Another Side of Tokyo : Exploring an Underground Guardian and Doll Museum
Step into a mysterious underground water storage facility that guards Tokyo and its over 10 million residents. This mighty shield against urban floods is open for exploration, letting visitors see beyond Tokyo’s veil of safety to show what it takes to protect the region. Next, enter the enchanting world of traditional dolls handcrafted by master artisans in Iwatsuki. This local doll-making culture traces its roots to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun and architect of Edo (the former name of Tokyo), as the second career of artists who contributed to the shogun’s majestic Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This tour promises fresh perspectives on Tokyo and Nikko while deepening your appreciation of Japan’s heritage.
Start
Asakusa Station (10:15 AM)
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes : From Asakusa Station to Kasukabe Sta. (Tobu Urban Park Line) to Minami Sakurai Station (30-minute walk) to Metropolitan Area Outer Discharge Channel
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Japan's world-class underground temple for disaster prevention!
Metropolitan Area Outer Discharge Channel
To help visitors learn more about the role of the Metropolitan Area Outer Discharge Channel, a regional flood control facility, we have enhanced the attractiveness of the tours and launched a new tour as the second phase of the social experiment. In addition to the popular tour of the underground temple pressure regulating tank," the work corridor, pump room, gas turbine section, and impeller section, which were previously closed to the public, have been newly opened to visitors. We invite you to experience the grandeur of the Metropolitan Area Outer Discharge Channel. Notes on the reservation site You can switch to English by clicking on the mark next to the earth symbol in the top right corner of a header section
Approximately 20 minutes : From the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, walk 30 minutes to Minami-Sakurai Station, and take a train on the Tobu Urban Park Line to Iwatsuki Station, then walk to the Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Beautiful Japanese Dolls of the Emperor and Empress
Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum
The gorgeous dolls at the Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum are called Hina dolls, made to represent the Emperor and Empress. During Hinamatsuri, on March 3, Japanese families will display these dolls in their home to celebrate. The museum features a stunning doll exhibit while offering deep insight into Japanese culture through costumes and crafts. Visitors will no doubt be captivated by these adorable miniature versions of the Imperial Family! Experience the beauty of craftsmanship and immerse yourself in the richness of Japanese culture. 🄫Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau
Approximately 60 minutes : From Iwatsuki Station, take the Tobu Urban Park Line to Kasukabe Station, and then the Skytree Line to Asakusa Station
Goal
Asakusa Station (4:30 PM)