Asakusa in Tokyo

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Facts & Figures

Asakusa belongs to the Taito district in downtown Tokyo. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Tokyo Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > Sensoji, one of the most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo, is located there.

My tips for local activities

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History

Before World War 2 Asakusa was the number one entertainment district in Tokyo. This rich history goes back to the Edo Period (1603 - 1867). The area was full of bars, kabuki theaters and an huge red light district.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Sensoji Temple - history and legend of this Buddhist temple goes back till 628

Kaminari-mon Gate or "Thunder Gate" - this famous entrance gate to the Sensoji Temple with the large red lantern dating back more than 1000 years

Nakamise Shopping Street - traditional Japanese goods are on display on the way to the Sensoji Temple

Tokyo Skytree - with 634m the tallest tower in the world (opened 2012) and the new landmark of Tokyo

Asakusa Shrine or Sanja-sama - host of the popular Sanja Matsuri (festival) and constructed in the Edo Period (1603 - 1867)

Asahi Beer Tower - the Asahi Breweries Head Office was designed by French product designer and architect Philippe Starck in 1989

Sumida Park - popular place to enjoy Hanami (chery blossom) during Spring

Sumida River Cruise - explore Tokyo by water taxi (Tokyo Water Bus) from Asakusa Pier to Hinode Pier

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

May

Sanja Matsuri (Three Shrine Festival) (third Saturday in May)
This is one of the biggest and craziest Shinto festivals in Tokyo. Btw do not miss the palanquin parade! The three founder of Sensoji, Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, Hajino Nakatomo are honored during this festival. App. 2 million tourists and local people joining the celebrations every year.

July

Hozuki-ichi (Chinese Lantern Plant Fair) (9th till 10th)
Held at the Sensoji temple. 450 stalls selling Chinese lantern plants or Hozuki and 350 stalls selling other items. The fair is visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (last Saturday in July)
Over one million people watch this fireworks show along the Sumidagawa River. Its history is dating back till 1732.

August

Asakusa Samba Festival (last Saturday in August)
Colorful carnival with samba schools competing with each other.

November

Tori-no-Ichi (dates changing every year)
The Tori-no-Ichi is a fair held at Otori-jinja Shrine on the days of the rooster (one of the twelve animal signs of the Oriental zodiac). Open-air stalls offering kumade rakes for bringing in wealth and good fortune.

December

Hagoita-Ichi (Battledore Fair) (17th till 19th)
This fair is held around the Sensoji Temple. App. 50 open-air stalls offering hagoita (battledores), kites, shuttlecocks and other decorations for New Year.