Asakusa - Asakusa

Asakusa is a neighborhood of Taitō, in turn a special district of the city of Tokyo.

To know

Asakusa (浅 草) is best known for its temples, especially the Sensōji.

How to orient yourself

How to get

On the train

Asakusa is the arrival point of the Ginza Metro Line (G19), the most convenient way to get to the area, generally by changing at Ueno from the Yamanote line.

Other options are the Toei Asakusa subway line (A18), which crosses the eastern and southern part of Tokyo or the Toei Oedo Line subway line to Kuramae station (E11), or use the Tobu-Isesaki Line also coming from Isesaki and direct in Asakusa and vice versa.

• 35.711944139.7983331 Asakusa Station (浅 草 駅 Asakusa-eki). Lines , Ryōmō Line,  
• 35.713251139.7923082 Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express). Not to be confused with the other station of the same name, this only hosts trains  

By boat

Surely the most suggestive way to reach Asakusa is by going up the Sumida River with a boat starting from the Hinode Shimbashi pier in Tokyo Bay. The 35.710743139.7985353 pier of the boats it is located alongside the Azuma-bashi bridge, just a five-minute walk from Sensōji. The boats (sujōbus) are operated by the Tokyo Cruise Ship Company [1] (daily 10:00 - 18:30, 760 yen)

By bus

The Airport Limousine service^{[link previously not working]} departs daily from Narita Airport to Asakusa for ¥ 2,800. Arrive at Asakusa View Hotel, right next to Asakusa Station.

Connections

Nikkō ← Shin Tochigi ← verse ← Tokyo Skytree ←	No.  S.	→ end
Ashikaga ← Tatebayashi ← verse ← Kasukabe ←	No.  S.	→ end
Tsukuba ← Misato Chuo ← Kitasenju ←	OR  IS	→ Akihabara
Ginza ← Suehirocho ← Ueno ←	OR  IS	→ end
Daimon ← Shinbashi ← Nihonbashi ←	OR  IS	→ Oshiage → verse → Tsudanuma → Narita
Myth ← Kashiwa ← Matsudo ←	No.  S.	→ Nihonbashi

How to get around

The size of the neighborhood allows you to move around easily on foot.

What see

Sensō-ji

• 35.714556139.7966391 Sensōji (浅 草 寺 Asakusa Kannon). The largest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, dating back to the mid-7th century, according to legend, it was created to house a small statue of the goddess of mercy Kannon that two fishing brothers had found in their nets. It is a major tourist attraction for both Japanese and foreigners. Take the Asakusa subway exit and follow the crowd.  

• 35.711133139.7963252 Kaminarimon (雷 門 or "gate of thunder"). Contains a giant lantern and statues of guardian deities Raijin (god of thunder) and Fujin (god of wind). First built in 942 it has been destroyed several times and the current one dates back to 1950. Immediately after the gate begins the Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple.  

• 35.713961139.7966673 Hōzō-mon (宝 蔵 門) (At the end of the street). The main gate, which contains a giant straw sandal (waraji) hanging on a high. This gate is also guarded by two ferocious guardian deities.  

• 35.714736139.7967254 Kannondō (観 音 堂, Kannon Hall). Perpetually occupied by a continuous stream of worshipers who envelop themselves in the fumes of incense before climbing the stairs to give and pray. The goddess statuette is not visible, as it is one hibutsu, an image considered too sacred to be exhibited. Three times a day (6:30, 10:00 and 14:00) the drums are played, while the priests recite the sutras. 

• 35.714102139.7960415 Gojūnoto (五 重 塔, 5-story pagoda) (West). This pagoda is believed to contain part of the Buddha's ashes. 

• Niten-mon gate. The eastern entrance passes through a gate dating back to 618. They are the remains of a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was moved to Ueno after a series of fires. 

• 35.712924139.7946146 Chingodo Shrine (turn right after the Hōzōmon gate and head right for a few hundred meters). Quiet sanctuary dedicated to tanuki, Japanese folklore creature similar to a raccoon, protector from fires and thieves. 

• 35.713236139.7954597 Denpoin Temple (伝 法院) (at the far end of the Nakamise Shopping Arcade). 300¥. Located right next to Sensō-ji (to which it belongs), this temple has a spectacular Japanese garden. While they are generally closed to the public, they open for exhibitions every year from about mid-March to early May. In addition to the (small) garden itself, which is best in the cherry blossom (sakura) season, the exhibit also features some of the Temple's cultural treasures. The entrance is near the five-story pagoda (Gojūnotō) of the Sensō-ji temple (see above). 

