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.

In the early twentieth century the area was a major entertainment district and was Tokyo’s pleasure district with bars, clubs and a seedy underworld but most of this has moved uptown to Shinjuko and other areas of Tokyo. Today most of the buildings are built after the war as the area was extensively damaged by bombing and fire.

The area still has quiet a few royokan guest houses and still has some entertainment including small theatres and pachinco parlors, there also is a small amusment park known as Hanayashiki near the Sensoji Temple. The amusement park is the oldest one in Japan and is tailored a bit more to younger children.

The Sensoji temple is the biggest attraction in the area but there is so much more to see. Whether it be the more traditional area or the new waterfront precincts which include the interesting Asahi Beer headquarters the area is well worth spending a few hours on foot exploring. There is also some water transport on the Sumida River which give a different perspective of the area.

Kappabashi-dori is an interesting street in Asakuas as it is almost entirely devoted to kitchen ware. This street is where any budding Iron Chef or restaurant owner goes to buy their pots, plates or even the plastic shushi to display in their shop window. Kappabashi-dori is easily spotted as the start of the street has a huge chef head sculpture above one of the streets buildings.

To get to Asakusa take the Ginza subway line to the Asakusa Station, which is the last stop on the Ginza line. Tawaramachi Station is also in Asakusa on the Ginza line, a walk between these two stations would be a good way to see the sights of Asakusa.