Most Popular Tokyo Neighborhoods

Most popular tokyo neighborhoods

Introduction

Within the impressive capital of the country of the rising sun, it finds a unique corner where to enjoy the more traditional Japan. The Asakusa neighborhood is a reference for lovers of cultural and historical tourism. Therefore, we advise you not to lose details of this article to know the history and places of interest of the most traditional neighborhood of Tokyo. History of the Asakusa neighborhood with hundreds of years old, the Asakusa neighborhood is known as one of the most representative places of classic Japan in Tokyo. Above all, during the edo period., 1603-1868, which coincides with the old name of the Japanese capital. 

Developing

Asakusa was one of the main leisure districts of the city, housing theaters, tea houses and other entertainment premises. Already during the twentieth century, and after the time of industrial expansion or Meiji revolution, some modern cinemas were installed. The neighborhood also suffered the ravages of World War II. In March 1945 he suffered serious damage due to bombings that would not only end the part of the entertainment places, but they could also be as the destruction of some of their temples. Therefore, finally, the leisure zone will be passed to other districts such as Shinjuku. 

However, it continues to be one of the oldest geisha neighborhoods in Tokyo. It is still possible to find some Maiko and Geishas walking through him, dressed in his kimonos and umbrellas limitations.

In addition, dance and music shows are also made in some traditional stores in the neighborhood. The Asakusa neighborhood is located in the northeastern area of Tokyo, very close to the center and the Ginza line. The neighborhood area is also colloquially known as Shitamachi, which literally means ‘low city’. It is called this because of the low speed of this old part of the city, located on the shore of the Sumida River. 

A walk through Asakusa without a doubt, our first stop will be the Sensoji temple, the most visited tourist point in Asakusa. Here we can photograph us next to the famous Kaminarimon door, or the thunder door. Crossing it we will reach Nakamise Street, a small village built around the temple. This street has 250 meters long. In it we can find more than 50 shops, where we can buy from traditional sweets to kimonos and other craft items. In addition, while the engraving can cross the Hozomon door and admire the Skytree tower, which creates a strong contrast in the landscape. 

Other famous shopping streets in the area are Shin-Nakamise, full of stores and restaurants, or the famous Asakusa Chikagai underground passage, one of the oldest underground streets in the country, which still maintains the charm of the showa period. Continuing with our tour we will arrive at the Asakusa Sanctuary, which endured the bombings during World War II, of great historical importance. Near this we can also visit, if we manage to find it open, the Chingodo Hall. Inside we can see the representation of a Tanuki, an animal that the Japanese relate to protection. 

We also find the Hanayashiki amusement park, whose origin dates back more than 150 years ago. And we should not miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the multiple cruises to the Hama-Rikyu gardens, visit the artificial island of Odaiba or simply pass through the shore of the plunged river. Tips for enjoying the visit as well as visiting its streets, we recommend consulting the many activities offered in the neighborhood to live a purely Japanese experience. We can walk in Kimono, travel in Rickshaw and even learn some Japanese engraving techniques, characteristic of Ukiyo-e art. 

conclusion

We advise to visit the Jakotsuyu public bathrooms and enjoy the many Izakayas that we can find. These are a type of Japanese classic restaurant where we can try dishes such as Daikokuya’s tempura and the Iragawa Unagi. Similarly, it is very important to buy some traditional sweets, such as Anmitsu or Dorayaki. Luckily, Asakusa has several types of accommodation for all types of pockets. There are from luxury hotels such as The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic, which offers terrace with a view to the neighborhood, to shelters with a traditional touch like Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse.