Where is Asakusa
Asakusa is a top tourist location in Tokyo now. Even many Japanese first think of Asakusa as the Tokyo’s tourist place. Such Asakusa has Nakamise shopping street and Sensoji Temple that are always crowded with many Japanese and of course foreigners. Recently, it is popular to walk around Asakusa wearing yukata, an informal Japanese kimono, among girls. Famous sightseeing spots like Tokyo Skytree and Ueno is near Asakusa so it is easy to make travel plans!
Asakusa main sightseeing spots
“The oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo”
Sensoji Temple
A temple that represents Japan, Sensoji Temple, is always filled with many people. This oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Sensoji Temple, consists of 3 elements!
Sensoji Temple
Address：2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
Access：5 minutes walk from “Asakusa sta.”
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1.Kaminarimon Gate：This Kaminarimon Gate is the landmark of Asakusa for sure and it is also the landmark of Tokyo…! Kaminarimon(雷門), written in the large lantern, is not an official name. Furaijinmon(風神雷神門) is the official name and it is written on the back of the large red lantern in Kanji character. Two statues of Buddhist deities are on the both side of the gate. Fujin, the deity on the right and Raijin, the deity on the left. This gate is the starting point of Asakusa sightseeing and the best photo spot!
2.Nakamise shopping street：Passing through the Kaminari mon gate, there is the Nakamise Shopping street. Asakusa’s Nakamise street has flourished form Edo period. About 90 shops are lined up on the street which is approximately 250 meters long. The pavement with stone and beautifully unified and illuminated signboards receive high reputations from foreigners. You can buy traditional Japanese sweets and souvenirs at this exciting street!
3.Main Hall Building of Sensoji Temple：At the end of the Nakamise street, there is the main hall of Sensoji Temple. The old hall was listed as a national treasure but it was destroyed by fire at Great Tokyo Air Raids in 1945. Today’s main hall is a reconstruction with reinforced concrete. Next to the main hall, you can draw a Japan’s traditional oracle “Omikuji” and check your luck. Your luck is also written in English so foreigners can enjoy too!
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“Take a look at this famous oldest amusement park in Japan”
Asakusa Hanayashiki
Near Sensoji Temple, there is this nostalgic and traditional downtown’s amusement park. It is famous and popular as the oldest amusement park in Japan. Space shot that you can see Asakusa at 60 meter height and Disk “O” is definitely thrilling attractions. 3D theater, Haunted House, and child friendly rides and more…! It is not a huge park but you can experience various attractions.
Asakusa Hanayashiki
Address：2-28-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
Access：5 minutes walk from “Asakusa sta.”
Official：https://www.hanayashiki.net/en
“Time travel around Asakusa by a rickshaw ride”
Rickshaw ride
You’ll see many young men and women who draw rickshaw around Sensoji Temple. When you ride in a rickshaw, a man or a woman explains you the history and highlights of Asakusa. You can travel around Asakusa and have a relaxing time on the rickshaw. There are various courses from 10 min short ride to long ride to see Asakusa deeply according to the price. Some drivers can speak English, Chinese and Korean so don’t hesitate to talk to them! They’ll show the hidden and beautiful Asakusa to you.
Rickshaw ride
Address：2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
Access：5 minutes walk from “Asakusa sta.”
Official：http://ebisuya.com/en/branch/index.html#branch_kaminarimon
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“Largest radio tower in the world.There are lots of fulfilling attractions too”
Tokyo Skytree Town
The largest radio tower in the world, Tokyo Skytree tower. Two observatories at 450 meter heights and 350 meter heights show you the panoramic view of Tokyo. “Tokyo solamachi”, which has an aquarium, a planetarium, restaurants, and shopping stores located near this Tokyo Skytree. This area is called Tokyo Skytree Town and many people visit here to enjoy their time. We would like to introduce how to enjoy this Tokyo Skytree tower and surrounding spots.
Tokyo Skytree Town
Address：1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045
Access：0 minutes walk from “Tokyo Skytree sta.”
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1.Tokyo Skytree：Tokyo Skytree was built in 2012. It got lot of attentions as the largest radio tower in the world then. At such Tokyo Skytree, you can go up as well. The height of the tower is 634 meter and you can go up 450 meter height floor by an elevator. At 350 meter height, there are 3 floors of the observatory and the 360 degree of Tokyo view is outstanding. From this observatory floor, you can go to the observatory of 450 meter heights. You might feel like you’re walking in the sky!
2.Tokyo Solamachi：Tokyo Solamachi adjoins Tokyo Skytree and located in the Tokyo Skytree Town. Tokyo Solamachi’s concept is to make a new downtown that connects Central Tokyo & Tobu line AND Japan and the world. You can find special products/sweets only found at Tokyo Skytree, items of the official character Sorakara Chan, and Tokyo souvenirs. It also has a fashion floor, restaurant floor, food court, stores like at depachika so you can find your best lunch or dinner here. Solamachi is not only popular for Japanese but also for foreigners. Shopping, gourmet, Tokyo souvenirs…. you can find many things here.
3.Sumida Aquarium：This Sumida Aquarium is located under the Tokyo Skytree. At this indoor aquarium, there are lots of photogenic spots unlike other ordinary aquariums. There is a cafe where you can enjoy your tea time with watching penguins. You can also drink alcohols at this cafe! It is the best time drinking alcohols surrounded by sea creatures. Come here to relax and see the cute and interesting sea creatures!
4.Konica Minolta Planetarium：You can enjoy the new planetarium of combining video, music, and aroma at this Konica Minolta Planetarium. Konica Minolta is a name of company that operates this planetarium and mainly makes planetarium equipments. That’s why this planetarium offers the best and latest technology’s shows. Multiple works are put on the screen everyday so you can choose your favorite themed work. Why not a space travel in Tokyo?!
Summary
Asakusa is very famous to the world as a must visit place in Tokyo. From the traditional Asakusa Sensoji temple to Tokyo’s new symbol, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa area has both traditional and new attractions. You should not miss shopping at Nakamise street for Japanese souvenirs!