Asakusa is always crowded with many tourists. In this city, which was once Japan’s Broadway, you can still feel the old Edo (from 1603- to 1867 Tokyo was called “Edo”) atmosphere. Although all the major theaters around Sensoji Temple have gone now, lots of stalls line the road to the temple, and here is the perfect place to buy Japanese traditional crafts. If you visit here in August, don’t forget to check out Asakusa Samba Carnival!
◆Take a Boat to Asakusa
Take a boat from Hinode Sanbashi (Hinode Pier) to go down to Asakusa. The closest station to get to Hinode Sanbashi is JR Hamamatsu-cho station. Go out from the exit labeled “To Footbridge” and go down the stairs marked “S2”. Then you can see the pier. In this approx. 40 minutes trip, you can enjoy magnificent views of Tokyo along the Sumida River. The one way ticket costs JPY760.
◆Visiting Sensoji Temple
The first thing you have to do at Asakusa is visit Sensoji Temple which is just beside the Asakusa pier. Having survived the great Kanto earthquake of 1923 and World War II, this temple, the oldest in Tokyo, is definitely a noteworthy landmark. Right after you go through the gate, you can find a bunch of stalls selling various kinds of goods. Before getting to the main building of the temple, don’t forget to stop by the spot where the incense smoke wafts. If you catch the smoke and touch a part of your body where you have trouble it will be cured!!?? Of course it’s just a superstition, but why not give it a try?
2008/11/24
Recommended Lunch Spots
◆Namiki Yabu Soba 並木藪蕎麦
This is one of the best Soba (Japanese noodle made of buckwheat) restaurant in Asakusa. With Sensoji to your back, walk straight down the street. After 5 minutes, you can see the old traditional Japanese style house on your right. There’s no English sign though, the Japanese sign is 「藪」. Tenzaru (Tempura and Soba) is one of their specialties (JPY 1,780). The restaurant opened in 1913 and it still has an atmosphere of the early 20th century.
Address: 2-11-9, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3841-1340 (Closed on Thursdays)
◆La Ranalita (Italian)Besides excellent Italian standard fare, you can enjoy the stunning view from the 22nd floor of Azumabashi Asahi Beer Building. With Sensoji Temple at your back, walk straight and cross Azumabashi bridge. You can then see the black building which has a strange gold object (designed by famous French designer, Philippe Starck) on the top. La Ranalita is on 22nd floor of this building.
Address: Asahi Beer Azumabashi Bldg. 22F, 1-23-1, Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5608-5277 (Open Everyday)
This is one of the best Soba (Japanese noodle made of buckwheat) restaurant in Asakusa. With Sensoji to your back, walk straight down the street. After 5 minutes, you can see the old traditional Japanese style house on your right. There’s no English sign though, the Japanese sign is 「藪」. Tenzaru (Tempura and Soba) is one of their specialties (JPY 1,780). The restaurant opened in 1913 and it still has an atmosphere of the early 20th century.
Address: 2-11-9, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3841-1340 (Closed on Thursdays)
◆La Ranalita (Italian)Besides excellent Italian standard fare, you can enjoy the stunning view from the 22nd floor of Azumabashi Asahi Beer Building. With Sensoji Temple at your back, walk straight and cross Azumabashi bridge. You can then see the black building which has a strange gold object (designed by famous French designer, Philippe Starck) on the top. La Ranalita is on 22nd floor of this building.
Address: Asahi Beer Azumabashi Bldg. 22F, 1-23-1, Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5608-5277 (Open Everyday)
Recommended Dinner Spots
◆Akitaya 秋田屋
One of the most popular pubs in this area for Japanese business men after work. They serve skewed grilled pork and other meat dishes as well as beer and sake.
A recommended budget for dinner (including a few drinks) is around JPY 3,000. Go out from the north exit of JR Hamamatsu-cho station and turn left and walk along the street. You can find this pub on your left. From around 4:30pm, you can see the thick smoke of grilled meats wafting from the store!
Address: 2-1-2, Hamamatsu-cho, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3432-0020 (Closed on Sundays and National Holidays)
◆Hama-site Gourmet ハマサイトグルメ
This new business complex has many varieties of restaurants. Go out from north exit of JR Hamamatsu-cho station and turn right and walk along the street.
You can find this new complex on your left.
http://www.hamagurume.com/
Address: 1-2-20, Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
One of the most popular pubs in this area for Japanese business men after work. They serve skewed grilled pork and other meat dishes as well as beer and sake.
A recommended budget for dinner (including a few drinks) is around JPY 3,000. Go out from the north exit of JR Hamamatsu-cho station and turn left and walk along the street. You can find this pub on your left. From around 4:30pm, you can see the thick smoke of grilled meats wafting from the store!
Address: 2-1-2, Hamamatsu-cho, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3432-0020 (Closed on Sundays and National Holidays)
◆Hama-site Gourmet ハマサイトグルメ
This new business complex has many varieties of restaurants. Go out from north exit of JR Hamamatsu-cho station and turn right and walk along the street.
You can find this new complex on your left.
http://www.hamagurume.com/
Address: 1-2-20, Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
