Old Tokyo Survives in Asakusa

Above, the Nakamise-dori approach to Senso-ji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite places to visit in Tokyo is Asakusa. Here, there's plenty to see including wandering around Nakamise-dori and Senso-ji Temple. If shopping is your favorite thing to do, there's plenty of it on Nakamise-dori and the Shin-Nakamise shopping arcade. There are many restaurants at Shin-Nakamise to choose from.

Modern Tokyo Times has a good article on Asakusa's history along with nearby Kappabashi-dori, known as Kitchen Town for its many stores selling kitchenware. I visited Kappabashi-dori last month and bought my roommate a personalized chef's knife there.

Above, a giant chef overlooks Kappabashi-dori ("Kitchen Town") in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article begins with:

Tokyo tourism provides an abundance of options because this highly developed city caters for so many tastes. This applies to amazing Japanese gardens, stunning art galleries, high octane fashion districts, a paradise for gamers, the beautiful Tenno palace, the beach of Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge, Meiji Shrine, mountain range of Takao, and so much more. Therefore, tourists who visit Tokyo are spoilt for choice in this amazing city. 

However, in this article the emphasis is on Asakusa because this lovely district is famous for the stunning Buddhist temple called Senso-ji. This notable landmark in Tokyo is dedicated to the revered bodhisattva Kannon. Also, you have other beautiful temples in Asakusa and throughout the year you have various festivals which highlight the richness of Japanese culture.

Above, a view of Asakusa and the Tokyo Cruise Terminal from the Azuma Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Across the Sumida River from Asakusa are the Asahi Beer Hall and the Tokyo Skytree. The station for Sumida River Cruises is also in Asakusa.

Above, Shin-Nakamise shopping arcade. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

To read the full article, go here.