Revitalized Asakusa

Above, Nakamise Dori's shops. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Asakusa and Nakamise Dori have been blog subjects here for several years. Next to the shops at Nakano's Broadway Mall, I probably have spent the most money in Asakusa for souvenirs and food than anywhere else in Japan.

Above, the Skytree and Asahi Beeh Hall are just across the Sumida River from Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are several toy stores in Asakusa to choose from for kaiju toys along with the Ultraman shop in the ROX department store. There are many restaurants to partake at in the side arcades next to Nakamise Dori.

The Japan Times has a new article on Asakusa. It is interesting to read that at one time the district was on the decline (that started around the time of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics). Ever since I first stepped foot in Nakamise Dori in 2004, I have made it a point to visit Asakusa on every Japan trip. Nakamise Dori has always been busy with throngs of people each time I've visited.

Above, the Kaminarimon Gate entrance to Nakamise Dori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan Times begins their article with:

As one of Japan’s representative tourist destinations, the Asakusa district never ceases to attract people looking for a taste of traditional downtown Tokyo. The 30 million visitors it draws each year are a testament to its popularity. 

Typically, an Asakusa tour starts by entering the Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji Temple, the district’s definitive symbol and landmark. With its enormous red paper lantern hanging from the middle beam, it is one of the most recognizable sites in Japanese travel photos.

The article also states that the nearby Tokyo Skytree in 2012 has aided in current the "upward trajectory" of Asakusa.

To read the full Japan Times article, go here.