How about enjoying sightseeing and moving at the same time while riding a traditional rickshaw in Asakusa where the atmosphere of Oedo drifts ?
You can visit Sensoji Temple and buy souvenirs on Kaminarimon Street or dine on Kokusai Street.
It’s not easy to walk all areas on foot but you can take a guided tour of the sights with a famous rickshaw.
We will introduce the attractiveness of rickshaws in Japan and rickshaw services that are useful when traveling in Asakusa and the Ancient city of Kyoto.
What is a Rickshaw?
In Japan, rickshaws developed as public transportation from the Meiji era to the early Showa era.
In modern times, public transportation means such as buses and trains are common.
In Tokyo, Asakusa, Ancient cities like Kyoto which are major tourist attractions,rickshaw services are attracting attention again.
Activities around attractions while riding a rickshaw is well known and popular with foreign tourists.
Traditional rickshaws have wheels on both ends of the chair and are now being improved and upgraded for tourism.
Generally, it is a carriage with two wheels and two seat that can can carry on two person comfortably with a rain /sun cover roof attached.
According to the Japanese Road Traffic Law, rickshaws are classified as light vehicles with no engines.
In the rickshaw fare system, the fee is added to the initial fare according to the travel distance and travel time.
Some companies charter rickshaws and offer original tours of attractions on a low budget.
Popular Rickshaw services in Tokyo
There are many rickshaw services in Asakusa area in Tokyo so you can experience the seasonal Edo times like atmosphere.
If you rent a kimono and do a rickshaw sightseeing,
you will feel as if you have slipped back in the Edo period.
If you take a rickshaw, you can go around tourist spots smoothly without getting lost, so it is convenient as a safe means of transportation.
There are also tour buses and routes that can not be reached by car, so you can see the cityscape and superb views along the Sumida River.
Rickshaw rates start at 3,000 yen per person, from 4,000 yen for two people and from 6,000 yen for three people.
There are many rickshaw services in Asakusa area of Tokyo where you can feel and enjoy the seasonal Edo times like atmosphere.
Rental kimonos and sightseeing by rickshaw make you feel like you were back in the Edo period.
Let’s take a look at some of the popular companies that offer rickshaw sightseeing tours in the Asakusa area.
Ebisuya
Ebisuya, a famous rickshaw service a popular company in Asakusa,Tokyo with plenty of sightseeing courses.
The history of Ebisuya dates back to 1992, when three rickshaws went on a sightseeing tour of Arashiyama in Kyoto.
Currently, it has grown into a rickshaw service and offers nationwide sightseeing tours not only in Kyoto but also in Otaru, Asakusa, Kamakura, Miyajima, Kurashiki, Kanmon and Yufuin.
They are committed to creating the best travel memories and their courteous guides have a great reputation.
Business hours：9:30-Sunset
How much does it cost?
There are four types of Asakusa courses at Ebisuya.
A trial fee of 3,000 yen per person is also available. Internet online reservations are accepted up to 3 days in advance.
| Kaminarimon | East west downtown | Stylish Edo | Elegant Oedo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time span | 120 minutes | Half an hour | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Fare | 23,500 yen per person 32,500 yen |
48,750 yen for 3 people 7,000 yen |
9,000 yen for 2 people 13,500 yen |
13,000 yen per person 17,500 yen |
| Course | Kaminarimon Tanuki Street Rokuku Street Entrance Denpoin |
Kaminarimon Denpoin street Nitenmon Tokyo Sky Tree |
Kaminarimon Denpoin Tanuki Street Asakusa entertainment hall Back of Kannon Matsuchiyama Shoden Tokyo Sky Tree |
Kaminarimon Denpoin Asakusa entertainment hall Back of Kannon Matsuchiyama Shoden Mukaijima Ushijima Shrine Tokyo Sky Tree |
Where to start ?
Ebisuya’s Asakusa course has a platform in front of the famous Kaminarimon making it easy to find.
Men who pulls rickshaw are easy to notice with their uniform written as “雷”in its back.
Kaminarimon is a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Asakusa Station, and a 2-minute walk from Toei Subway Asakusa Line and Asakusa Station.
Rickshaw service is available from 9.30am to sunset so please note that the last run varies depending on the season.
Route
The Asakusa tour begins at Asakusa’s iconic Kaminarimon passes through the downtown area and offers a great view of the downtown area of Asakusa Roku Ward while watching the beautiful and sparkling Tokyo Sky Tree Tower.
There are also courses around Hanayashiki, Denpoin and Asakusa Shrine the oldest amusement park in Japan.
From the long straight course along the Sumida River to Nitenmon,an important cultural property created during the Edo period.
You can tour famous places, sightseeing spots and Kaminarimon of Asakusa with a guide and you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of Edo Times.
Kuruma Ya
“Kurumaya” is a service where a rickshaw guides you for the real thrill of Asakusa, Kaminarimon, and Sensoji Temple.
There are various courses where you can fully enjoy the charm of Asakusa full of Edo times like atmosphere.
Tour the power spots on Oedo / Showa Retro Street,courses with commemorative photos are very popular with female tourists.
You can have a choice of experienced rickshaw person for a service at relatively reasonable prices.
Business hours：From 10:30 to 18:00
How much does it cost?
“Kuruma-ya” Asakusa course is limited to online reservations and there are 4 courses.
If you are riding a rickshaw for the first time, you can use it from 5,000 yen per person for 30 minutes.
| Standard | Special | Premium | Highest grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time span | 20 min | 40 min | 65 min | 80 min |
| Fare | 5,000 yen | 10,000 yen | 15,000 yen | 20,000 yen |
| Course | Downtown/trial | Around Sensoji Temple | Tourist spot Power spot |
Experienced guide Core places |
Where to start ?
