The Spirit of Edo: English Rakugo and Asakusa Walking Tour
Experience Edo through English Rakugo, then explore historic Asakusa on a guided walking tour.
Discover the humor, storytelling, gestures, and everyday culture of old Edo through traditional Japanese Rakugo performed in English, an introduction to the world of Rakugo, and a walk through the historic streets of Asakusa.
Discover the World of Edo through English Rakugo
Rakugo is one of Japan’s most representative traditional performing arts.
Its stories vividly portray the everyday lives of ordinary people in Edo, the former name of Tokyo. Through humor, satire, human warmth, and touching moments, Rakugo storytellers bring the people and atmosphere of old Edo to life.
During this experience, you will enjoy traditional Japanese Rakugo performed in English, together with traditional variety entertainment.
After immersing yourself in the world of Edo through the performance, you will explore the streets of Asakusa and discover places that still evoke the atmosphere of Rakugo stories and old downtown Tokyo.
This is more than a performance to watch. It is a cultural journey that allows you to experience the world of Rakugo through both storytelling and a guided walk through Asakusa.
In cooperation with English Rakugo Association
Rakugo performer: Kanariya Eiraku
Tour Information
What is Rakugo?
Rakugo is a traditional Japanese form of comic storytelling that developed during the Edo period.
There are three types of stories: funny, emotional, and ghost stories, which often end with a punchline.
A single storyteller sits on a cushion and brings an entire story to life, portraying different characters through changes in voice, facial expression, posture, and subtle gestures.
With only a folding fan and a hand towel as simple props, the performer invites the audience to imagine everything from eating noodles to opening a door, drinking sake, or travelling through the streets of Edo.
The beauty of Rakugo lies in this simplicity: a whole world is created through words, gestures, imagination, and the connection between performer and audience.
Venue: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Experience Highlights
The first two experiences below are part of the English Rakugo Association’s regular public performance.
- Enjoy Traditional Japanese Rakugo in English
- Discover Rakugo Gestures and Variety Entertainment
- Experience the Everyday Culture of Edo
- Explore the World of Rakugo in Asakusa
Enjoy Traditional Japanese Rakugo in English
Attend a regular public performance presented by English Rakugo Association.
Professional storytellers perform traditional Japanese Rakugo in English, allowing international guests to enjoy the humor, characters, and atmosphere of this classic performing art without a language barrier.
Traditional variety entertainment is also included as part of the performance program.
Rakugo performer: Kanariya Koraku
Rakugo performer: Kanariya Ichirin
Discover the World of Rakugo
Before the Rakugo performances begin, enjoy an introduction to Rakugo—its history, typical characters, and distinctive gestures.
You will also discover how simple props such as a sensu (folding fan) and tenugui (hand towel) are creatively used to represent different objects and actions in Rakugo storytelling.
Explore the World of Rakugo in Asakusa
After the performance, your English-guided walking tour takes you through historic Asakusa.
As you walk through streets connected with the culture of old Tokyo, you will discover places and scenery that evoke the atmosphere found in traditional Rakugo stories.
The route may include Kaminarimon-dori Street, Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street, Denboin-dori Street, Asakusa Rokku, Hanayashiki-dori, and other nearby historic areas.
Explore the world of Rakugo in Asakusa: Five-story Pagoda
Explore the world of Rakugo in Asakusa: Denboin-dori Ave.
Tour Details
- Available Dates
-
Second and Fourth Sundays (September–December 2026)
Please check the booking calendar for available dates and select your preferred date. - Meeting Point
- Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
- Meeting Time
- 1:30 PM
- Duration
- Approximately 4 hours
- Price
- JPY 12,000 per person
- Age
- For guests aged 6 and over. Children under 6 are not permitted.
- Group Size
- Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 10 guests
Schedule
- 1:30 PM — Meet at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center and check in
- 2:00 PM–4:00 PM — English Rakugo performance, traditional variety entertainment
- 4:00 PM–4:30 PM — Break and preparation for the walking tour
- 4:30 PM–5:30 PM — English-guided Asakusa walking tour exploring the world of Rakugo and Edo
- Around 5:30 PM — Tour ends in the Asakusa area
Included
- Non-reserved admission ticket to the English Rakugo Association’s regular public performance
- English-guided Asakusa walking tour
- Consumption tax
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Shopping expenses
- Personal expenses
Important Information
- The Rakugo performance is presented entirely in English and is suitable for international guests.
- Performers vary from one performance to another.
- The walking tour lasts approximately one hour.
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
- The walking route may change depending on weather, road conditions, or local circumstances.
- The tour generally operates in light rain.
- In the event of severe weather, the walking tour may be changed or cancelled.
- Guests arriving late may not be able to enter the performance venue.
Cancellation Policy
- Up to 7 days before the experience: Free of charge
- 6–2 days before: 30% of the tour price
- 1 day before: 50% of the tour price
- Same day or no-show: 100% of the tour price
Discover Edo through Laughter, Stories, and Asakusa.
Rakugo brings the everyday world of old Tokyo to life through words, gestures, humor, and imagination.
Watch it, experience it, and then walk through the streets where the spirit of Edo can still be felt today.
Experience the Spirit of Edo.