Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner

Discovering Living Traditions Through Kagurazaka and Beyond A New Year’s Greeting — and an Invitation Happy New Year. On January 1, 2026, while much of the city remains quiet, our cultural walk through Kagurazaka begins as usual. Those who choose to explore Tokyo on New Year’s Day are not looking for mere entertainment. They are looking for meaning. At EDO KAGURA, we are deeply grateful to every traveler who has chosen to spend precious time with us—especially those who seek

January is often overlooked as a time to visit Tokyo.“It must be too cold,” or “Many places are probably closed for the New Year”—these assumptions cause many travelers to rule it out. Yet when we examine climate data, accommodation statistics, and Japan’s seasonal calendar carefully, a different picture emerges. With the right expectations, January is one of the most rational—and culturally revealing—times to experience Tokyo. It is also the month when Japanese people incorp

Tokyo is a city where ancient tradition and modern life blend seamlessly. But beyond the famous landmarks and bustling districts, there is a quieter, deeper Japan—one you can truly learn  from. In recent years, a new style of travel has captured the attention of thoughtful travelers around the world: Skillcation  — a journey where you learn a meaningful skill that stays with you long after the trip is over. This guide introduces Tokyo’s most refined Skillcation experiences, c

Discover a Different Tokyo Through Kagurazaka Tokyo is a city of energy and movement—but hidden within it is a neighborhood where time slows down. Kagurazaka , with its stone-paved alleys, traditional wooden houses, and refined local culture, offers a quieter, more elegant side of the city. In recent years, well-traveled guests seeking “the real Tokyo” have begun to gravitate toward this district. At the heart of this renewed interest stands one extraordinary property: Trunk

When Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) explains what transforms an ordinary stay into an unforgettable one, they always point to a single idea: “It’s people who turn ‘so-so’ into superb.” This belief—that true luxury is created by human touch—is exactly what defines EDO KAGURA’s luxury cultural tours in Tokyo . And nowhere is this philosophy more alive than in Kagurazaka, a quietly historic district shaped by centuries of tradition. Below, we invite you to discover how

December in Japan is a season of clear winter skies, crisp air, cultural depth, and a quiet elegance that cannot be found at any other time of year. For travelers seeking authenticity, refined cultural immersion, and a deeper sense of place, December offers some of the most memorable things to do in Tokyo in December—especially when explored through the warm glow of tradition in Kagurazaka. This guide introduces the winter climate, seasonal customs, festive atmosphere, and th

(The Head Coach System Series — Part 3) This article is Part 3 of our Head Coach System for Travel series, where we introduce the behind-the-scenes approach that allows us to deliver Japanese cultural experiences in Tokyo that are not only beautiful and authentic, but also deeply memorable for every traveler. In Part 1 , we explained how we adjust each program based on every guest’s cultural background and level of understanding. In Part 2 , we showed how daily communication

(The Head Coach System Series — Part 2) This article is Part 2 of our series introducing the philosophy and design behind our flawless cultural experiences in Kagurazaka. In Part 1, we explored how our Head Coach System ensures seamless quality. In Part 2, we reveal the psychology that makes our artisans genuinely enthusiastic — and why a single encounter with true tradition can shape your entire memory of Japan. Why One Perfect Moment Can Define Your Entire Journey — The Psy

About Koishikawa Korakuen and the “Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu” Autumn Event From November 22 to December 7, 2025, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden  will once again host its annual autumn event, “ Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu (Enjoy the Mountain’s Autumn Colors) .” Located in central Tokyo, this historical garden was originally built in the early Edo period as the daimyo garden of the Mito Domain, one of the three major Tokugawa families. Koishikawa Korakuen is designated both as a “ Spec

A Cultural and Culinary Celebration from Fukui Arrives in the Heart of Tokyo Get ready! The beloved Doon to Fukui in Kagurazaka: Echizen & Wakasa Festival 2025 is returning soon to one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. The two-day event will be held on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, 2025 , across Kagurazaka Street , Akagi Shrine , and Zenkoku-ji Temple (Bishamonten)  — rain or shine. If you’re planning your itinerary for Tokyo events in November 2025

(The Head Coach System Series — Part 1) This article is Part 1 of our “Head Coach System” series, where we reveal the behind-the-scenes structure that makes our Japanese Culture Tokyo experiences exceptionally consistent and emotionally unforgettable. Delivering Authentic Japanese Culture in Tokyo, Not Tourist Shows In the world of luxury travel, perfection is never accidental. Every moving experience is crafted through harmony, precision, and emotional understanding. That is

Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2026: Where Tokyo’s Tradition and Cat Culture Come Alive Tokyo’s autumn is a season when culture, creativity, and community blend harmoniously, and few events capture this spirit as vividly as the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival . The date for the 2026 celebration has already been confirmed: Sunday, October 11, 2026 . Each year, the historic streets of Kagurazaka—lined with stone pavements and softly glowing lanterns—transform into a whimsical world

Tokyo’s Shinjuku is about to be wrapped in its most exquisite hues. From October 30 to November 2 , the district along the Kanda and Myoshoji Rivers will host the annual “Oedo Shinjuku Konya Meguri” , a cultural event inviting visitors to explore Japan’s living heritage of Stencil Dyeing  and Edo-era aesthetics. The word Konya  refers to the dyeing artisans of the Edo period—craftsmen who specialized in aizome  (indigo dyeing) and other refined techniques. Even today, Shinjuk

The Season Between Autumn Maturity and the Beginning of Winter According to Japan’s traditional calendar of 24 Sekki 72 Kō ( 24 solar terms and 72 microseasons ), Rittō —the “Beginning of Winter”—falls on November 7 in 2025 . In other words, November marks the start of winter in theory. However, due to recent climate changes, it is now generally considered part of autumn in Tokyo. This is the season of “Autumn for the Appetite,” “Autumn for Culture,” “Autumn for Reading,” an

Where Edo Elegance Meets Modern Gastronomy Do you know the most highly rated gourmet district in Tokyo? If you do, you're quite the connoisseur of Japan. If you are a discerning traveler searching for  Michelin restaurants in Tokyo  that go beyond the well-trodden streets of Ginza or Shibuya, let us introduce you to  Kagurazaka  — an extraordinary district where timeless Japanese refinement meets subtle French sophistication. Known as “ Little Kyoto of Tokyo ”  for its cobble

The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival: Japan’s Iconic Cat Halloween Festival On October 12, 2025, the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2025  was held in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward, drawing large crowds and concluding with great success. Known internationally as a Cat Halloween Festival , the event welcomed cat lovers from around the world to join a lively costume parade through the streets of Kagurazaka. It is one of the town’s most significant annual events, attracting participants of all

Where Tradition Dances Through Time in Tokyo’s Hidden Geisha District In the heart of Tokyo lies Kagurazaka , a neighborhood where...

Japanese Cultural Traditions Officially Recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government We are proud to share that our cultural...

Why the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival is Unmissable The countdown is on! In just 10 days , on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the streets of...

If you're asking yourself, “ when is the best time to travel to Tokyo ?” you're not alone. While spring’s cherry blossoms get much of the attention, official data reveals a different story. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, October is the single most popular month for international visitors, with overnight stays hitting 121% of the monthly average for Japan and 118% for Tokyo. Source: Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics Note: Indexed with the annual average set at