Follow the Footpaths of Historical Tokyo

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Updated: November 29, 2023

A natural retreat from the city

Take a stroll through historic gardens, treat yourself to an alfresco canal-side meal, before pampering yourself with a soak in a natural hot spring—all in the old neighborhood of Kudanshita.

Tips

Visit historical gardens in the city center
Take a break at a Café in Tokyo’s “Little France,” Kagurazaka
Recover at a natural hot spring using water from 1,700 m underground

Map Legend

Walking
Taxi
Bus
Train
Water Bus

History comes alive

Kudanshita Station

Begin your self-guided tour at Kudanshita Station. Kudanshita is best known as the nearest station to historic site like the Nippon Budokan, which was built for the judo competition at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. The hilly area, which literally translates to "bottom of nine steps," is located to the north of the Imperial Palace. It is easily accessible via the Tokyo Metro Tozai and Hanzomon Lines, and the Toei Shinjuku Line.

10 mins

Remains of an Edo-period residence

Kitanomaru Garden

Your walk around historical Tokyo sites begins in earnest at two Edo-style gates that welcome visitors to this day, even though the original Edo Castle had been destroyed in a fire in the late 17th century. The beatific walk into what was once home to extended family members of the Tokugawa shogunate, the rulers during the Edo period (1603–1868), will take you away from the urban city with its extensive lawns, ponds, and lush greenery. It was later converted into a garden and open to the public. If you are visiting in spring, you will be treated to one of Tokyo's best cherry blossom views, with the delicate cherry trees hanging over the moat of the former castle. If modern art or science is your cup of tea, you may also wish to spend some time at The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, or the Science Museum which are located at one end of the Kitanomaru Garden.

16 mins

An atmospheric alfresco dining spot

Canal Café

Experience Europe in the heart of Tokyo at the Canal Cafe, located on the fringe of the trendy Kagurazaka District that is also known as the local "French Quarter." Upon arrival at the Canal Cafe, you will be struck by its laid-back vibe. Rest your feet over a Western lunch or a beverage on the cafe's waterside patio deemed to be one of the city's best alfresco dining spots. Fish food is available for sale at the reception if you wish to feed the huge carp in the canal.

10 mins

One of Tokyo's oldest gardens

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

Continue your walk by heading to Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, one of Tokyo's oldest and most traditional parks. Built in 1629 and opened to visitors in 1938, it was named after the famous Chinese saying, "Be the first to bear the world's hardship and the last to enjoy its comfort." The historical gardens' network of walking trails is a natural escape from Tokyo’s urban jungle. While attractive all year round, you'll be in for a treat if you visit in October to November, when the maple trees turn stunning hues of orange and red.

10 mins

Freshen yourself up at a top-notch onsen

Spa LaQua

End your walking tour of historic sites around Tokyo with a relaxing soak at the Japanese-style Spa LaQua hot spring facility that is located in the Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex. When you check-in, you will be given a wristband to which expenses will be charged as you bathe, drink, dine, and spend your time there. Enjoying authentic hot-spring water locally is quite a treat in Tokyo, and Spa LaQua taps water from 1,700 meters below ground for its numerous bathing options across different floors, including indoor baths and saunas, as well as outdoor baths and relaxation areas.