Underground Kyoto Tour

Product Code: 479080

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    • One of the most unique tours in Kyoto
    • A one-time opportunity to see some of the least known, but highly fascinating areas of the city
Tour Code
479080
Duration
1 day
Departure City
Kyoto
End City
Kyoto
Tour Type
Walking
Language
English
Available options

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Cultural & Historical

Learn about history and local culture with in-depth tours and activities

Tour Type: Fully Guided Tour

Tour director/guided escort is available from the beginning to the end of the vacation

Group Size: Standard Group Tour

Tour with fellow travelers from all over the world

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary

We will check out the Matsukoni area, known as the most shady and grey market areas in Kyoto. But don’t worry, you’ll be in safe hands with our experienced guide and it will prove to be a rewarding visit.

This afternoon we will explore some fascinating regions within Kyoto, most of them completely unknown by outsiders...Some part of the past and current underworld and underground economy, of Yakuza, Marginalized and hushed corners of town, and the least-seen parts and faces of Kyoto, guaranteed.

After being well-fed and well-toured, the tour will touch on the issues of human rights and minorities in modern Japan, followed by a visit to Kyoto’s largest minority neighborhood.
And to finish our tour we have a culinary treat for you, an exclusive local specialty to end a perfect day.

Secret restaurants visit kickoff

Our guide will bring you to one of Kyoto's best kept secrets in the world of restaurants, ramen, and more.

Sujin Buraku District

The Sujin district located on the eastern side of Kyoto station is one of the most discriminated areas in Japan. It is home to the Burakumin people, which account to less than 2 percent of the total population. A Buraku is a gettho where people are forced to live. They can be off all kinds of descent. Discrimination towards this group started during the feudal area as these people’s occupation was seen as impure.

Many of them were in the butcher and slaughtering business, which is seen as a bad practice in Buddhism. This led to a situation where the Burakaumin were treated as outcasts and forced to live in ghettos.

A lot of these people nowadays work for the Yamaguchi-gumi, the biggest yakuza syndicate in Japan as it is almost impossible to find work as a Buraku-resident and even more impossible to hide your Buraku-roots.

Bank of Yanagihara Memorial Museum

Being the only bank ever to be created by the Buraku-people, this is an important building in Buraku culture and a must-visit in the area. The bank was opened in 1899 with private money which was collected by various business men of the Buraku minority.

It was an important institution as it help with the construction of many schools and local industries. As other banks didn't want to loan the Burakumin any money, this bank gave people a chance to let their children go to school or start a business. In 1927 the bank was closed during the financial crisis and served as a shop until 1994. It now serves as a museum about Buraku culture and human rights.

Higashi-Kujyo

This is another 'untouchables' or Buraku area located on the eastern side of the Kamo river and has the largest Zainichi Korean population in Kyoto. This place has developed since black markets flourished after the end of the WW2. Its environment was called illegal housing later on, and it has been abandoned for a long time. It was famously portrayed in the Japanese blockbuster movie Pachiggi.

Matsunoki District

This area is known as Kyoto's most suspicious district, but don't worry as you will be in good hands and this will prove to be a most interesting visit. We will end our tour by eating okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake cooked on a traditional grill. It is at its best with a lot of Tsubame sauce, the only place in Kyoto where you can taste this delicious treat!

The tour will end around 6:00pm - 6:30pm when you'll be brought back to the train station.

Pick-up Details / Transfers

The tour will end around 6:00pm - 6:30pm when you'll be brought back to the train station.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

  • Professional, experienced, and knowledgeable English guide
  • Guided walk through all mentioned areas
  • Some food and drinks

Package Excludes

  • Personal expenses

Special Notes

  • Cancellation Policy
    *NO cancellations allowed, no refunds.

Cancellation Policy

Please see the Available Options section above for any details about cancellation policies.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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