Tokyo Special Report:
by Hiroshi Kawabata
Located east of Tokyo in an urban district, this lowland area close to the side of the Tokyo Bay is known as the ‘old town.’
In this old town area, one of the most popular tourist destination is Asakusa. Not only is this town popular among domestic tourists, but foreign tourists are known to stop here during their visit to Tokyo. Recently, television programs in Japan featured a soap opera set in Asakusa, further fueling the town’s popularity among domestic travelers.
Old-fashioned architecture and old-established shops line the streets of Asakusa, entrancing visitors into a time warp, back to the Edo Period, the good old days of Japan. Visitors enjoy shopping at Asakusa, a town still considered to be the central tourist spot in Tokyo today. The term Edokko refers to a Tokyoite, or citizens born and raised in Tokyo, especially the old town natives. In this issue, we will introduce various spots where you can enjoy the charm of Asakusa, just like an Edokko!
When visiting Asakusa, your first destination should be the Sensoji Temple. This temple is considered to be the oldest in Tokyo, built approximately 1400 years ago in 628 A.D. On the big lantern hanging in the Omotesandou entrance is the word Kaminari-mon, which translates to the “Gates of Thunder,” a popular landmark of Asakusa where visitors often take photographs. Facing this temple gate, on the right side stands the “wind god,” and on the left side stands the “thunder god” to wish peace upon nature and all living things.
Upon entering the “Gates of Thunder,” approximately 90 shops are lined up for approximately 820 feet to the Hozo mon. The shops in this section are known as the “Nakamise,” where Manju (Japanese confections made from kneaded and steamed flour containing sweet bean paste) are sold, along withYokan (sweet jelly made from bean jam), Kaminari Okoshi, traditional Japanese hair pins, toys, dolls, and other traditional trinkets unique to Japan.
The Nakamise is one of the most oldest shopping malls in Japan, and it’s foundation dates back to the Edo period. When the population in the city of Edo increased due to the foundation of the Edo government by warlord Ieyasu Tokugawa, pilgrimages to the Asakusa temple increased. Workers who cleaned the temple grounds were permitted to open shops near the approach to the temple, which was how the Nakamise started.
http://www.asakusa-nakamise.jp/e-index.html）
On the east side of the main building of the Asakusa Temple is the Asakusajinja Shrine. This shrine worships the three people who pioneered the founding of the Asakusa Temple as gods. The shrine pavilions were donated during the Edo Period by Iyemitsu Tokugawa, the third generation of the Warlord family. The annual Sanja Festival held in May is famous as one of the three major festivals held since the Edo Period.
（http://www.asakusajinja.jp/）
To study the Japanese culture, it is important to enjoy several of the following types of traditional Japanese entertainment. Asakusa Music hall is in front of Asakusa station of Tsukuba Express line, traditional Japanese comical storytelling is showcased since 1964, along with comical dialogue, skits, magic shows, acrobatic shows, impersonations, and various other traditional Japanese performances. These entertainment shows are highly recommended for anyone who feels confident in their comprehension of the Japanese language.
（http://www.asakusaengei.com/）
For those who enjoy amusement parks, the Asakusa Hanayashiki is highly recommended. This American-style theme park reminiscent of those at the county fair boasts of having the oldest roller coaster in Japan, built in 1953. Anyone who enjoys riding roller coasters are encouraged to visit this park.
（http://www.hanayashiki.net/）
Near the west side of the bustling downtown Asakusa, the Kappabashi Dougugai Street is positioned between Asakusa and Ueno. Boasting over 90 years of history since it’s foundation as a commercial avenue, various products such as Japanese plate ware, lacquer ware, cookware and utensils for restaurants, packaging materials, Japanese and western furniture, and showcases are sold in over 170 various specialty shops, lined up for approximately 2600 feet. Visitors can look forward to finding treasures unique to a specialty shop.
（http://www.kappabashi.or.jp/index.html）
When you visit Tokyo, be sure to visit Asakusa, as you are now equipped with the necessary knowledge to enjoy the city like an “Eddoko” Tokyoite! Please look forward to our next Tokyo issue.
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