#Japan #Koto Ward #Meta Tourism #Guided Tour

Experience the Unique and Diverse Attractions of Koto Ward

Following the resounding success of last year's tours, the General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Meta Tourism, led by Yutaka Makino, is excited to announce the second edition of its guided tours in Koto Ward. Aimed at showcasing the area's diverse attractions, this year's tours incorporate the innovative concept of "meta tourism," allowing participants to see their surroundings from fresh perspectives.

What Awaits This Year: Highlights and Innovations

The expansion of this year's program features four new courses, each guided by top specialists in their respective fields. Participants will not only engage in enjoyable tours but also benefit from insightful pre-tour lectures that prepare them for an enhanced exploration of the local environment.

Pre-Tour Lectures by Professionals: Attendees will gain firsthand knowledge of significant points of interest directly from experts, enriching their walking experience.
New Night Tour Section: A new addition, the night tours include unique experiences—such as exploring urban landscapes combined with night views and community lighting.
LINE Collaboration: Utilizing the official Koto Ward LINE account, participants will have the opportunity to promote the charm of their community, sharing insights and experiences.

With free participation, the tours are accessible to anyone residing, studying, or working in Koto Ward, as well as fans of the area.

Details of the Meta Tourism Guided Tours

Tour Courses:

1. Meta Tourism Tour with Experts: Gardening on the Streets x Old Town Names x Text Observation - Fukagawa Area
Date: June 6, 2026 (Saturday) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Meeting Place: Furukozaka Cultural Center
2. Meta Tourism Tour with Experts: Doboku x Night View - Rinkai Area
Date: June 6, 2026 (Saturday) 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Meeting Place: Toyosu Cultural Center
(This course will include travel by the Yurikamome Line.)*
3. Meta Tourism Tour with Experts: Drainage Channels x Power Lines x Dead Ends - Johto Area
Date: June 20, 2026 (Saturday) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Meeting Place: Sunamachi Cultural Center
4. Meta Tourism Tour with Experts: Neighborhood Darkness x Lighting - Fukagawa Area
Date: June 20, 2026 (Saturday) 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Meeting Place: Tomioka Community Center

Participation Details

• - Capacity: 15 participants for the daytime sessions and 10 for the night sessions (lottery if oversubscribed).
• - Participation Fee: Free of charge.
• - Eligibility: Residents, students, or workers in Koto Ward, or fans of the area. Cooperation in answering questionnaires and allowing photography during the tour is appreciated.
• - Application Period: April 21, 2026 (Tuesday) to May 21, 2026 (Thursday).
• - How to Apply: Applications can be made via the dedicated page on the official Koto Ward website. Access is also available through a QR code on that page.
• - Lottery Results Notification: Applicants will be notified by email on May 26, 2026 (Tuesday).
• - Contact: Koto Ward Cultural Tourism Division, Tourism Promotion Section, Phone: 03-3647-3312.

Meet the Experts

Each tour will be led by specialists who bring their unique insights into the themes of the tours:

• - Gardening on the Streets: Ayako Murata, a gardening enthusiast and author, leads the discussion of urban gardening practices.
• - Doboku and Night Views: Satoshi Hachima, an expert in landscape design, will guide participants through engineering marvels.
• - Drainage Channels and Power Lines: A duo of drainage enthusiasts, Yoshimura Ikki and Takayama Hideo, will share their passion for hidden urban infrastructure.
• - Neighborhood Darkness and Lighting: Jun Nakano, an experience writer and guide, will facilitate explorations of nighttime aesthetics.

About Meta Tourism

Meta tourism transcends traditional concepts of sightseeing, catering to various needs and interests such as anime locations, photo opportunities, and geographical features. This innovative approach aims to visualize the latent attractions of regions through a multi-layered online map for tourism revitalization.

About the General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Meta Tourism

The association started its activities in January 2021, dedicated to promoting the concept of meta tourism through research, support initiatives, and symposiums. Follow their updates via the official website and across various social media platforms to stay informed about their ongoing projects.