Khaosan, Asakusa hotels

Best known for its temples, Asakusa is an area in the Taito district of downtown Tokyo. The area sits on the west bank of the Sumida River at the end of the Metro Ginza line (G19) and close to Ueno Station, which is one of the city’s major railway stations. Asakusa is quite a traditional area with many historical sights and a great selection of mid-range and budget accommodation.

The Buddhist Temple Sensōji is the largest in all of Tokyo as well as being the oldest. It is a significant temple that is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon and was built in 628. It features the ‘Thunder Gate’ entranceway and its giant lantern and statues of guardian gods Raijin and Fujin. The popular Sanja Festival is held here on the third weekend of every May.

Asakusa Jinja is a Shinto shrine just east of Sensōji that is there to protect the temple. Denpoin Temple is also in Asakusa and boasts a spectacular Japanese garden with stone bridges, lotus ponds, loads of trees and even a small waterfall. The garden is actually closed throughout most of the year, opening its doors to the public just twice a year.

Families can spend time enjoying the Hanayashiki amusement park, which is the oldest amusement park in all of Japan. The park is not big, but it features rides, games and booths.

There is no shortage of places to eat and drink in Asakusa, though no one should leave without trying senbei rice crackers, which are a speciality of the area. Asakusa is also known for its tempura and kaminari okoshi, a sweet made from rice, peanuts and syrup. The brandy-based cocktail denki bran is also a must, and can be enjoyed at a number of bars in the area. Asakusa is also home to Tokyo’s oldest geisha district.

Nakamise-dōri is the main shopping street in the area, with around 90 shops lining the 250-metre street that leads to Sensōji. Kappabashi-dori is known for its kitchenware and Japanese pottery and has been pegged as ‘Kitchen Town’, while Asakusabashi specialises in beads and other arts and crafts items.