# A S A KU S A # RY O G O KU
YOUR GUIDE TO
North Eastern Tokyo
Discover the allure of Asakusa and Ryogoku, areas where contrasting moments of tradition and modernity are particularly prominent.
Asakusa
NORTH EASTERN TOKYO Ryogoku
30 } v a c a t i o n s t r a v e l . c o m
ASAKUSA
This area on the Sumida River offers a vibrant glimpse of Japanese traditions, arts and crafts, all wrapped in a local downtown atmosphere.
WH AT TO S E E & DO
Enjoy a moment of Zen at the Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital. The imposing entrance, Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate), is unmissable with its giant red lantern, and is particularly pretty at night when crowds have thinned out. After the gate, a 250-metrelong shopping avenue called Nakamise-Dori – replicating an old Edo-period downtown area – leads all the way to the temple, its sides lined with 90 small stalls selling traditional, modern and oneoff souvenirs, from kimono accessories to ninja costumes. One of the tallest towers in the world at 634 metres, the Tokyo Skytree is located in eastern Tokyo. One of the best places to view this landmark – and get that iconic photo – is from the Asakusa side of the Sumida River. Kappabashi, Tokyo’s famous kitchenware town, is also within walking distance of Asakusa. Most stores along this strip specialise in cooking and catering goods as well as traditional and modern hospitality items such as pots, pans and knives.
