Tokyo Asakusa is a temple town, which flourished during Edo period and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo. The atmosphere of old Japan attracts many tourists throughout the year. Especially, many people visit Asakusa during New Year's holidays and various festivals.
Asakusa Bunka Kanko (Culture and Sightseeing) Center
Address: 2-18-9 Kaminarimon Taito-ku, Tokyo
It's located across the street from the Kaminari-mon Gate.
There are usually English-speaking volunteers. It's good to stop by before you start exploring Asakusa.
Kaminari-mon Gate
It's a gate of Sensoji Temple. This gate with a huge red lantern is a famous landmark in Asakusa. The Chinese characters written on the lantern say "thunder" and "gate" (kaminari-mon).
Sightseeing tours by rickshaws (jinriki-sha) are very popular in Asakusa. You can find many rickshaws around the Kaminarimon gate.
Nakamise Street
It's a pedestrian mall leading to Senso-ji Temple from the Kaminari-mon. There are many shops sell traditional Japanese items and food line up on both sides of the street. If you are looking for souvenirs, this is a good place to shop. For example, you can buy washi (Japanese papers), casual kimono, Japanese dolls, manekineko (beckoning cats), sensu (Japanese fan), and lots more. Visitors also have fun eating traditional Japanese snacks.
Sensoji
It's said that Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Sensoji is also called Asakusa Kannon.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
Asakusa Jinja
Asakusa Jinja shrine is located next to the Sensoji temple. It is known for its Sanja Matsuri which is the annual festival of Asakusa Shrine.
Asakusa Hanayashiki
It's a popular amusement park located near the Sensoji temple. Hanayashiki is one of the oldest amusement parks in Tokyo. Although the attractions are relatively compact, the atmosphere is cheerful.
Address: 2-28-1 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
Sumida Park
Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima
Sumida Koen Park is located along Sumida River on both Sumida-ku and Taito-ku sides. It's one of the most popular places for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo.
Location: 7-1 Asakusa, 1-1 Hanakawado, 2-1 Hanakawado Taito-ku, Tokyo / 1-chome, 2-chome, 5-chome Mukoujima Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Sumida River Cruise
Tokyo Cruise Ship Co. operates a variety of sightseeing boats along the Sumida River and on the Tokyo Bay. The Asakusa boarding terminal is located by Sumida park.