kaminarimon |
(Note: The translation provided here is an English translation of the Japanese text provided. I have translated the following pages.)
Tokyo has returned to normal and is bustling with tourists. The Asakusa area in particular is a popular area that combines traditional charm with modern charm and has many sightseeing spots. In this article, we will introduce recommended places and spots for sightseeing in Asakusa in the summer, and suggest ways to enjoy the best sightseeing experience.
Senso-ji Temple │ Beauty as the Symbol of Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple |
[Main Hall Opening Hours]
6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (From October to March, the opening time is 6:30 AM)
[Goshuin Stamp Reception Hours]
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Special hours during New Year and the 46,000th day of the temple)
[Address]
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
[Access]
・Tobu Skytree Line: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station
・Tokyo Metro Ginza Line: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station
・Tsukuba Express: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station
・Toei Subway Asakusa Line: 5-minute walk from Exit A4 of Asakusa Station
<Sensoji Temple Official Site>
Kaminarimon and Nakamise Street │ Fusion of Tradition and Bustle
Nakamise |
Kaminarimon serves as the entrance to the approach leading to Senso-ji Temple, where a giant lantern welcomes visitors. Nakamise Street is a shopping street that stretches from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji Temple, offering a variety of traditional Japanese souvenirs, trendy colorful rice cakes, long-standing ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes), and fried manju (sweet buns) to enjoy. Inside, you'll also find shops selling interesting items like character goods.
※Please note that eating while walking is prohibited on Nakamise Street. Let's enjoy our food at the designated areas provided by the shops.
この記事はAIが翻訳をしたものを掲載していますが、英語が話せたら旅行がもっと楽しくなりますよね。NOAH Online English Lessonのオンライン英会話は無料レッスンが2回付いています。オンラインなので通うのが面倒になることもなくおすすめです。
2023年7月1日〜8月31日まで夏のキャンペーン期間実施中で7, 8月分月額プラン10%OFF!
Tokyo Skytree │ An Observation Deck Combining Height and Beauty
Tokyo Skytree (Photo courtesy of Natsuki) |
※Expect traffic congestion and crowds during weekends, holidays, and the Obon vacation period. During the three-day weekend in July, the parking lot congestion was severe, and it took a considerable amount of time to enter. Especially for those traveling by car, please be mindful of reservation times and plan accordingly.
Special Illumination "Fireworks" at Skytree
The dynamic lighting that replicates the appearance of fireworks being launched will be lit on the following dates:
[Special Illumination Lighting Dates]
① July 30th (Sunday) 19:45 to 24:00
② August 6th (Sunday) 19:30 to 24:00
③ August 13th (Sunday) 19:30 to 24:00
④ August 20th (Sunday) 19:15 to 24:00
⑤ August 27th (Sunday) 19:15 to 24:00
<Tokyo Sky Tree Official Site>
Asakusa Hanayashiki │ A Retro Showa-era Amusement Park
Asakusa Hanayashiki |
Hanayashiki is a retro Showa-era amusement park located in Asakusa. During the summer, it attracts families and couples, offering nostalgic attractions to enjoy. From panoramic time travels that let you experience the past and present of Asakusa to rides like roller coasters and ferris wheels, there are monthly events to keep you entertained. At night, the park is illuminated with a fantastical display, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Craft Beer Garden from August 11th to August 24th, 2023
Following last year's success, the "Craft Beer Garden" is back. It's a craft beer festival where you can enjoy various cuisines such as Italian, Japanese, and Asian dishes along with craft beer.
Usually, Hanayashiki closes at 6:00 PM, but during event days, it remains open until 9:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy from morning to night. You can savor the purchased craft beer and food at any preferred spot within the park (except for inside attractions). Especially recommended is the Sky Plaza (rooftop) with a view of the illuminated park and the night scenery of Asakusa.
※The event may be canceled in case of bad weather.
[Event Location]
Inside Asakusa Hanayashiki, Beer Garden Area (at the back of the Kids' Ninja Area "Nin Nin Park")
[Operating Hours]
12:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Last order, final admission at 8:30 PM)
※Subject to change depending on weather conditions.
[Event Admission Fee]
12:00 PM to 5:30 PM
・Adults (Junior high school students to 64 years old) 1,200 yen
・Children (5 years old to elementary school students) and Seniors (65 years old and above) 600 yen
・Infants (0 to 4 years old) Free
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
・Adults (Junior high school students and above) 500 yen
・Elementary school students and below Free
※Includes Yuuenchi admission fee, separate charges for rides
※Event details are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
<Asakusa Hanayashiki Official Site>
Kuramae│An Old and New Neighborhood of Art and Cafés
Kuramae, often called "Tokyo's Brooklyn," is an area within walking distance from Asakusa, where old and new charms coexist. The neighborhood is dotted with art galleries and unique cafes, creating a stylish atmosphere. Summer art events and markets are also held, making it a particularly recommended spot for art enthusiasts.
Dandelion Chocolate Factory & Café Kuramae
When it comes to popular shops in Kuramae, many people think of this chocolatier. "Dandelion Chocolate Factory & Café Kuramae" is the first branch of a chocolate factory cafe originally from San Francisco, located just a 2-minute walk from Exit A0 of the Toei Asakusa Line. Besides delicious chocolate confections, they offer unique menu items exclusive to the Kuramae store, such as hot chocolate, cocoa cola, and cold brew coffee infused with cocoa nibs.
<Dandelion Chocolate Factory & Cafe Kuramae Official Site>
Kappabashi Dougu Street │ A town lined with specialty food stores
Kappabashi Dougu Street |
[Business day]
※Business days and regular holidays differ depending on each store.
