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Advice about Asakusa

Ningyo-yaki: Little Baked Doll Cakes

Ningyo-yaki （人形焼） is very popular in Tokyo Asakusa where you can watch them being baked. This is one of my favorite Japanese sweets and a very good omiyage gift. Ningyo is the Japanese word for doll, so the name of this sweet reads "baked dolls". Ningo-yaki are small cakes baked in small m…(192 words)

David

Kintsuba - Japanese Sweets in Asakusa

Kintsuba きんつば is one of the Japanese sweets that I like because you can watch them being made. This photo is from a small shop in Asakusa located in the Nakamise-dori shopping street at Senso-ji temple. You can try the Kintsuba fresh, still warm. Kintsuba are made from sweet bean paste. The…(255 words)

David

Kaminari-okoshi: Asakusa Thunder Crackers

Kaminari-okoshi （雷おこし） are traditional Japanese sweets. Crispy rice is mixed with sugar and syrup, pressed down into a flat shape and cut into squares. Often there are some peanuts mixed into it, but there are also many other flavors such as macha green tea and sesame. The added ingredients giv…(286 words)

David

Sakura in Asakusa

Denbouin Garden will be opened to public from mid-March through early May. This Japanese garden is usually closed. The best time will be late March or early April when Sakura blooms. (The photos in this page are taken in late March or early April last year).entrance fee: 300 yentime: 10:00 - …(123 words)

Keiko, OTT

The 33rd Asakusa Samba Carnival

Asakusa Samba Carnival was started in 1981 to remind that Asakusa is an entertainment district. Today was the 33rd event. Usually the last Saturday of August is the day. The parade starts from Umamichi Street near Nitenmon Gate and ends at the intersection of Kaminarimon Street and Kokusai Street. …(202 words)

Keiko, OTT

Ukiyo-e (woodblock print) in Asakusa

Sakai Kokodo is one of the oldest stores specialized in UKIYOE established in 1870. You can buy a replica of Katushika Hokusai or Utagawa Hiroshige. Located on the Nakamise Street.Mokuhankan is a newly opened shop, where you can buy beautiful woodblock prints and can experience how to make these.…(147 words)

Keiko, OTT

Geisha Makeover in Asakusa, Tokyo

You might know about Geisha, who is a female entertainer, trained in the traditional arts, singing and dancing, and serves as a party companion and hostess. Maiko is an apprentice of Geisha. In Asakusa, you can be a Geisha and Maiko and have photos taken.There are some places you can experience …(384 words)

skymaho

Taiyaki - Japanese Sweets in Asakusa

Taiyaki たい焼き are small Japanese cakes that you can watch being baked. The cakes are shaped like a fish and have a sweet filling. The most common taiyaki have sweet bean paste or cream inside. Try them fresh and still warm. They are very tasty and a simple pleasure like having fresh pancakes or …(281 words)

David

Senso-ji Temple's Secret Japanese Garden in Asakusa

Senso-ji in Asakusa Tokyo is famous for its tall pagoda, red gates, and huge lanterns, but the temple also has a fantastic Japanese garden. It lies hidden, closed to the public together with Dembou-in, the residency of the temple's head priest. In the spring, the garden is open to visitors. M…(291 words)

David

How To Make the Strongest Wish: Shimanrokusennichi and Hozuki Flower Market at Senso-ji

Shimanrokusennichi at Senso-ji temple in Tokyo Asakusa is your chance to make the strongest wish possible.It might be Friday the 13th and a full moon as I am writing this, but an extremely auspicious day is coming up in a few weeks. July 10 is Shimanrokusennichi 四万六千日 at Senso-ji temple in…(236 words)

David

Amazing taste of Soymilk in Asakusa

Some of you may know the delicious taste of Tofu. But best of best is super delicious taste of soymilk. There are becoming decreasing of the number of such great Tofu shop. But you can easily taste it in Asakusa. Ichikawa Tofu, 3rd generation succeeding Tofu shop. Ichikawa Tofu5:00am-1:00p…(139 words)

Shige

Hanayashiki - Asakusa's Beloved Tiny Amusement Park

Asakusa is an old part of Tokyo. In a city that changes quickly and often, it is not surprising to read about the many changes that have happened in this area. Asakusa was a major entertainment district filled with theaters and restaurants. While many of the theaters disappeared, the small amusemen…(571 words)

David

If you get the “大吉=very good luck” in Asakusa, you are the hero!

