Here are 10 things to do in Tokyo (Asakusa), one of Japan's top tourist destinations.

Sensoji Temple

Senso-ji Temple, famous as a tourist spot, has a history of about 1400 years and is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple's "Kaminarimon" is the main gate of Senso-ji Temple. Its official name is "Fuuraijinmon" and as the name suggests, the wind god is enshrined on the right hand side of the gate and the thunder god is enshrined on the left hand side.

Between Hozomon and Kaminarimon is Nakamise-dori, the oldest shopping street in Japan. Nakamise-dori, which dates back to the Edo period, is lined with a variety of shops, from a confectionery shop that has been in business for over 100 years, selling Asakusa's famous ningyo-yaki, to souvenir shops selling kokeshi dolls and traditional toys.

rickshaw

The origin of rickshaws dates back to around 1868, and they were inspired by horse-drawn carriages seen in Tokyo. Rickshaws are vehicles designed to transport people by human power, and were mainly used as a means of transportation in Japan from around 1868 to 1945. In modern times, they have become a tourist attraction. Among them, the rickshaws in Asakusa are famous. You can experience the charm of the area that you cannot get by just walking around the tourist spots. There are several courses, and the rickshaws will take you through recommended places and crossing points that you want to cross. You can go around while listening to explanations, so you may hear some useful information. After riding the rickshaw, it's also a good idea to visit some recommended places.

Ushijima Shrine

Founded in 860, it was known as Ushigozensha before the Meiji era, and there is a legend that when Minamoto no Yoritomo's troops crossed the Sumida River, Chiba Tsunetane prayed at Ushijima Shrine, and all the troops were able to cross safely. Ushijima Shrine is famous for its deep connection with cows. Most shrines have lion-dog statues, but this shrine also has lion-cow statues. It is also said that if you stroke the same part of your body that is irritating on the cow, the illness or injury in that area will be cured.

Another highlight is the "Miwa Torii", a large torii gate with smaller torii gates on either side, which is rare even across the country.

Hoppy Street

This street is lined with izakayas on the west side of the Sensoji temple grounds, stretching about 80 meters from north to south. Its official name is "Koen Hondori (Park Street)." Many restaurants were established in the late 1940s and have continued to exist since then. The name "Hoppy" was chosen because many of the restaurants served Hoppy, a popular Japanese beer substitute. There are restaurants where you can try stews, edamame, yakitori, and other Japanese izakaya foods, making it the perfect place to experience izakaya culture.

Denpoin Street

This shopping street stands in front of the gates of Denpo-in Temple, the main temple of Sensoji Temple, which was built in the mid-Edo period. It is a 200m long street that crosses Nakamise from east to west. Various shops are lined up on both ends. The reason why the shop signs have pictures on them is that many people in the Edo period could not read, so it was said that they made it easy to tell at a glance what kind of products the shop sold. Wonderful products made by Japanese craftsmen, such as Edo Kiriko glass and sandal shops, are sold here.

Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street

It has a history of about 90 years since its establishment in the early Showa period. Unlike Nakamise Shopping Street, which runs from Kaminarimon to Sensoji Temple, this shopping street crosses the city of Asakusa from east to west. It is the largest shopping street in Asakusa, with a total length of 380m and five areas. The entire shopping street is an arcade, so you don't have to worry about rain or the summer sun. There are also shops selling Japanese food such as ningyo-yaki, dorayaki, kibi-dango, and senbei, as well as Japanese accessories such as hairpins and fans.

Imado Shrine

Imado Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1063 to worship the spirit of Iwashimizu Hachiman in Kyoto, and became Imado Shrine. It is the final resting place of Okita Souji, a Shinsengumi member from the late Edo period. Imado Shrine is famous for its maneki-neko (beckoning cats). Maneki-neko (beckoning cats) are believed to bring good luck, and everything from the shrine's sacred objects (amulet charms, votive plaques, etc.) to fortune-telling slips are very cute and feature cat motifs. Right next to the main shrine are stone statues of "Nagi-chan" and "Nami-chan," known as "Nade-neko (petting cats)." It is said that you will receive good luck if you pet them.

TOKYO CRUISE Water Bus

The water bus can accommodate 140-200 people, making it fun even on rainy days, easy to get around, and has no traffic jams, so you can relax and enjoy the view of Tokyo city on board. From Asakusa, boats depart for Hama-rikyu, Hinode Pier, and Odaiba Seaside Park, from which you can see Azumabashi Bridge and Odaiba's Rainbow Bridge. You can also see rare views of Tokyo from the sea side, the back side of the city.

Sushi making experience

You can experience making sushi, a traditional Japanese food. You can learn how to make sushi and even make your own original sushi. You will feel like a chef as you make sushi wearing a happi coat. Even beginners will be able to make sushi properly, so it's perfect for a memory of Japan.

Skytree

The Skytree, the tallest tower in the world, is 634 meters tall and is a landmark of Tokyo. It was certified by Guinness in 2011. The numbers are a play on words of Musashi Province, the former name of the province around Tokyo. It can be seen from Komagata Bridge near Asakusa Station, Sensoji Temple, and the water bus.

Inside the Skytree there is an observation deck where you can get a panoramic view of Tokyo.

summary

We have introduced 10 things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo. In addition to the famous Sensoji Temple and the landmark Skytree, there are shrines and shopping streets filled with old-fashioned atmosphere. Handmade products by artisans are also sold here, making them perfect souvenirs. Enjoy a wonderful trip to Asakusa, a place where you can experience old Japan in Tokyo.