Learn with laughter! Walk the “Shogun’s Road” in Sōka-juku with a Japanese comedian guide — Senbei tasting, grilling, and a stroll through Sōka Matsubara.

Souka, saitama
150min
¥15,000〜/Per person
Located just 40 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, the heart of Japan, Sōka City in Saitama Prefecture offers a unique cultural walking tour blending history, humor, and local cuisine.This guided experience is led in English by a Japanese comedian duo from Shochiku Entertainment, “Dekashita! Zukkyun-maru” (Dan Shiojima & Tsugumi), who serve as both English-speaking guides and lively storytellers. Participants explore Sōka-juku, a former Edo-period post town once walked by samurai, while enjoying tastings and a hands-on grilling experience of the city’s famous Sōka senbei (rice crackers), followed by a scenic stroll through the pine-lined avenue of Sōka Matsubara, a historic stretch of the old Nikkō Kaidō highway.

Cultural Walking Tour in Sōka, Saitama — History, Humor, and Local Flavors with a Japanese Comedian Guide

This approximately 150-minute immersive program combines narrative-driven historical commentary, food culture, and lighthearted comedy to create an approachable and memorable alternative to conventional sightseeing tours.

An optional yukata (summer kimono) walking experience along the pine avenue is also available upon request.

Tour Highlights

  • Walking exploration of Sōka-juku with Edo-period stories

  • Visits to landmarks such as the Road Origin Marker and Honjin ruins

  • Folktales and travel anecdotes connected to Osen Chaya

  • A moment of reflection at Tōfuku-ji Temple

  • Sōka senbei tasting and grilling experience

  • Scenic walk along Sōka Matsubara, a 1.5-km pine avenue referenced in The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Matsuo Bashō

Schedule

10:45 Meet at Sōka City Tourist Information Center (opens 10:30)
11:00 Tour Starts
13:30 Tour Ends / Dismissal around Sōka Matsubara

Planned Main Stops

  • Sōka City Tourist Information Center

  • Sōka Town Road Origin Marker

  • Sōka-juku Honjin Ruins Area

  • Osen Chaya (Story Stop)

  • Tōfuku-ji Temple

  • Senbei Tasting & Grilling Experience

  • Sōka Matsubara Pine Avenue

The route and order of stops may change depending on weather, crowd conditions, or shop availability.

Tour Details

  • Date: March 28 (Special Departure)

  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes

  • Meeting Point: Sōka City Tourist Information Center (near Sōka Station)

  • Language: English Guided Tour

  • Price: From ¥15,000 per person

  • Minimum Participants: 2

Included:
Guide fee, senbei grilling experience, senbei tasting (recommended 4 pieces)
Grilling may be unavailable depending on shop operating conditions.

Not Included:
Additional food & drinks, extra senbei purchases, souvenirs, personal expenses

Optional Experience

Yukata Dressing Experience – Available upon prior request (additional fee)

Important Notes

  • This is a walking-focused tour; please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

  • Route and stops may change depending on store hours, weather, or crowd conditions.

  • The participation fee includes senbei tasting and a grilling experience. Additional purchases are at your own expense.

1. Select number of guests

Adult
1
Child
0

2. Select a date