The 3rd Cut Slow Boat to Asakusa (Asakusa, Hama Rikyu Gardens, Hamamatsu-Cho)

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?