The “Kurumaya” departs from Asakusa Course at Asakusa / Kaminarimon.
If you would like information in English, please check “Speak English Guide” when booking.
Route
The recommended course of the “Kuruma ya” is an attractive spot course in Asakusa.
A special spot tour will show you the charm of Asakusa in an 80-minute course.
You would be happy to take photos at the Oedo course, the Sky Tree and the power spot in Asakusa.
Asakusa long-established rickshaw Kosugiya
“ Rickshaw Kosugiya” is a long-established rickshaw service with a 20-year history in Asakusa.
Asakusa sightseeing courses such as kimono rental and commemorative photography are very popular with foreign tourists.
There is also a popular three-seater rickshaw, so be sure to check out the Oedo Asakusa course guided by skilled master craftsmen.
Business hours：9:00 to 19:00
How much does it cost?
“Asakusa long-established rickshaw Kosugiya” has three types of Asakusa courses.
| Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity | Petit business trip | Asakusa famous Shichifukujin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time span | 1 hour | 10 min to 3 hours | 10 min to 3 hours |
| Fare | 20,000 Yen with rental kimono |
20,000 yen | 1 person 2,000 yen to 27,000 yen 2 people 3people |
| Course | Downtown tour | Near Tokyo | Near Tokyo |
Where to start ?
The rickshaw of “Asakusa long-established rickshaw Kosugiya” starts from Sensoji Temple.
You can request the sights you want to visit at the times you wish to go. Courses depending on time, number of people and price.
Route
During the boarding time,you can wear a kimono /yukata in summer and take a leisurely rickshaw tour in Asakusa Shimomachi.
You can also visit temples and restaurants,go to power spots at old-fashioned temples, shrines and take photos.
Rickshaw service in Kyoto
Ride a rickshaw and enjoy the scenery of Kyoto’s famous tourist destinations,Gion and the ancient city of Arashiyama.
Only Ebisuya offers rickshaw services in Arashiyama and Higashiyama in Kyoto.
Ebisuya
Ebisuya has a total of more than 200 vehicles and travels through traditional building conservation areas not listed in the guidebook.
There are courses where the fee is set according to the time from 30 minutes to 60 minutes and 1/12 course.
Business hours：9:30–17:30
How much does it cost?
Ebisuya has four types of Kyoto sightseeing courses.
| Togetsukyo sightseeing course | Trip to Sagano bamboo forest | Trip of Sagano peace | Sagano ancient journey | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time span | 1 section 12-13 minutes | 30 minutes charter | 60 minutes charter | 120 minutes charter |
| Fare | 3,000 yen per person 4,000 yen 6,000 yen |
7,000 yen per person 9,000 yen 13,500 yen |
13,000 yen per person 17,500 yen 26,250 yen |
23,500 yen per person 32,500 yen 48,750 yen |
| Course | Togetsukyo Hogonin River side |
Togetsukyo Takebayashi entrance Nomiya Shrine Shochiku promenade River side |
Togetsukyo Takebayashi entrance Nomiya Shrine Nison-in Rakikansha |
Togetsukyo Takebayashi entrance Nomiya Shrine Seiroji Temple Townscape Preservation District Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple Joujakukouji Rakushisha |
Where to start ?
Higashiyama route rickshaw landing point
・ Ichinenzaka (Minamizume of Nene no Michi)
・ Hakusa Village Villa near Ginkaku-ji Temple
・ Heian Shrine
The Higashiyama route goes around many tourist spots such as Kiyomizu-dera,Gion and Nanzenji.
Rickshaw departure and arrival points on the Arashiyama route
・ JR Saga Arashiyama Station (South Exit)
・ In front of Nomiya Shrine
It is a course to see Sagano Temple such as Bamboo Tunnel, Nison-in Temple and Jojakko-ji Temple.
Route
In the case of the Higashiyama route, which is the center of Kyoto sightseeing, the route starts at Hakusanso near Ginkaku-ji and goes around Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Heian Shrine and Yashiki-dori.
You can sit in a rickshaw,relax and enjoy the sights around Higashiyama comfortably.
Enjoy the following points when riding a rickshaw.
Do I need to make a reservation?
It is recommended that rickshaw services be booked at least 3 days in advance via internet or telephone.
If you go to the departure point and if the rickshaw tour is not fully booked you can buy the tour and ride on the spot without a reservation.
One-way or off-route usage
In addition to fixed courses, one-way or off-routes are available depending on time and number of people.
If you request in advance,You can also be picked up at your desired location.
Temperature difference
The rickshaw has a roof to block the sun during the hot summer to make the wind feel cool.
During the winter,the roof is covered and a warm blanket is provided so it is even warmer and more comfortable than walking around.
Rainy or snowy days
All rickshaw has roofs so you can ride it on rainy or snowy days.but In the event of a typhoon or a disaster, they may be closed temporarily.
Pregnant
Please note that pregnant women who have not yet entered the stable period (those up to 16 weeks of pregnancy) can not ride.
Since the rickshaw may shake or require wear a seat belt, the condition is good during the stable period.
How to enjoy a Rickshaw
When you ride a rickshaw, you can see the view from a higher position so it is better than walking because the scenery changes and you can feel the season as you ride.
As you ride and listen the guide,you can learn the history of Asakusa and Kyoto and enjoy your tour.
Summary
In Asakusa and Kyoto,besides the standard sightseeing spots, there are many hidden spots that only locals knows about.
So,when you come to Japan, why not to go around sightseeing spots by riding a traditional rickshaw to learn the history and enjoy your most memorable Japan holiday?
