A 10 KM/H RICKSHAW TOUR OF TOKYO'S HISTORICAL CORE

The modern rickshaw (jinrikisha, or "human-powered vehicle") is a typically Japanese invention that originated in Tokyo around 1869, right after the Meiji Restoration. By the late 19th century, rickshaws had become a popular means of private transportation, as well as a symbol of modernity and progress. Today, Ebisuya's contemporary tourist rickshaws retain their original design and are powered by charismatic guides. Riding in one of these vintage vehicles offers an immersive experience of the city streets from a privileged perspective, elevated just above the pedestrian crowds.

Your rickshaw journey begins in the heart of Marunouchi, at the historical Marunouchi Building. The reconstructed "Maru Biru" reproduces the façade of the original building, which dates back to 1923. The tour continues along the street facing the ancient stone walls of what was once Edo Castle, the political center of the Tokugawa Shogunate. From the Meiji period (1868-1912), it became the residence of the Emperor of Japan, and is now known as the Imperial Palace. 

The name Marunouchi refers to the "inner circle" of the moat around Edo castle, once lined with the manors of feudal lords. In 1890 Mitsubishi acquired the land and began to develop it into a premier business district. This marked the starting point of Marunouchi's rapid growth and economic development, as Tokyo began to adopt and integrate Western technology and culture. Across the street, the red brick Tokyo Station and surrounding skyscrapers remain architectural symbols of Japan's modernization and economic growth.

Rounding the corner of the moat, your rickshaw guide leads you into Yurakucho, the popular culture and nightlife entertainment district that blossomed in postwar Tokyo. The neighborhood is home to the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, the art house TOHO CINEMAS Chanter, and of course, the iconic Hibiya Godzilla Statue. A Showa era (1926-1989) atmosphere still inhabits the old-fashioned coffee shops and izakaya that sit beneath the railway arches where trains pass overhead.

Just a few blocks further bring you into Ginza, the former site of a silver coin mint during the Edo period. This neighborhood has burned down several times over the past centuries, and each time, Ginza has risen from the ashes and been rebuilt.

Today Ginza is home to many upscale designer boutiques, long-established stores and restaurants. Look out for the symbolic Seiko House Clock Tower at Ginza's 4-chome intersection, which has continued to chime daily on the hour from 10:00 to 19:00 ever since it was installed in 1932. 

The rickshaw day tour ends at HIGASHIYA man marunouchi for seasonal Japanese sweets and traditional powdered green tea or high-quality cold-brewed mizudashi gyokuro. Indulge in a tea and wagashi set, or you can whip up your own matcha tea in a friendly and casual, contemporary setting.