Asakusa
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Asakusa (浅草) is the part of Tokyo most famous for the Sensoji. There is also an above-average density of temples in nishi-(west)-Asakusa.
Asakusa is on the north-east fringe of Central Tokyo, at the Eastern end of the Ginza subway line, approximately one mile east of the major Ueno railway/subway interchange. It is central to the area colloquially referred to as shitamachi (not an official designation), which literally means "downtown". As the name suggests, the area has a less frenetic and more traditionally Japanese atmosphere than other neighbourhoods of Tokyo.
With so many temples in the area, there are frequent matsuri (Shinto festivals) in Asakusa, as each temple hosts at least one matsuri per year, if not per season. The largest and most popular is the sensoji matsuri in late spring, in which roads are closed from dawn until late in the evening.
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In a city where there are very few buildings older than 50 years (owing to wartime bombing), Asakusa has a greater concentration of 1950s-60s buildings than most other areas of Tokyo. There are traditional ryokan (guest-houses), homes, and small-scale apartment buildings dotted throughout the district.
In keeping with a peculiarly Tokyo tradition, Asakusa hosts a major cluster of domestic kitchenware stores on Kappabashi dori, which is visited by many Tokyoites for essential supplies.
Next to the Sensoji temple grounds is a small carnival complex with rides, booths, and games. The neighborhood theatre specializes in showing classic Japanese films, as many of the tourists are elderly Japanese.
Cruises down the Sumida River depart from a wharf only a 5-minute walk from the temple.
With its relatively central location, downtown credentials and relaxed atmosphere (by Tokyo standards), Asakusa is a popular accommodation choice for budget travellers.
External links
- Wikitravel: Tokyo/Asakusa (http://wikitravel.org/en/article/Tokyo/Asakusa)