Asakusa

Old Tokyo around Sensō-ji

Tokyo

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The vibe

Asakusa keeps the feel of old Tokyo: the Kaminarimon gate with its giant lantern, Nakamise shopping street, Sensō-ji temple and makers of knives, fans and sweets. The Tokyo Skytree rises just across the Sumida River.

Good to know

The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, opposite Kaminarimon, has a free rooftop terrace with views of the temple and the Skytree.

When to go

Early morning before 8am, or in the evening when the temple is lit up.

Getting there

Subway to Asakusa (Ginza and Asakusa lines) or Tobu Asakusa.

The story

How the neighbourhood came to be

According to tradition, two fishermen found a statue of Kannon in the Sumida River in 628; Sensō-ji was founded to house it. In the Edo period Asakusa became the entertainment district, with theatres and festivals, a tradition carried on by the Sanja Matsuri in May.

Did you know?

1Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple.
2The Sanja Matsuri draws nearly two million people every May.

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