Overall, about 70% of shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
For the business status of each store on Sundays and holidays, please check the "Business information on Sundays and holidays" on the official website.
<Kappabashi Dougu Street Official Site>
Cool Evening Spot│Houseboat along the Sumida River
yakatabune |
<Portal site for Yakatabune "Yakatabune-no-madoguchi">
Seasonal Gourmet │ Indulge in Asakusa's Specialties
When visiting Asakusa, be sure to savor the local specialties. There are plenty of eye-catching sweets and treats, such as the popular melon pan with ice cream sandwiched inside, colorful skewered dumplings, and shops offering an array of strawberry-themed desserts. Additionally, there are many popular dishes like dojou (loach) and unagi (eel), as well as monjayaki. Asakusa also boasts several longstanding Western-style restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals.
Asakusa Mugitoro, popular for its buffet
Asakusa Mugitoro(Photo courtesy of Natsuki) |
Asakusa Mugitoro Honten, where lines form during lunchtime, is known for its weekday-only buffet priced at 1,500 yen (no reservations). You can indulge in unlimited servings of mugitoro gohan (buckwheat rice) as well as miso soup, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), pickles, and a weekly rotating main dish, all served in buffet style. If you are willing to pay a bit more, the "Tenku Totoro Buffet" on the rooftop is also highly recommended. While enjoying the beautiful view of the Skytree and Asakusa, you can savor a delightful meal.
[Business Hours]
Weekdays:
Lunch) 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Last entry 3:00 PM)
*Weekday-only buffet / 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM (Last entry 2:00 PM)
Dinner) 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM (Last entry 9:00 PM)
Weekends and Holidays:
11:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Last entry 9:00 PM)
<Asakusa Mugitoro Honten Official Website>
日本の良さをアピールしたくてAIの翻訳でページを作りましたが、どのくらい正確に表現できたのかは不安です。このページをきっかけに英語を学んでみたい方はNOAH Online English Lessonでオンラインレッスンを受けてみるのはいかがでしょうか。
2023年7月1日〜8月31日まで夏のキャンペーン期間実施中で7, 8月分月額プラン10%OFF!
Participate in Local Festivals │ Get to Know the Community's Culture
In Asakusa, numerous local festivals take place during the summer. By enjoying these festivals with the local residents, you can gain a deeper understanding of the region's culture and traditions.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival │ July 29, 2023 (Saturday)
(The photograph is an image.) |
On July 29, 2023 (Saturday), the "Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival" will be held along the Sumida River, flowing through Taito Ward and Sumida Ward, after a four-year hiatus. This fireworks festival traces its roots back to the "Ryogoku no Kawa-biraki" event from the Edo period, where fireworks were launched to pray for the repose of souls lost to epidemics and to ward off evil diseases. Today, it has become one of the "Two Major Fireworks Festivals in Tokyo" and is known for being one of the largest events in Japan, often broadcasted on television.
The festival is divided into the first and second venues, with both offering spectacular fireworks displays. The first venue can be enjoyed from downstream of Sakura Bridge to upstream of Kotoibashi Bridge, while the second venue offers views from downstream of Komagata Bridge to upstream of Umayabashi Bridge. Watching the fireworks from the Tokyo Skytree or from yakatabune floating on the Sumida River is also highly recommended.
<Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival Official Website>
Sumidagawa Toro-nagashi │ August 12, 2023 (Saturday)
Toro-nagashi(The photograph is an image.) |
"Sumidagawa Toro-nagashi" is a fantastic event that attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad, and is considered a summer tradition in the Asakusa area. This event started during the "Asakusa Fukko-sai" festival in 1946 (Showa 21), as a way to remember those who lost their lives in the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo Air Raids. Since 2019, the Sumida Ward Tourism Association and Asakusa Tourism Federation have collaborated to conduct the toro-nagashi (lantern-floating) ceremony on both banks of the Sumida River at the Sumida-sinsui Terrace Azumabashi.
As night falls, the sight of lanterns gently floating on the river against the backdrop of Tokyo Skytree and the beautiful night view of Asakusa is truly enchanting and soothing to the soul. Participants can apply in advance or on the day of the event to float their own lanterns, filled with their wishes and thoughts, down the river. The scene of the lanterns gracefully flowing down the river is indeed heartwarming. However, as the number of lanterns is limited, it is recommended to purchase them in advance. Once the lanterns are sold out, the event will end, so please make your reservation early. "Sumidagawa Toro-nagashi" is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting and cherished memories in Asakusa during the summer. Join in this beautiful display of light and enjoy a special moment.
[Purchase of Lanterns: Advance or On-site]
Available for advance purchase
Dedicated Lantern: 1,500 yen/each
Payment by credit card or bank transfer is accepted at the Asakusa Tourism Federation office.
<Asakusa Tourism Federation Official Website>
[Event Schedule]
・Ceremony & First Lantern Floating: 6:30 PM
・Lantern Floating: 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
*Event will be held rain or shine
[Venue]
Azumabashi, Sumida River Promenade Course along the Sumida River from Azumabashi to Kotoibashi
Please be aware that Asakusa can be crowded as it is a popular destination!
dango(Photo courtesy of Natsuki) |
Summer in Asakusa is a captivating area where traditional atmosphere meets modern charm. You can enjoy a variety of sightseeing spots. There are also shops where you can rent yukata, so why not enjoy strolling around with your friends or loved ones in yukata? Through various experiences, make the most of the charm of Asakusa.