A trip through history in Asakusa

Asakusa is at the eastern end of the Ginza subway line, about one mile east of the major Ueno station and area. Asakusa is on the banks of the Sumida River. In the 1900’s Asakusa was the major entertainment district in Tokyo. It has now been surpassed by Shinjuku and other colorful areas in the city, in its role as a pleasure district. Personally I love Asakusa it’s a really old part of Tokyo with tones of history. There is a lot of temple and shrines in this area one of which is the Senso-ji 浅草寺. The Senso-ji temple was built in the year 645, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo and one of its most significant. The temple was designated as the tutelary temple of the Tokugawa clan.  This temple is a wonder and a great starting point for Asakusa excurtion.

In the shops all around The sensoji temple you can find a massive amount of omiage(gift)  shop with everything from traditional Japanese sweet’s to yukata and kimonos.  I would not recommend buying gift in that area since there is a really high concentration of tourist but looking around can be a real pleasure. Asakusa also hosts a major cluster of domestic kitchen ware stores on Kappabashi-dori, which is visited by many Tokyoites and travelers alike. Keeping up with the cooking theme Asakusa is pleased to have wide variety of really good restaurant. Good things to eat in Asakusa are Tempura specialty which are particularity exquisite.  For those of you that share a passion for beer this area of Tokyo as something for you too. In walking distance of the Sensoji temple you will find the Asahi Beer Hall. The Beer Hall  is the Asahi Breweries headquarters. The headquarters are a beautiful golden modern building that in my opinion is a must see if your in this area.

I would recommend a one day visit at Asakusa

If you want to put a little bit more planing on your visit to the Asakusa region try to make sure to come during a matsuri.

A matsuri is a festival, Asakusa is the host of many festival year-round.

I would be a great opportunity to witness  and experience Japanese traditions.

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