Asakusa - Sensoji Temple, Nakamise, Kappabashi and Shin-butsu-gu
Asakusa is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo. If you are looking for something related to the Edo culture, or traditional Tokyo culture or an 'old-time nostalgic inner city living', Asakusa is a must see.
Tourists to Tokyo who come to the Asakusa district tend to only visit the Sensoji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street. But, they might miss the best part, and this is the back streets and alleys that branch from Nakamise Street. There are many interesting small shops including shops selling traditional Japanese crafts, and shops selling popular-icon kind of goods.
The Sensoji Temple at night in Tokyo
Kappabashi is a restaurant wholesale district and already so well known that you might know about this street from the popular travel guide books about Japan. They sell any kind of kitchenware from overseas, as well as traditional Japanese wares.
Shin-butsu-gu street is an area having many shops and where you can find Shin-btsu-gu accessories for Kamidana or Butsudan. Kamidana is tiny woden personal shrines for use at individual homes. Butsudan is a tiny temple dedicated for person who has passed away. In a Japanese family, If close kin has passed away recently, the family places a Butsudan in their house as a memorial and a place to pray.
Since Kamidana and Butsudan are similiar to small versions of temples or shirines, they are so artisticly designed and are beautiful in Japanese traditional style. So, Shin-btsu-gu would be of interest to people who like Japanese traditional art.
Shin-butsu-gu street is in Tawaramachi between Asakusa and Ueno and can not get ther by walking: it would take 20 min or more to walk from either Asakusa and Ueno. However, you can take the Ginza subway line from Asakusa or Ueno. The Shin-butsu-gu street is on Asakusa Dori Street between Tawaramachi station and Inaricho station.
And here's another attraction where you can enjoy a panaromic view of Asakusa. If you go to the Sumida City Hall on the banks of the Sumida river. From the 14th floor of Sumida City Hall, you can enjoy a great view of Asakusa.
Admission is free, of course! It is open from 9:00 am to 21:00 (9:00 pm)
Unfortunately, it closes on weekends and holidays, but don't worry, you can enjoy a similar view from the Asahi Beer Building next to the city hall. On the top floor of Asahi Beer Building, there are restaurants where you can enjoy beer and dinner.
Sumida City Hall and Asahi Beer Building are across the Sumida river from the port of Sumida river cruise. Sumida Offical City site.
