Learn with Laughter: Walk the “Shogun’s Road” in Sōka-juku with a Japanese Comedian Guide

Senbei Tasting, Grilling Experience & Pine Avenue Stroll in Sōka Matsubara.

Sōka, Saitama | 150 min | From ¥15,000 per person.

A unique cultural walking tour blending history, humor, and local cuisine is now available in Sōka City, Saitama Prefecture, located just 40 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, the heart of Japan.

This English-guided experience is led 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). The tour concludes with a scenic stroll along the pine-lined avenue of Sōka Matsubara, a historic stretch of the old Nikkō Kaidō highway.

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
■Tour Details
・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
• Dates outside the listed schedule can be arranged upon consultation.

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:
Yukata Dressing Experience
(additional fee)

■Booking& Inquiries
Official Sales Page:
https://japanaut.com/experienc...
Tour Inquiries:
t-nagaki@two-links.co.jp

■Notes
・This is a walking-focused tour; comfortable shoes are recommended.
・Route and stops may change depending on weather or store hours.
・Any souvenir purchases are at each participant’s own expense.