Other

• 35.715139139.7974368 Asakusa Jinja (浅 草 神社). To the east behind the Kannondō temple is this Shinto shrine dedicated to the protection of the Buddhist temple. The fairly unadorned shrine doesn't have much to see, but is noteworthy as a focal point of the Sanja Matsuri festival (see Tokyo # Events_and_feasts).  
• 35.711891139.7920189 Drum Museum, 2-1-1 Nishiasakusa, ☎ 81 3-3842-5622. 300 yen. Wed-Sun 10: 00-17: 00. A collection of drums from around the world where you can also try out some of the instruments on display. 

What to do

• 35.715497139.7946891 Hanayashiki (花 や し き), 2 Chome-28-１ Asakusa, ☎ 81 3-3842-8780. Mon-Sun 10: 00-18: 00. Located near the Sensoji, it is a small amusement park with several attractions and games; the nearby cinema specializes in showing classic Japanese films, aimed at the many elderly Japanese tourists who visit the temple.  

Shopping

• 35.711893139.7964691 Nakamise (from Kaminarimon gate to Sensoji). Busy shopping street, covered by a roof. All kinds of Buddhist paraphernalia can be found there as well as all kinds of kitschy tourist souvenirs and it is one of the best places in Tokyo to buy souvenirs. Note that more expensive items such as swords and kimonos are likely to be of inferior quality. Slightly better handicrafts, rather than mass-produced souvenirs, can be found inexpensively on the small street that runs parallel to the Nakamise. Continue to Sensoji, turn right and then right again in the first street. There are several small shops with better quality souvenirs and gift items, such as handkerchiefs, handmade silk ball necklaces, hair clips. 

How to have fun

The local drink is the Denki Bran, a strong brandy-based cocktail originally created in Kamiya Bar, but which can be ordered in most places in the area.

• 35.710887139.7974461 Kamiya Bar (神 谷 バ ー), Asakusa 1-1-1 (Located in Kaminarimon Dori in an anonymous brown building, between the Kaminarimon Gate and the Sumida River), ☎ 81(3)38415400. 11:30-22:00. Founded in 1880 and creator of the Denki Bran, a true local institution. There is a large hall / brewery on the ground floor, a western-style cocktail restaurant upstairs, while Japanese food is served on the top floor. Occupy one of the tables, buy your ticket at the counter and join in the fun. 
• 35.714816139.7927882 Asakusa Naniwaya, Asakusa 2-12-4, ☎ 81 3-3842-0988. 10:00-19:00. Excellent coffee in the shop, you can also enjoy green tea and coffee with all the handmade Japanese sweets. 

Where to eat

Asakusa is famous for its senbei, rice creackers cooked on the grill, flavored with soy and generally wrapped in seaweed. There are many shops selling them on Nakamise Street and packets of senbei they are a popular souvenir even among the Japanese. Also not to be missed is the Kaminari okoshi, a sweet snack made of rice, peanuts and syrup dating back to the Edo period. Asakusa is also famous for its Tempura, vegetables and fried shrimp. You can find many tempura restaurants, both expensive and inexpensive, in the streets near Nakamise.