100 years ago, Asakusa was the biggest amusement park in Japan.In Japan, the temple was the center of entertainment.Now I do not believe it,100 years ago, Shinjuku and Shibuya and Harajuku, was a village rather than a town.Roppongi was a town that raccoon dog walk.From 300 years ago, …(175 words)

asteka

Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival

A serendipitous location that is often overlooked, Sumida Park is located in the heart of the old shitamachi (downtown) tourist area of Tokyo. Most visitors miss this historic landmark. It is a perfect place for a break from the city, and only a short walk from the famous Sensoji temple complex.…(837 words)

Taito-kun

Anpan Specialist Bakery in Asakusa Tokyo

If you like Japanese sweets, there is a cute Japanese bakery in Asakusa that you should not miss. This bakery specialises in Anpan, soft bread filled with sweet bean paste. A great variety of Anpan is available at the An Desu store (あんですMATOBA). There is the regular anpan with red bean anko…(296 words)

David

Imado Shrine - Manekineko Lucky-in-Love Cats

Imado Shrine is one of the main places for Japan's manekineko lucky cats. Here they come in pairs and bring you good luck in love. Although the shrine itself is small, it is home to a huge number of manekineko statues and fortune goods.Buy one of the round ema 絵馬 tablets and write your love w…(349 words)

David

Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line (Sea & River Boat Cruise)

Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line connects Odaiba and Asakusa.http://www.sunnypages.jp/travel_guide/tokyo_leisure/water_busses/Asakusa-Odaiba+Direct+Line/1875http://www.suijobus.co.jp/cruise/line/as_od_line.htmlOdaiba (お台場 or simply Daiba 台場) is a popular newly-redeveloped waterfront area wit…(197 words)

maxnino

Beautiful Sumidagawa River near Asakusa or Shinagawa Tokyo. Japan from a river view is truly lovely.

Honestly, when I hear the word "Yakatabune", what comes up in my mind first is; a night river cruise in a decent sized house boat with inner tables, legless chairs installed on a tatami floor in it, where, you are probably with your close friends or good colleagues at work, and will be served tradi…(392 words)

Masa

Tsukemen Ramen Shop & Noodle Maker in Asakusa Tokyo

This is Tsukemen Kobo Asakusa Seimenjo, a Japanese ramen shop that makes their own fresh noodles and specializes in tsukemen. Take a look at the tiny noodle factory near the entrance. If you are lucky, you can see the staff making fresh ramen noodles. They make three types of noodles here: reg…(360 words)

David

5 recommendations to take your pictures wearing KIMONO in Asakusa

There are many good places to take pictures when you wear Kimono in Asakusa. Three gates to Sensoji, Kaminarimon, Hozomon and Nitenmon, are the best of course as well as Gojunotou (five-storied pagoda). However, I would like to recommend the places where is not in your guidebook.Izumiya is a sh…(236 words)

Keiko, OTT

The Best Ramen & Tsukemen in Asakusa

I have started to explore the many ramen stores in Asakusa with my friends, trying ramen and tsukemen. These are our favourites so far:Tsukemen Kobo Asakusa Seimenjo Ramen Shop & Noodle Maker on Kototoidori streethttp://www.deepjapan.org/a/3873 Fuji Ramen near ROX on Kokusai-dori street…(114 words)

David

Chicken Ramen & Tsukemen at Taiga in Asakusa

Taiga is the ramen shop in Asakusa you should visit when you are very hungry, tired, and need "chicken soup for your soul". The chicken soup that makes up the base for the ramen and tsukemen here is that good.Choose from the ramen or tsukemen menu and decide how many noodles you would like. The…(242 words)

David

Tokyo walks: Asakusa to Kuramae

Walking is a great way to explore Tokyo. Go for a walk and keep your eyes open. Start your walk in Asakusa at the famous red Kaminarimon Gate that marks the entrance to Senso-ji Temple. If you have questions about getting around or need a map, ask at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Cent…(705 words)

David

Asakusa viewpoint & information

The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is located in front of Kaminari-mon at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Take the elevator to the top for some of the best views in Asakusa. On the 8th floor the Center has a small cafe and a terrace. You can have a coffee, a beer, or some Japanese sw…(159 words)

David

Asakusa's Secret Kabuki Gallery - Shotengai Streets

Asakusa has many small shopping streets with old-fashioned cafes and restaurants. Okuyama Omairimachi Shotengai is one of these streets, but it is special. The shutters of the shops here are painted with famous scenes from Kabuki plays. This gallery only reveals itself when shops are closed.Asa…(168 words)

David

April 8 Flower Festival Celebrating Buddha's Birthday

April 8 is not a national holiday in Japan, but there are festivals at temples everywhere in the country. This day is the celebration of Buddha's birthday, often called Flower Festival （花まつり） or Kanbutsu-e （潅仏会）. In Japan the date for Buddha's Birthday is April 8, but some temples start …(243 words)

David

The real soba experience in Asakusa

You will never find Tanso-an Kenjiro unless you know how to find it. It is the Saint Graal of soba experience.Kenjiro Suzuki has traveled around Japan during many years to learn his craft and soba making from every region of Japan. He did it the medieval way: working for soba-masters every wher…(265 words)

Claire

What makes you feel cooler in Asakusa.

