Here are 5 popular tourist spots in Asakusa
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Founded in the 7th century, the temple is one of the oldest and most significant in Japan, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors are greeted by the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, which features a large red lantern and a fierce-looking statue of the god of thunder. Beyond the gate lies Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street filled with souvenir shops and traditional Japanese snacks.
At the end of Nakamise-dori, visitors will find the temple's main hall, which houses a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The hall is adorned with intricate wood carvings and gold leaf, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Adjacent to the main hall is a five-story pagoda, which is also a popular spot for taking photos. Visitors can also experience traditional temple rituals such as omikuji (fortune-telling paper) and o-mikuji (incense offerings).
Throughout the year, Senso-ji Temple hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the Sanja Matsuri in May and the Hagoita-ichi (battledore fair) in December. The temple is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
How to go
Senso-ji Temple is located in the Asakusa district of Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The address is 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, and it is easily accessible by train or subway. The closest station is Asakusa Station, which is served by the Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line. From the station, it's just a short walk to the temple's main entrance at the Kaminarimon Gate.
Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is a towering landmark in Sumida, Tokyo that offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. The tower was completed in 2012 and stands at a height of 634 meters (2,080 feet), making it the tallest structure in Japan and one of the tallest towers in the world.
Visitors can take an elevator to the Tembo Deck at 350 meters (1,148 feet) or the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters (1,476 feet) to enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo and the surrounding areas. On clear days, visitors can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. The observation decks are equipped with high-powered telescopes and informative displays about the city and the tower's construction.
The Tokyo Skytree also houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, including a planetarium and an aquarium. The tower is especially stunning at night, when it is illuminated with colorful lights that change according to the season and special events.
To access the Tokyo Skytree, visitors can take the Tobu Skytree Line to Tokyo Skytree Station, which is located directly below the tower. Alternatively, they can take the Hanzomon or Asakusa subway lines to Oshiage Station, which is just a short walk away from the tower.
Asakusa shrine
The Asakusa Shrine, also known as Sanja-sama, is a Shinto shrine located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Founded in the 7th century, the shrine is dedicated to the three founders of Senso-ji Temple, and is one of the most important and oldest shrines in Japan.
The shrine complex consists of several buildings and gates, including the Haiden (worship hall), Honden (main hall), and the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, which features a large red lantern and a fierce-looking statue of the god of thunder. Visitors can also see a beautiful garden and a pond within the complex.
The shrine is particularly famous for its annual festival, the Sanja Matsuri, which takes place in May and attracts millions of visitors. During the festival, three portable shrines are paraded through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances.
Visitors can also experience traditional Shinto rituals at the shrine, such as omikuji (fortune-telling paper) and ema (wooden plaques for prayer requests). The shrine is also a popular spot for locals to visit during the New Year period to offer their first prayers of the year.
The Asakusa Shrine is easily accessible by train or subway. The closest station is Asakusa Station, which is served by the Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line. From the station, it's just a short walk to the shrine complex.
Sumida River Cruise
The Sumida River Cruise is a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy scenic views of the city from the water. The cruise takes passengers along the Sumida River, which flows through the heart of Tokyo and past many of its iconic landmarks.
The cruise departs from several locations along the river, including Asakusa, Hinode, and Odaiba. The boats used for the cruise vary in size and style, from traditional Japanese-style boats to modern sightseeing vessels with observation decks. The cruise typically lasts for about 45 minutes to an hour, and during the journey, passengers can enjoy views of Tokyo Tower, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Tokyo Skytree, among other landmarks.
Some of the boats offer special services, such as dining or live performances, and there are also night cruises available that provide stunning views of Tokyo's illuminated skyline. The Sumida River Cruise is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike.
To access the Sumida River Cruise, visitors can take the train or subway to one of the departure points along the river. Asakusa Station, Hinode Station, and Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station are all convenient stations for accessing the cruise.
How to book the Cruise
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Choose the cruise that you want to take. There are several different types of cruises available, including day cruises and night cruises. Decide on the cruise that best suits your schedule and interests. - Visit the website of the company that operates the Sumida River Cruise.(https://www.suijobus.co.jp/en/) There are several companies that offer the cruise, so make sure to choose the one that operates the specific cruise you want to take.
- Look for the reservation section on the website. This may be listed as "book now" or "make a reservation."
- Select the date and time for your cruise. Some cruises may require advance reservations, so make sure to book early if possible.
- Choose the type of ticket you want to purchase. There may be different ticket options available, such as standard or premium tickets.
- Enter your personal information, such as your name, email address, and phone number. Make sure to double-check that your contact information is correct.
- Complete the payment process. You may be required to pay online with a credit card or other electronic payment method.
- Receive confirmation of your reservation. Once your reservation is complete, you should receive a confirmation email or ticket with the details of your cruise.
If you have any questions or issues with the reservation process, you can usually contact the company's customer service for assistance.
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Located in the heart of Asakusa, the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area. You can explore the exhibition rooms and library for free, and there is also a resting area where you can relax.
The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is a facility located in the heart of Asakusa, Tokyo. It serves as a hub for information on sightseeing spots, events, and accommodations in the area. The center offers free services such as tourist information in multiple languages, luggage storage, and Wi-Fi. There is also a resting area with chairs, sofas, and vending machines.
One of the main attractions of the center is its exhibition room, which features displays on the history and culture of Asakusa. The room includes a mock-up of a street from the Edo period and a scale model of Senso-ji Temple. Admission to the exhibition room is free.
Another notable feature of the center is its library, which houses a collection of books on the history, culture, and art of Asakusa and Tokyo. Visitors can read books or magazines in the library for free.
In addition, the center offers cultural experiences such as Japanese tea ceremonies and calligraphy classes for a fee. These programs require reservations in advance.
Overall, the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is a great place to start your exploration of Asakusa and learn about the area's rich history and culture.