Moderate prices

• 35.710672139.7971131 Nishiyama (甘味 処 西山), Kaminarimon 2-19-10 (Just off the main intersection, towards Kaminarimon), ☎ 81 3 5830-3145. Thu-Mar 10: 00-19: 00. After an exhausting day touring the temples, grab some hot steamed dumplings or pop inside for traditional desserts likeoshiruko (rice cake grilled in a sweet bean polenta) or cream an-mitsu (jelly cubes in molasses with candied fruit and ice cream). This very simple shop serving tea and sweets has been in business since 1852. 
• 35.711041139.7966182 Kaminarimon Sansada (三定), Asakusa 1－２－２ (just to the right of the Kaminarimon), ☎ 81 3 3841-3400. Mon-Sun 11: 30-21: 30. Over 150 years of history. Try their tempura and soba set! Or deep fried fresh flour / batter at the front of the restaurant. You can hear them from a mile away, because they use sesame oil. 
• 35.711555139.7960493 Kagetsudo (花 月 堂), 1 Chome-18-１１ Asakusa, ☎ 81 3-5830-3534. 200 yen for one, 500 yen for three. Mon-Sun 09: 00-17: 00.. This place has been making "melon pan" since 1945, and it hasn't changed the decorations over time. It's a small buttery, milky pie with a crunchy, sweet crust. 
• 35.711287139.7949054 Aoi Marushin (葵 丸 進), 1-4-4 Asakusa, ☎ 81 3-3841-0110. Mon-Sun 11: 00-20: 00. Aoi Marushin is the largest tempura restaurant in Tokyo. 
• 35.710954139.7947655 Starbucks, Taito City, Kaminarimon, 2-chōme − 16−７, グ ラ ン コ ピ エ 浅 草 雷 門, ☎ 81 3-5828-8091. Mon-Sun 7: 00-22: 00. 
• 35.711523139.7958086 ^{[link not working]}Sekai café, 1-chōme-18-8 Asakusa, ☎ 81 3-6802-7300. Mon-Sun 9: 30-20: 00. 
• 35.712348139.799427 Suke6 Diner, 1-11-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0033 Ayumi Building 1-2F (Asakusa Station (Ginza / Asakusa Line) No. 5, a 3-minute walk from the north exit. A 5 minute walk from Exit A5 of the Asakusa Toei Line Station), ☎ 81 3-5830-3367. Tue-Sun 8: 00-21: 00. Riverside venue for breakfast and other meals with menus in English. 

Average prices

• 35.711253139.7949818 Aoi-Marushin (葵 丸 進), 1-4-4 Asakusa, ☎ 81 3 3841-0110. Good tempura in a convenient location, with fifty years of history behind it. 
• 35.712764139.7955249 Daikokuya (大 黒 家), 1-38-10 Asakusa, ☎ 81 3 3844-1111. Probably the most famous tempura restaurant in Tokyo, with a history of over 100 years. Be prepared for long lines at mealtimes. An English menu is available upon request. 

High prices

• 35.713263139.79777110 Bentenyama Miyakozushi Souhonten, 2-1-16 Asakusa, ☎ 81 3-3844-0034. This is a very small and very expensive sushi restaurant in Taito. If you are a fan this is the place for you, with a great sushi and setting. 

Where stay

Asakusa is a popular accommodation choice for budget travelers, there are also many low-cost ryokans for foreigners in the area. For even cheaper (but less affordable) options, see the district's article Taitō.

Moderate prices

• Khaosan Hostel, ☎ 81 3 5856-6560. ¥2000. This group of guesthouses has 3 different hostels within 5 minutes from Asakusa Station; they also run a traveler's bar and you get a free drink when you stay. There are dorms and private rooms available. 
• 35.716057139.7948161 Sakura Hostel Asakusa (サ ク ラ ホ ス テ ル 浅 草), 2-24-2 Asakusa (Approximately 6 minutes from Tsukuba Express train station), ☎ 81 3 3847-8111, @[email protected]. From ¥ 2940 per person per night. Check in: 13:00, check-out: 11:00. The largest hostel in Tokyo, located just behind a theme park and with a direct view of Tokyo Skytree, the second tallest building in the world. Accommodation for individual backpackers, families and group travelers. Very friendly English speaking staff. 

Average prices

• 35.71243139.7959632 Ryokan Shigetsu, ☎ 81 3 3843-2345. ¥7665-21.000. A nice little hotel with a mix of Japanese style and western style rooms. It is very conveniently located right next to the famous Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Friendly and helpful staff. Free internet in all rooms, two Japanese style bathrooms and showers. 
• 35.716564139.7932413 ^{[link not working]}Sukeroku-no-Yado-Sadachiyo, 2-20-1 Asakusa (10 minutes walk from Tawaramachi Station or 15 minutes walk from Asakusa Station), ☎ 81 3 3842-6431, fax: 81 3 3842-6433, @[email protected]. Single ¥ 14,000, double ¥ 19,000, extra ¥ 1000 on weekends and holidays.. Check in: 16:00, check-out: 10:00. Japanese style ryokan. In a quiet street all rooms are equipped with shower / bath and toilet. Internet available. Two public baths, two tatami banquet halls and a lounge. 

How to keep in touch

Internet

• Taito Free Wi-Fi, ☎ 81 570-015-152. WIFI service of the Taito district. 

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Asakusa
• Commons contains images or other files on Asakusa

Usable : the article respects the characteristics of a draft but in addition contains enough information to allow a brief visit to the district. Use i correctly listing (the right type in the right sections).