Asakusa

walking down the street in Asakusa, a photo by asihsimanis on Flickr.


Asakusa is the center of Tokyo's shitamachi, literally "low city", one of Tokyo's few districts, which have preserved a certain atmosphere of the old Tokyo. Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. 

The atmosphere in Asakusa is a little different and more old school than in other parts of Tokyo, which is nice for those who long for the older style of Japan. However I think that it is way too crowded and also way too touristy, meaning that there are too many tourists in Asakusa. You probably will have difficulties to enjoy it if you are one of those people who hate crowds. 

Asakusa can be easily explored on foot. Alternatively, you can consider a guided tour on a rickshaw (jinrikisha, lit. "man powered vehicle"). A 30 minute tour for two persons costs around 8000 Yen. Shorter and longer courses are also available.I myself never rode the rickshaw, they were too expensive for me. but I love seeing those very strong guys who carry the rickshaw. It is fascinating how they have the strength to do that. If you have some extra money I would really much recommend the ride.


One of the things that I find fascinating in Asakusa is their fortune telling paper which they have translated too English, so you could purchase them without understanding any Japanese. My friend said to me that Asakusas has one of the most reliable fortune telling paper. So I would recommend you to get that experience for only 100 Yen.