The price of mini Ukiyoe Uchiwa is 350 yen at Yatsume. Ohgi is made by paper, while Sensu is usually made by fabrics. These Ohgi are at Bunsendo. You will find lots of Sensu at Takahisa.LocationYatsume: NakamiseBunsendo: NakamiseTakahisa: Shin-NakamiseFurin (a wind bell) also make you fee…(111 words)

Keiko, OTT

Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree

On my first visit to Tokyo, I signed up for a half day tour of Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa via Hato Bus tours. Hato, http://www.hatobus.com, has a number of different tour packages ranging from half day to full day. The full day tours include lunch. Our tour guide was a Japanese woman who spoke En…(169 words)

Dolores

Kimono Experience in Asakusa

Kimono is usually made of silk or hemp, beautifully dyed or embroidered. Yukata is made of cotton, the Kimono for summer.　Most of Ryokan (Japanese hotels) prepare Yukata in each room as a sleepwear, but you can got out with Yukata in Summer.There are many shops you can rent Kimono for few hours. T…(162 words)

Keiko, OTT

Take the Pandabus in Asakusa or at Tokyo Skytree

If you do not want to walk from Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree, you can choose between train, taxi, ricksha, and panda. There is a boy panda bus and a girl panda bus with faces, ears, and paws. All the passenger seats inside have their own small ears. And the bus is free.Take the Asakusa line route to vi…(325 words)

David

Local Tonkotsu Ramen Shop Urinbo in Asakusa

In Tokyo you can try some of the best food from all over Japan here. At Urinbo ramen in Asakusa, you can have good Hakata style tonkotsu ramen without a trip to Fukuoka in Kyushu.Urinbo is a local shop, but don’t be shy to go in. Students, workers, and families with hungry kids all come here. I…(332 words)

David

Sanja Matsuri/Festival in Asakusa - Summary and report

Of all the festivals in Asakusa year around, Sanja Matsuri Festival should be the most famous and the biggest one. If you have a chance, I encourage you to make a plan to see it once, referring to this and other sempai posts listed below. 1-2-3 basics;Sanja matsuri festival is held every y…(567 words)

Zara

Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street in the Evening

Many tourists visit Asakusa and the Senso-ji temple during the day and it gets quiet in the evening. As one of the major tourist attractions in Tokyo, it is usually quite crowded here, but by the time the shops close in Nakamise-dori between 18:00 and 19:00 most visitors leave. At night, the temple…(194 words)

David

Walk & Play at Sumida Park in Asakusa

When you visit Asakusa, don't only go to Senso-ji temple. Also go to Sumida River and take a walk in Sumida Park. The park has great views of Tokyo Skytree and a big playground for children. There are also two small cafes here overlooking the river. To reach Sumida Park go towards the river from As…(143 words)

David

Asakusa area has a lot of great sightseeing spots

Asakusa area has a lot of great sightseeing spots and you can ride on a “jinrikisha” (rickshaw) to travel around popular historical spots, enjoying interesting explanations given by jinrikishaman. You can select a tour time from a couple of options such as 30 minutes and 60 minutes. We had one arou…(110 words)

Daijo

Tsukemen - ramen noodles dipped in rich sauce

Shops making tasty ramen noodles are everywhere in Japan. Get off the train at just about any station and chances are that you will find a ramen shop nearby. Many ramen shops offer ramen (noodles served in a bowl of soup) and tsukemen (noodles and soup served separately) and some shops actually spe…(262 words)

David

Nakamise, the main street of Asakusa between Kaminarimon and Hozomon

There are about 90 shops here in Nakamise. You can find Japanese traditional crafts, Kimonos, Japanese dolls, Ukiyoe, tenugui (Japanese towels) and chopsticks as well as Ningyoyaki (sponge cake), Osenbei (rice crackers), Japanese sweets and shaved ice. At Funawa, cold Matcha drink and sweet potato …(144 words)

Keiko, OTT

Places to feel like locals in Asakusa

Do you know the third oldest underground passage in Japan is at Asakusa Station? The street is connected to a ticket gate of Ginza Line and the entrance of Shin-Nakamise Street. Most of the tenants are restaurants such as Sushi, Soba, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai foods. You also find a fortune-tell…(157 words)

Keiko, OTT

Enjoy to watch making something on the streets in Asakusa

In Asakusa, there are many shops where you can see the procedure to making something. Iriyama Senbei is located at Sushiya Street, while Ichiban Hanaya is located at Shin-Nakamise Street.There are many Ningyoyaki shops along Nakamise Street. Japanese tend to prefer the hand-made Ningyoyaki and of c…(95 words)

Keiko, OTT

Asakusa浅草

Advice about Asakusa