About Asakusa
Asakusa is a vibrant district in Tokyo known for its rich history and traditional culture. Here are some key points about Asakusa:
Historical Significance
- Cultural Heritage: Asakusa has been a prominent entertainment and cultural center since the Edo period (1603-1868). It was famous for theaters, geisha houses, and the bustling atmosphere of the time.
Major Attractions
- Sensō-ji: As the oldest temple in Tokyo, Sensō-ji is the centerpiece of the district. Visitors come to admire its architecture, participate in rituals, and enjoy the surrounding streets.
- Kaminarimon Gate: This iconic gate, leading to Sensō-ji, features a large red lantern and serves as a popular photo spot.
- Nakamise Street: A lively shopping street filled with stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts, providing a taste of local culture.
Festivals and Events
- Sanja Matsuri: One of Tokyo’s largest festivals, held in May, featuring vibrant parades and traditional performances.
Modern Elements
- Skytree: Nearby is the Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest structures in the world, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Local Cuisine: Asakusa is known for its traditional foods, including tempura and ningyo-yaki (small cakes filled with red bean paste).
Atmosphere
Asakusa blends the old and the new, making it a unique destination where visitors can experience Japan’s cultural heritage alongside modern Tokyo life. It's a great place for both sightseeing and immersing oneself in local traditions.
Asakusa Map
Itinerary
1.Asakusa Station (10:00am)
There are 18 exits from Asakusa station, so choose the one you close to Exit A4 or 2 or 6.
2.Kano Wafuku Kimono rental store
This store is a 5-miniute walk from the station.
You can experience Kimono or Yukata at this store and walk around outside with it.
3.Kaminarimon Gate (11:00am)
The Kaminari-mon Gate that has big red lantern as a landmark is considered to be the symbol of Asakusa, and great photo spot for tourists. So you can take photos with nice Kimonos or Yukatas.
And there are some spots which you can only enjoy on the way leading up to the Kaminari Gate.
4.Nakamise-douri
Shopping at famous shopping street called Nakamise-dori, leading to the temple.
5.Sensō-ji temple
"浅草寺" (Sensō-ji) is a famous Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Japan, founded in 628 AD.
- Nakamise Street: Leading up to the temple, Nakamise-dori is lined with shops selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts, providing a vibrant atmosphere.
- Cultural Significance: Sensō-ji attracts millions of visitors each year, making it a major cultural and tourist site, especially during festivals like the Sanja Matsuri.
Overall, Sensō-ji is not only a place of worship but also a hub of cultural heritage and tradition in Japan.
-Experience-
- Omairi
- Omikuji
- Jyoukouro
7.Kingyo sukui or Ninjya/Kunoichi experience
Kingyosukui
Kingyosukui (金魚すくい) is a traditional Japanese game commonly seen at festivals (matsuri), particularly during summer. The game involves scooping goldfish (kingyo) from a water-filled tank using a delicate scooping tool called a poi, which is a small, flat paddle with a thin paper net. The objective is to catch as many goldfish as possible before the poi breaks due to the water and the weight of the goldfish.
Ninja/Kunoichi experience
A Ninjya (忍者), also known as Shinobi (忍び), refers to a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan, renowned for their skills in espionage, sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and assassination. Ninjas played a key role in the political and military conflicts of Japan, particularly during the Sengoku period(1467–1615), a time of intense civil war and unrest.
6.Lunch (1:30pm)
Umaimon Azuma
￥1,500~￥3,000
・Katsudon
・Sushi
・Buckwheat
Tsurujirou
￥1,000~￥3,000
・Okonomiyaki
・Monjyayaki
・Beef
8.Tokyo skytree (3:00pm)
The Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower located in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. Standing at 634 meters (2,080 feet), it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second-tallest structure in the world, following the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Tokyo skytree is only six minutes from Asakusa station.
9.Sumida Aquarium (5:00pm)
The Sumida Aquarium is a modern and stylish aquarium located in the Tokyo Solamachi complex at the base of the Tokyo Skytree. Opened in 2012, it is one of Tokyo’s most popular aquariums, offering a unique blend of interactive exhibits and beautifully designed marine environments.