10 things to do in Asakusa

Asakusa is well known for its temples, including the famous Senso-ji, and being so old, the neighborhood has a more traditional feel than the rest of Tokyo.

In the Edo period, the area was already a hotbed of popular entertainment, and you can still visit some of the popular attractions at the time:

Asakusa Engei Hall

A theatre for rakugo or comedy shows, the magic flows all day here, from 11 am to 9 pm for a single price of 2800 yen ($25/22€). The famous Takeshi Kitano started his career here!

1-43-12 Asakusa, +81 (0) 3-3841-6545

Hanayashiki

The oldest amusement park in Japan. Twenty attractions are enjoyed by children and adults alike. Rollercoasters wind through closely packed buildings. For fans of ninja, go to the Ninja Dojo Taiken, where ninja technique lessons are taught (45min for 2000 yen) Reservation is recommended, and can be done onsite.

2-28-1 Asakusa +81 (0) 3-3842-8780

A district rich in artisans

The Asakusa district is also the artisan heart of Tokyo, with a number of interesting museums and workshops, including :

• Edo Shitamachi Dentô Kôgeikan

A museum exhibiting all the art objects of Tokyo's ancient Edo period. Artisan demonstrations take place every weekend. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free admission.

• Kappabashi Dôgugai

A street of merchants and restaurateurs. More than 170 stores are spread out over 800 meters, so you can come back with a useful and unique souvenir, such as traditional crockery, kitchen utensils (your name engraved on the blade of a knife), bento boxes, Nanbutetsu teapots, etc. Cheaper than elsewhere, it's even possible to find a fun little gift like a shokuhin sanpuru, a fake food made of wax or plastic.

• Bunôdô

Here you'll find traditional Japanese handmade fans of all kinds. In fact, the majority of this store's clientele are professionals, notably from the world of kabuki or rakugo.

• Kamiya Bar

This historic Asakusa bar dates back to 1880. Taste the denki bran, or electric brandy, named after the fact that, when this bar was founded, electricity was a novelty in the capital and the 45° alcohol content was a serious sting to the gullet. Today, down to 30°, it's slightly more bearable. The recipe for this original brandy-based cocktail has been kept secret for 100 years.

• Tokiwadô

Enjoy traditional kaminari okoshi in this 250-year-old store. A kind of crispy puffed rice cookie, kaminari okoshi originated in the Asakusa district. They were sold near the Kaminari-mon gate. Even today, they're a popular omiyage (souvenir), and come in a variety of flavors (green tea, peanut...).

• Futuristic cruise on the Sumida

To take your departure from Asakusa to another world, take the Tokyo waterbus on the Sumida River to Odaiba. The futuristic Himiko boat was designed by Matsumoto Leiji (Galaxy 999, Albator 78 or Interstella 5555 with Daft Punk). The voices of his Galaxy 999 characters guide you along the way.

Cruise aboard the Himiko boat; approx. 50 min.