakura Kodo (the old Kamakura Road) during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). In the Ritsuryo period (700s), it is said that there was a cattle farm in the area, which is why the district is now called "Ushigome-Kagurazaka" (Ushigome meaning "cattle crossing"). This indicates that a significant settlement existed in Kagurazaka over 1,300 years ago, even 900 years before the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, entered Edo. This makes Kagurazaka one of the oldest historical areas in Tokyo. Given that Asakusa's history dates back around 1,400 years, Kagurazaka could be considered the second oldest neighborhood in Tokyo.
Kagurazaka "A Town of Serendipity": Where Cultural Diversity Meets Unexpected Delight
Since the Edo period, Kagurazaka has evolved into a unique blend of various elements, including samurai residences, temple towns, geisha districts, a hub for literary figures (the birthplace of modern Japanese literature), a shopping district, French culture, and residential areas. This diverse mix makes Kagurazaka one of the most culturally rich and attractive neighborhoods in Japan.
Because of this cultural diversity and the surprises waiting around every corner, I have dubbed Kagurazaka "A Town of Serendipity." It's a place where travelers can encounter unexpected pleasures, making the walking tours exceptionally enjoyable.
Exploring Kagurazaka’s Gourmet Scene: Top-Rated Izakayas and Hidden Culinary Gems
Another reason our Izakaya hopping tours are highly rated is that Kagurazaka is one of Japan’s top gourmet districts. During the peak of the geisha district, Kagurazaka was home to many high-class ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants). This culture of fine dining spread, attracting many renowned Japanese cuisine restaurants to the area. Additionally, the influence of French culture brought numerous excellent Western-style restaurants to Kagurazaka.
The Kagurazaka area is home to 23 Michelin Guide-listed restaurants. To put this in perspective, 2.0% of all restaurants listed on Japan’s largest review site, Tabelog, are also featured in the Michelin Guide. In Tokyo as a whole, the percentage is 0.4%, and in Ginza, a globally renowned gourmet district, it’s 1.4%. These figures clearly show that Kagurazaka is one of Japan’s top gourmet areas.
When you ask Tokyo residents what they associate with Kagurazaka, they inevitably answer, "It’s a gourmet town." And they’re right. There are about 500 restaurants in the Kagurazaka area, and even around 100 bars. This concentration of dining establishments, constantly competing and improving, further cements Kagurazaka’s reputation as a culinary haven.
Given that Kagurazaka is such a gourmet town, it’s no surprise that the quality of its Izakayas is top-notch. While the high number of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants might give the impression that Kagurazaka is expensive, there are also many affordable Izakayas where locals and students dine daily, enjoying delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices.
Overcoming Language Barriers in Kagurazaka: Why Our English-Speaking Guides Are Essential
However, for foreign travelers who don’t understand Japanese, the lack of English menus or photo menus at these affordable Izakayas can be a challenge. Additionally, only 12.7% of the restaurants in Kagurazaka have English menus, compared to 24.9% in Shibuya, 21.6% in Shinjuku/Okubo, and 21.5% in Ginza (according to Tabelog data as of August 2024). This makes Kagurazaka a somewhat challenging destination for foreign visitors.
That’s why we recommend using our English-speaking guide service for Izakaya hopping tours. Our guides will explain the Japanese menus in English, so even those with food allergies or dietary preferences can order with confidence. In the next post, I’ll go into more detail, but our English guides are not only knowledgeable but also have wonderful personalities, making the conversations in the Izakayas a highlight for travelers—perhaps even more enjoyable than the food itself.
For these reasons, not just our traditional cultural experience tours but also our Kagurazaka walking tours and Izakaya hopping tours have received perfect scores.
Next time, I will discuss "The Wonderful Personality and Extensive Knowledge of Our Guides."
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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