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Asakusa

Asakusa - Sensoji Temple, Nakamise, Kappabashi and Shin-butsu-gu Street

Asakusa 浅草 is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo. If you are looking for something related to the Edo culture, or traditional Tokyo culture or an 'old-time nostalgic inner city living', Asakusa is a must see.

Tourists to Tokyo who come to the Asakusa district tend only to visit the Sensoji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street. But, they might miss the best part, and this is the back streets and alleys that branch from Nakamise Street. There are many interesting small shops, such as traditional Japanese craft shops and shops selling popular-icon kind of goods.

Kaminarimon at Sensoji Temple, Asakusa

The Sensoji Temple is not the only attraction in the area, there are other interesting areas near Asakusa, like Kappabashi Street and Shin-butsu-gu Street.

Kappabashi is a restaurant wholesale district and already so well known that you might know about this street from the popular travel guide books about Japan. They sell any kind of kitchenware from overseas, as well as traditional Japanese wares.

Shin-butsu-gu street is an area having many shops and where you can find Shin-btsu-gu accessories for Kamidana or Butsudan. Kamidana is tiny wooden personal shrines for use at individual homes. Butsudan is a tiny temple dedicated for the person who has passed away. In a Japanese family, If close kin has passed away recently, the family places a Butsudan in their house as a memorial and a place to pray.

Since Kamidana and Butsudan are similar to small versions of temples or shrines, they are so artistically designed and are beautiful in traditional Japanese style. So, Shin-btsu-gu would be of interest to people who like Japanese traditional art.

Shin-butsu-gu street is in Tawaramachi between Asakusa and Ueno and can not get ther on foot: it would take 25 min or more to walk from either Asakusa and Ueno. However, you can take the Ginza subway line from Asakusa or Ueno. The Shin-butsu-gu street is on Asakusa Dori Street between Tawaramachi station and Inaricho station. 

And here's another attraction where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Asakusa if you go to the Sumida City Hall on the banks of the Sumida river. From the 14th floor of Sumida City Hall, you can enjoy a great view of Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Tower.

Admission is free, of course! It is open from 9:00 am to 21:00 (9:00 pm)

Unfortunately, it closes on weekends and holidays, but don't worry, you can enjoy a similar view from the Asahi Beer Building next to the city hall. On the top floor of Asahi Beer Building, there are restaurants where you can enjoy beer and dinner.

Sumida City Hall and Asahi Beer Building are across the Sumida river from the port of the Sumida river cruise. 

google Maps : Asakusa

[ Related Websites ]

Asakusa Sightseeing
https://asakusa-kankou.com/ (Japanese)

Shin-butsugu Street by Kamakura Shinsho
https://www.e-butsudan.com/special/asakusa/ (Japanese)

Kappa Bashi
https://www.kappabashi.or.jp/

Tokyo Skytree Tower
https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

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