Asakusa, We Walk Through A Traditional Tokyo Neighborhood
Within the impressive capital of the country of the rising sun we find a unique corner where you can enjoy the most traditional Japan. The Asakusa neighborhood is a reference for lovers of cultural and historical tourism. Therefore, we advise you not to miss any detail of this article to learn about the history and places of interest of the most traditional neighborhood of Tokyo.
History of the Asakusa neighborhood
Hundreds of years old, the Asakusa neighborhood is known as one of the most representative places of classic Japan in Tokyo. Especially during the Edo period (1603-1868), which coincides with the old name of the Japanese capital.
Asakusa was one of the main entertainment districts of the city, housing theaters, tea houses and other entertainment venues. Already during the 20th century, and after the period of industrial expansion or the Meiji Revolution, some modern cinemas were installed.
The neighborhood also suffered the ravages of World War II. In March 1945 it suffered serious damage due to the bombings that not only destroyed part of the entertainment venues, but also resulted in the destruction of some of its temples. Therefore, finally, it was decided to move the leisure area to other districts such as Shinjuku.
However, it remains one of the oldest geisha neighborhoods in Tokyo. In it it is still possible to find some maiko and geisha walking through it, dressed in their respective kimonos and umbrellas. In addition, dance and music shows are also held in some traditional places in the neighborhood.
A walk through Asakusa
Without a doubt, our first stop will be the Sensoji Temple, the most visited tourist spot in Asakusa. Here we can photograph ourselves next to the famous Kaminarimon gate, or Gate of Thunder. Crossing it we will arrive at Nakamise Street, a small village built around the temple.
This street is 250 meters long. In it we can find more than 50 shops where you can buy from traditional sweets to kimonos and other handicraft items. In addition, while we walk through it we will be able to cross the Hozomon gate and admire the Skytree tower, which creates a strong contrast in the landscape.
Other famous shopping streets in the area are Shin-Nakamise, full of shops and restaurants, or the famous Asakusa Chikagai underground passage, one of the oldest underground streets in the country, which still maintains the charm of the Showa period.
Continuing with our tour we will arrive at the Asakusa shrine, which endured the bombings during the Second World War, of great historical importance. Nearby we can visit, if we can find it open, the Chingodo room. Its interior keeps the representation of a tanuki , an animal that the Japanese associate with protection.
We will also find the Hanayashiki amusement park, whose origin dates back more than 150 years. And we must not miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the many cruises to the Hama-Rikyu gardens, visit the artificial island of Odaiba or stroll along the banks of the Sumida River.
Tips to make the most of your visit
In addition to visiting its streets, we recommend consulting the many activities offered in the neighborhood to live a purely Japanese experience. We can ride in a kimono, ride a rickshaw and even learn some Japanese engraving techniques, characteristic of ukiyo-e art .
We also recommend visiting the Jakotsuyu public baths and enjoying the many izakayas that we can find. These are a type of classic Japanese restaurant where we can try dishes such as Daikokuya tempura and Irogawa unagi . Similarly, it is very important to buy some traditional sweets, such as anmitsu or dorayaki .
Luckily, Asakusa has several types of accommodation for all types of pockets. There are from luxury hotels like The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic, which offers a terrace with views of the neighborhood, to hostels with a traditional touch like the Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse.
