After getting a sense of history, stroll through and sample the foods of Nakamise, an area overflowing with the spirit of Japan!

What sort of history can be found in Asakusa?

When Japanese hear the words “Tokyo shitamachi,” many will think of Asakusa. But probably more than a few Japanese will struggle to provide a clear answer when asked “What is a shitamachi?”

This is because the definition of the term “shitamachi” that was born during the Edo period currently remains unclear. At that time, low-lying areas close to Tokyo Bay in which commercial activity flourished were called shitamachi, yet after that it is said that it became unclear as to where the shitamachi were located since place names changed or areas became integrated. When pressed for details by foreigners, Japanese will struggle to answer but the majority would recognize the zone of Asakusa as a “Tokyo shitamachi.” Asakusa is a town located on Tokyo’s eastern side, about 30 minutes from Shibuya by Tokyo Metro’s Ginza line. Not only are there many tourists from foreign countries, it is also a popular sightseeing spot for many Japanese as well. One could say it is the best town in Japan to get a sense of the Edo period.

We recommend that foreign visitors try wearing a kimono in Asakusa. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time into the Edo period, and it’s a great deal of fun to stroll around the town with a kimono. There are shops with reasonable plans starting from 3,000 JPY for a one-day rental, and some such as Asakusa Shichihenge have staff who can speak English, so if time permits why not try this out?

Asakusa Shichihenge
■Address: 2-29-21, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032, Japan
■Business hours: 10:00am through 5:00pm
■Closed: Irregular schedule
A portion of the website is available in English

You must visit “Senso-ji”!

If you come to Asakusa, you must visit the area’s representative temple of Senso-ji. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple, dating back to about 1400 years ago when it enshrined a figure of Kannon (a Buddhist deity of mercy) that was discovered in a river in the year 628.

At the gate to the temple premises you will notice a giant red lantern with the characters for “Kaminarimon” written in black charcoal letters, and this is a popular place for visitors to take pictures.
Passing through the gate and entering the premises you will find yourself on Nakamise-dori, a street lined with various consecutive shops. At the end of this street is the Hozmon gate with niozo (guardian statues) and large waraji (Japanese straw sandals), and beyond that are a five-story pagoda and large Buddhist statue, making this an extensive spot with a variety of things to see and enjoy.

If you’re hungry, head to “Nakamise-dori” and “Hoppy-dori”

After your visit to the temple, you’ll probably start to be feeling a little hungry. But don’t worry! The approximately 250 meter Asakusa Nakamise shopping street that stretches from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji counts about 90 shops and is a popular place to enjoy Asakusa’s specialties.

With options that include ningyoyaki, agemanju, senbei, okaki, dango, and dorayaki, you’ll certainly have trouble deciding which to eat.

Asakusa is certainly famous for its history, but how about enjoying its shitamachi atmosphere and more everyday tastes of the Japanese as well?