Asakusa Travel Guide - Tokyo Japan

Asakusa

History

Asakusa is one of the few traditional quarters left in Tokyo. During the Edo
period, it marked the Northern limit of the city. It was where the out-classed such
as the prostitutes, yakusas and priests (as strange as it may seem) lived.
Yoshiwara, the infamous pleasure quarter, was located in the Northern part of
Asakusa, not far from Senso-ji Temple. In the Meiji era, it was in Asakusa that
the first Western imported entertainment were tested. That is where the first
public cinema opened, where the first Western operas were shown (at the
Imperial Theater) and that the first music hall and striptease clubs made their
appearance.

Asakusa (浅草) is the part of Tokyo most famous for the Sensoji, a Buddhist
temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. There is also an above-average
density of temples in nishi-(west)-Asakusa.

Sensoji Temple - 浅草寺 (More Details)

Built in the 7th century is an ancient Buddhist temple . It is
Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly
associated with the Tendai sect, it became
independent after World War II.

Always open. Admission free.

Namamisi Dori Street

Most tourists visiting Asakusa will first encounter the small
souvenirs shops along the Nakamise- dori, between
Kaminari-mon and Senso-ji. It is the ideal place to look for
traditional (imitations of) Japanese goods such as yukata, red
lanterns, lacquer boxes or Buddhist statues.

Always open. Admission free.

Kaminari-mon Gate - 雷門

Near Asakusa station leads the way to the temple. It cannot be
missed with its huge red lantern and two evil-looking protectors.

Always open. Admission free.

Five-storeyed pagoda (五重塔)

Asahi Beer Tower

The Asahi Beer Tower and Asahi Super Dry Hall with its
characteristic Flamme d'Or were, completed in 1989 and host
the headquarters of Asahi Breweries. Furthermore, several
restaurants can be found in the complex.

Restaurants open daily from 11:30 to 22:00.

Places to Visit

Asakusa offers many places new and old to take a look at. If you plan a trip to
Tokyo I highly recommend taking the time to visit some of these locations.