This Kaminarimon Gate is the landmark of Asakusa for sure and it is also the landmark of Tokyo…! 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!
Asakusa・Tokyo Skytree
A must visit spot in Tokyo. Asakusa is the town filled with Japanese traditions and culture! It is the major tourist site in Tokyo that even Japanese from other prefectures visit Asakusa. You should not miss especially Sensoji Temple, the most famous temple in Tokyo and Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Japan! Asakusa is always busy with people from all around the world!
Where is Asakusa/Skytree area
Must visit spot in Tokyo, Sensoji Temple！
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Japan and very popular sightseeing spot for Japanese too. It has a history of over 1,400 years and is known as the oldest temple in Tokyo. We introduce 3 main highlights of Sensoji Temple!
“The main gate of Asakusa Sensoji Temple!”
Passing through the Kaminarimon 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!
“One of the best shopping streets for souvenirs in Tokyo!”
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!
“The oldest amusement park in Japan!”
Sensoji Temple is surrounded by traditional Japanese culture!
Asakusa’s popular attraction is a rickshaw ride! You would see many rickshaw rides in Asakusa and they will show you the hidden and beautiful town, Asakusa! It is very recommendable that they have staffs who can speak English, Chinese, and Korean. Asakusa has a traditional amusement park, shopping arcades, good-old crafts stores, restaurants, and more! You can enjoy traditional Japanese culture everywhere.
You would see many young men and women who draw rickshaws around Asakusa Sensoji Temple. He/she explains you the history and highlights of Asakusa while drawing the rickshaw. Various courses from 10 minutes short ride to 1 hour long ride are available and they have drivers who can speak English, Chinese, and Korean. Please enjoy the relaxing ride and he/she will show you the hidden and beautiful Asakusa!
“Time travel around Asakusa by a rickshaw ride!”
Near Asakusa Sensoji Temple, you would find this nostalgic and traditional downtown’s amusement park. It is famous and popular as the oldest amusement park in Japan opened in 1853 and reopened in 1947 after the Second World War. Space shot that you can see Asakusa at 60 meters high and Disk “O” are definitely thrilling attractions. It also has a 3D theater, Haunted House, and child friendly rides and more…! Hanayashiki is filled with nostalgic and traditional Japanese atmosphere.
“The oldest amusement park in Japan!”
Shin Nakamise shopping street located close to Sensoji Temple has about more than 100 stores of cafe, Japanese food restaurants, souvenir stores, and Japanese traditional crafts shops. The shopping street consists of 5 arcades which would be 380 meters long in total. Usually the stores open at around 10:00〜11:00 and close at around 18:00〜20:00.
“The longest shopping arcade in Asakusa!”
Denpoin street is located at the western side of Nakamise shopping street. You can easily notice this 200 meters long street filled with good-old crafts stores, food stores, and souvenir stores. Don’t miss to check the paper lanterns with Japanese jokes which were popular during the Edo period and old roof tiles on the street. Please enjoy the nice Edo period (1603~1868) atmosphere at this street!
“The street filled with the Edo period atmosphere!”
Asakusa Jinja Shrine located near Sensoji Temple, is a famous Shinto shrine that holds Sanja Matsuri every summer. The main hall donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd Tokugawa Shogun, is designated as a national important cultural property.
“The shrine is famous for Sanja Matsuri festival in summer!”
You would see this mysterious and famous gold sculpture once you get off the Asakusa station. This building is the head office of the famous Japanese beer company, Asahi and it has public exhibitions of their company. The gold sculpture represents Golden Flame and has the meaning of passion. It was installed in 1989 to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary. The building and the flame were designed by French artist, Philippe Starck.
“The building with a famous gold sculpture in Asakusa!”
Kappabashi shopping street is a very famous shopping arcade which is lined with many kitchen related stores. You would find specialized stores for cooking utensils, dishes, frying pans, and more! The street is also famous for Japanese plastic and wax food samples. You can try to make your own food sample at some stores!
“Famous shopping street between Ueno and Asakusa filled with kitchen related tools!”
Largest radio tower in the world!
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 is located near Tokyo Skytree. This area is called Tokyo Skytree Town and many people visit here to enjoy their time.
Tokyo Skytree was opened in 2012 and it got huge attentions as the tallest building in the world then. The tower is 634 meters high and has 2 observation decks. The first deck is 350 meters above the ground and the second deck is at 450 meters. The panoramic Tokyo view is outstanding! It makes you feel like you’re walking in the sky.
“Tallest radio tower in the world!”
Tokyo Solamachi is a shopping complex adjoins Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Solamachi’s concept is to make a new downtown that connects Tokyo, Japan, and the world. You can get special products/sweets only found here, items of the official character Sorakara Chan, and Tokyo souvenirs. It also has a fashion floor and a restaurant floor. Please enjoy walking around here!
“The shopping area located under Tokyo Skytree!”
Sumida Aquarium is an indoor aquarium located under the Tokyo Skytree. It has many photogenic spots such as a cafe where you can enjoy your tea time with watching penguins. This cafe also has alcohols! It would be the best time drinking teas or alcohols surrounded by sea creatures. Come here to relax and observe cute and interesting sea creatures!
“One of the best indoor aquariums in Tokyo!”
Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku in Tokyo Solamachi offers the new planetarium of combining video, music, and aroma. Konica Minolta is a Japanese electronics manufacturer company that also operates planetariums and makes planetarium equipments. That’s why this planetarium has the best programs with latest technology. It also has multilingual audio services. As various works are put on the screen everyday, you can choose your favorite themed performance!
“The planetarium with Japan’s latest technology!”
Sumida Park in Asakusa is located on the both banks of the Sumida River. In spring, cherry blossoms beautifully bloom over 1 kilometers on the both banks. In summer, the famous Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is held. Just by walking around, you can enjoy the beautiful greenery and Tokyo Skytree view!
“Sumida park is a famous cherry blossoms spot in spring!”