Perhaps one the most enjoyable things to do in Tokyo is to walk around in the residential areas. Just walk. Get off at any station and walk as far as you can, go in any direction. Walk amongst the houses and narrow back streets. The narrower the street the better. You end up finding all kinds of neat places like this dark and scary shrine. I went halfway into the shrine but it was too creepy so I left. I’m been thinking about creating another blog with walking tours of Tokyo. There are already a few of these sites out there but I would create my own alternative ones. Like the famous crime scene walking tour or the weird convenience store walking tour. Something like that.
Looks perfect for October, spooky kinda perfect. heh
and Roy im sure you you created another blogg it would rock.
Walking tours would be great! Even if on the same blog.
Walking around new places in Tokyo is a lot of fun!
I like the new blog idea. One of the reasons why I like reading blogs like yours, is that you show places other than the regular tourist spots that are shown on travel shows. As nice as visits to museums, parks, etc. are, sometimes its nice to get away from all of that.
I think I’m making sense. I need more sleep
The last time I was in Tokyo two years ago in 2004 I followed a number of the walks outlined in the excellent little “Water Walks in the Suburbs of Tokyo” by Sumiko Enbutsu and Mimi LeBourgeois. I had a great three weeks and still have yet to complete all the walks. Did you know there are a couple of kofun 古墳 around Komae? I had no idea there were so many old temples and gardens around Tokyo. I discovered a completely different world intertwined yet apart from the Tokyo I had always known.
It would be great to have more walks to look forward to. 頑張って下さい。
Its really a great blog idea. I would appreciate it cause maybe next time I might be coming down to Japan and then your blog would be very useful. :)
Water Walks in the Suburbs of Tokyo by Sumiko Enbutsu and Mimi LeBourgeois: http://www.tokyo-walks.com/
Roy, 2 words on the new blog idea…DO IT! That is my FAVORITE thing to do when I’m there. There are so many cool little places off the beaten path. I know you don’t like Ikebukero that much, but I kinda do, and so I would be happy to help you with that area:)
My fave shrine had to be the one I randomly found in one of the wholesaler districts. Had the niftiest dragon spouting water for the hand washing.
The only problem with doing a walking tour blog is that it would take so much time to do. If I wanted to post one “walk” a week I would need to go out at least once a week which would mean one day a week taken up to do it rather than sitting at home in front of the TV. Or I could do 2 walks per day on both days on the weekend which would mean 4 walks completed in one weekend. That might work.
If I was unemployed that would be easier but unfortunately I have to be at the office everyday.
And then there’s a question, why would I do this? What’s in it for me? It needs to be able to bring in some income somehow…
I would be very keen on alternative tours–there’s only so much the guidebooks tell you. I’ve been here for weeks, but I feel like I’m missing so many cool little things!
Not walking tours, BIKING tours. Get out and use that cool new bike. I loved the Yamanote tour.
Roy, then just make it part of this blog. Draw that many more searches in and limit it to say one every other week. The other content should keep people coming back.
Yeah yeah do it, please!! Give me a reason to return to Tokyo instead of going to Kansai instead.