Asakusa is a Tokyo’s prime tourist spot centered by Nakamise street, and Senso-ji temple. Sensoji is one of the most popular temple in Tokyo, which history goes back to 628. At Nakamise dori,a pedestrian street lined with various traditional gift shops, visitors can buy gifts ranging from replica swords, fans, and Japanese paper crafts. Sumidagawa is a another aspect which enhances the enchantment of Asakusa. According to the folk lore, two brothers who fished in the Sumida River netted a statue of Kannon, a Buddhist goddess, of mercy and happiness. Kannon, who has the power to heal and free people from sufferings, was housed in Sensoji temple, which has been visited by many worshipper for centuries.
Another popular event at the end of July, is the Sumidagawa fireworks where thousands of people turn up to see the spectacular fireworks which colors the hot summer night.
As one of the suggested route to see best of Tokyo, one of the suggestion is to visit Odaiba by Yurikamome line, then take the water-bus boat to Hinode-sanbashi, transfer to another water boat which takes you from Hinode-sanbashi to Asakusa which will be about 35 minutes ride. After seeing Askusa in the late afternoon, take the Ginza line from Asakusa to Ginza to stroll around the world’s premier shopping district. The view from the boat is not all that spectacular with concrete walls paved along side of the river, but it is worthwhile viewing Tokyo from the river since you can get totally different glimpse of Tokyo, than making your trip only on subways and JR trains.
Main tourist attraction in Asakusa is the Senso-ji, which prospered since pre- Edo period as downtown of Edo city. Kaminarimon is the something you cannot miss when visiting Senso-ji. Immediately passing through the gate of Kaminarimon, you are at the start of Nakamisedori where you can find all the best of old Japan ranging from kimono shop, and all time favorite gift such as Japanese fans and dolls.
Kaminarimon's lantern is 3.4m in diameter and 4m in height, and its weight is 670kg. Kaminarimon’ lantern is the favorite snap shot point, and at the same time, there is a Rickshaw station in from of the Kaminarimon, where you can travel around Asakusa in an Edo style transport. Inside the gate, you will find a statue of the gods of wind and thunder who are protecting the deity enshrined in the temple. Senso-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kanto area, built in year 628, but has been reconstructed in 1960 after it was destroyed by fire
Hajinomatsuti, Hamanari, and Takenari are the founders of Asakusa. During the Kamakura period, shrine was built to honor the three men, and it was named Asakusa Shrine. The Asakusa shrine was originally called SANJA Daigongen Shrine.
SANJA MATSURI, dedicated to the Asakusa shrine is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of May by the Ujiko (the neighbor community). Present style of the festival was started since Edo period. The parade of the portable shrines or mikoshi, is one of main attraction of the festival. The style in which mikoshi are carried has become a social issue, when Asakusa Shrine, tried to discourage mikoshi carriers from riding on top of the mikoshi Mikoshi which is supposed to be carried on the shoulders have been hopped on, the and such sacred “ride” on the mikoshi, has been identified by the Shrine as form of disrespect of the mikoshi. Since 2008 festival, Asakusa Shrine has postponed the carrying of Asakusa Shrine mikoshi. During the 3 days festival, total of 1.5 million visitors gather to see the Sanja Matsuri.
Sumida park which spreads on both sides of Sumidagawa is one spot famous for cherry blossom viewing. The cherry tree has been in planted in this area when shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune ordered the cherry tree to be placed in the Sumida river area.
There are several Ootori-Shrine in Japan, Ootori-Shrine in Asakusa is famous for it7s "Tori-no-Ichi"Festival held in November Tori-no-Ichi Festivals originated from the Japanese Mythology of Ameno-Hiwashino-Mikoto and Yamato-Takeruno-Mikoto. During the festival rake stalls in the yard of the Ohtori Shrine will sell rakes which is believed to bring good wealth to those who purchase the rakes.
The original pagoda was built by the Shogun Iemitu but reconstructed in 1970
In front of the Sensoji temple, you will find a Incense burner, where visitors can wash away your illness by rubbing the smoke to your body.
Kappabashi dori,is a less known area, since it is not originally a tourist spot, but a district opened for wholesales of shop goods, generally visited by those shop owners who owns a restaurants. The whole district is full of goods ranging from cookware, tableware, kitchenware, lacquerware, chopsticks, display boards, food replica displays. Japanese food replica has a long history and are of very high quality, were replica of glass of beer is just like a real beer ready for a drink. Some shops have restriction of entry limited only for those registered retailers, but most shops are open to generally public to buy. One of the items, I enjoy looking at is the replica sushi, and miniature sushi magnets which will be a perfect souvenir of Japan visit.
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