Asakusa is an historic temple town which dates back over 1000 years, today it is one Japan’s few traditional quarters and is a very popular tourist destination.
Thousands flock to the Senso-jo temple which although rebuilt after the war dates back to the 6th century.
The area is also home to a lot of small time entertainment with small carnival parks, cinemas, and the conspicuous strip clubs and pachinko parlours.
Asakusa is a fantastic place to pick up traditional Japanese gifts, from fans, lanterns and lacquered goods. There are quite a few market like stalls in the streets surrounding the temple.
About Asakusa
Asakusa is located on the north-east fringe of Central Tokyo, at the eastern end of the Ginza subway line and is situated in what is called the low city on the banks fo the Sumida River. It is a very old area of Tokyo with quite a bit of history attached to it.
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Asakusa Map
Below is a map of Asakusa with the major attractions numbered. Asakusa sits just outside the loop of the Yamanote Line one suburb over from Ueno. The Ginza line of the Tokyo Metro is probably the best bet to get to Asakusa if you get off at Asakusa Station you can check out the nearby Asahi beer headquarters, Senso-ji Temple and walk up to the kitchen district of Kappanbashi-Dori.You could then return via the Ginza line at Tawaramachi Station.
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Asahi Beer Headquarters
The Asahi Beer Headquarters is one of the more interesting architectural wonders in Tokyo. There are two main buildings, the biggest building standing 100 meters tall resembles a giant beer jug complete with a foam shaped white roof. The shorter building is known as the Super Dry Hall and is a black building in the shape of a beer glass that has a huge golden flame shaped object perched on top.
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Kappabashi-dori
For an interesting shopping excursion visit the Kappabashi-dori which is Tokyo’s wholesale district for restaurants. It sells all sorts of interesting things including the amazing plastic food which can be seen in most restaurants called sampuru around Tokyo. There is everything you could ever imagine to need in a restaurant from cookers to spatulas, chefs costume to plates and knives.
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Sensoji Temple
The Sensoji is also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple and is a huge Buddhist temple located in Asakusa and is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions and dates back to 645 making also Tokyo’s oldest temple. The temple was actually rebuilt in 1958 after burning down in the Tokyo bombing of 1945.
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