Hello everyone♪
In this blog, a late-blooming Pythonista Tokikanee will sometime introduce the optimized plan for Tokyo sightseeing for minimalists.
In this article, I will describe selected places in Asakusa where tourists can enjoy several restaurants and places to try traditional Japanese foods and desserts. There is also the Sensōji, one of the famous Buddhist temples in Tokyo.
Please enjoy it♪
[↓English is available]
Overview of Asakusa / 浅草
There are very few buildings older than 60 years in Asakusa because the city was severely damaged by wartime bombing. Asakusa is the central of the “Shitamachi” (literally “low city”) which means the place with a traditional/old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere.
Sensōji (浅草寺), Buddhist temple
“Sensōji” is one of the landmarks in Asakusa. The word “Sensō” is another pronunciation of Asakusa and “ji” means a temple. The temple was rebuilt in the 1950s after its destruction by the firebombing air raid on Tokyo during WW2. Annually, 30 million people visit the Sensōji. Tourists can enjoy traditional Japanese food and restaurants.
[Sensōji website, English]
Kaminari-mon (雷門), Kaminari-mon Gate
The gate was built by Taira no Kiyomasa, a very famous Shogun, in 942. On the front side of the gate, the 雷神（Rai-jin, Thunder God） and the 風神（Hū-jin, Wind God） are enshrined because “Kaminari” means the thunder. There is also the 龍神（Ryū-jin, Dragon God）on the back side of the gate. The large paper lantern hanging on the Kaminarimon is a symbol of Asakusa.
Kannon-dō Hall (本堂), Main Hall
The main hall, Kannon-dō was rebuilt in 1958 after the destruction during WW2. The hall has a high and sloping roof made by Kawara.
The main hall has two sanctums, Naijin (inner sanctum) and Gejin (outer sanctum). The Bodhisattva Kannon sits in the Naijin, so the hall is called Kannon-dō. In the Kannon-dō, two sacred paintings are on the ceiling, 龍之図（Ryū-no-zu, Painting of Dragon）and 天人之図（Tenjin-no-zu, Painting of heavenly being）.
Visitors can enjoy the illuminated Kannon-dō and other four places from sunset to 23:00.
Nakamise-dōri (仲見世通り), Nakamise Street
The street is approximately 250 meters long and contains around 90 shops. Travelers can buy traditional Japanese souvenirs and enjoy traditional Japanese foods.
Kimono (着物)
Visitors can rent traditional Japanese garments Kimonos and Yukatas (casual summer version of Kimono) at Kyoto Kimono Rental Shop, Wargo. The shop has around 2,000 Kimonos and the standard plan is from 3,300JPY and Web payment is available.
[Kimono Rental Wargo website, English] 
[↓English is available]
Hanayashiki (花やしき), Amusement park
Hanayashiki is located in Asakusa and it it the oldest amusement park in Japan. The Hanayashiki was opened in 1853. It was announced that the Hanayashiki will be closed on Feb 2, 2022 due to aging.
The roller coaster in the Hanayashiki is also the oldest in Japan since 1953.
[Hanayashiki website, English] Entrance fee One-day pass Adult (Junior high – 64 years old) 1,200JPY 2,800JPY Kids (5 years old – primary school) 600JPY 2,400JPY Senior (over 65 years old) 600JPY 2,200JPY Infant (0-4 years old) Free Handicapper Free
Wagashi (和菓子), Traditional Japanese desserts
In Asakusa, there are many sweets shops providing traditional Japanese desserts, Wagashi (和菓子).
Asakusa Umezono (浅草梅園)
The shop provides a traditional Japanese dessert, Zenzai （ぜんざい）. It is a porridge of boiled and crushed Sweet Azuki beans and Mochi (sticky rice cake). Anmitsu (あんみつ) is also popular (700JPY).
[Asakusa Umezono website, Japanese]
Asakusa Naniwaya (浅草浪花家)
The shop was established in the 42nd year of the Meiji era. The shop is originating and separated from a famous “Taiyaki” shop. “Taiyaki” is a Japanese fish-shaped cake widespread as a street food. “Tai” means red sea bream, and “yaki” means baking. Not only the Taiyaki (170JPY) but also Japanese shaved ice dessert, Kakigōri is also popular in the shop (Maccha and Azuki, Uji Kintoki, 900JPY).
[Asakusa Naniwaya web site, Japanese (partially English)]
Hunawa Caffe (ふなわかふぇ)
Hunawa is a traditional Japanese dessert “Yōkan” shop established in the 35th year of the Meiji Era. “Yōkan” is a block-shaped dessert made of red bean paste, agar, sugar, etc. The shop also works on Caffe in Asakusa. Many shops in Asakusa provide the sweets made of the “Satsuma-imo” (さつまいも, Japanese sweet potato). Hunawa Caffe also sells the “Imo-Yōkan” (“Yōkan” made of “Satsuma-imo”).
The most popular menu is the “Imo-Youkan” parfait (935JPY).
[Hunawa web site, Japanese] 
[↓English is available]
“Hoppy” Street (ホッピー通り)
The “Hoppy Street” is well-known in Asakusa because there are many casual drinking spots.
The street used to be called “Nikomi-dōri”. “Nikomi” is a stewed offal/tendon of beef or pork.
“Hoppy” is a beer-like low-alcoholic drink sold since 1948. Japanese distilled alcohol “Shōchū” mixed with the Hoppy is cheaper than beer and has been enjoyed as a substitute for beer in Tokyo.
Nowadays, the Hoppy is a popular item at Japanese-style pubs in Tokyo, and the street name was changed to “Hoppy” street.
Many pubs open from a.m. and visitors can drink at noon on the open-air terrace if it is not occupied.
Followings are representative drink spots in Hoppy street.
- Suzuyoshi (鈴芳)
- Tama-chan (玉ちゃん)
- Asakusa Okamoto (浅草岡本)（website↓）
[Asakusa Okamoto website, Japanese] 
Summary
Asakusa is one of the most popular places for tourists in Tokyo. Visitors can feel and experience both the nostalgic and modern atmosphere simultaneously.
I hope you could enjoy reading and I am really glad if this article will help your travel planning to Japan.
♪♪♪ Have a nice trip, Bon voyage ♪♪♪
[Related article↓]
[↓English is available]
