Almost everyone who visits Tokyo wants to visit Asakusa (“Asak-sah”; do not confuse it with Akasaka). Asakusa is full of unmissable sights — Sensoji Temple, Nakamise shopping street, the famous Kappabashi street with wax models of food and other kitchen items, Skytree(R), and so on. The problem is that you’ll want to see all of this, but you won’t have enough time. The answer is here: Even if you just have one hour, take this red sightseeing bus. It’s a great deal!
Let’s check it out!
Smart, Funny Foreign Guides
The guides on this sightseeing bus are from either Canada or New Zealand. They speak both English and Japanese fluently, and they know a great deal about Japanese culture in general and about Asakusa in particular.
You will find that their explanations about Japanese history or culture are interesting and funny. They are entertainers as well as guides, and they understand how to present information so that non-Japanese people can understand it easily. They will definitely add to your special memories of visiting Asakusa.
Chasing Ninja
Everyone has heard about ninja — black-clothed spies from tales of ancient Japan. Ninja often appear in movies, even foreign movies about Japan. But the real ninja disappeared over 150 years ago. Today, descendants of the ninja preserve their secret books that explain their secrets of stealth, secrecy, and martial arts. It would be great to meet a real ninja today, but unfortunately, they are all gone.
But wait! On the Red Bus you will see ninja appear before your eyes. They will ride along with you as you tour around Asakusa. That’s something you’ll want to take lots of pictures of and write about to your friends back home!
Witness a Fight between a Ninja and a Samurai
Samurai warriors also disappeared about 150 years ago, so you won’t be meeting any while you are visiting Japan. A famous politician, Saigo Takamori, is said to be the last Samurai, and you can see his statue in Ueno Park, not far from Asakusa.
During this amazing bus tour, you will see a staged battle between Ninja and Samurai — right in the middle of Asakusa. Have your camera ready!
Asakusa Locals Add to the Fun!
As part of the show, a Ninja escapes and runs for his life through the streets of Asakusa, chased by a sword-wielding Samurai. Even though the people they pass during this chase scene — staff from local shops, security guards, even ordinary Japanese on the street — are NOT part of this show, they may voluntarily join in the fun to make it an even more exciting experience for you. These people are mostly locals, not tour guides or promotion staff. They do not speak English or any other foreign language, but they do want you to have a memorable time in Asakusa, take lots of pictures, and tell your friends what an interesting place it is. After a show like this, you will agree that there is nothing in Tokyo like the streets of Asakusa.
Getting a Real Feeling for the Asakusa Area
This bus tour starts at Asakusa Rokku and from there you will be able to walk through the famous Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, the Nitenmon gate and other popular sites. The bus then runs in front of Matsuya department store, crosses the Sumida River to see Skytree (R) up close, then crosses the river again to go back to the Asakusa area. It will take you to famous places such as Kaminarimon street, Kokusai street and the Kappabashi shopping street.
By the time you finish this short bus tour, you will have a good sense of the geography and landmarks of Asakusa, and you will have seen things that most time-pressed tourists never get to see. Highly recommended!
The Red Sightseeing Bus Information
Name: SAMURAI & NINJA Safari TOKYO Entertainment Bus
Departure time: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
Duration: 1 hour
Price: 4,500 yen/adult, 4,000yen/child (Free under 6 years old)
How to book:
10 a.m.on Saturdays and Sundays
1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
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