Tokyo Retro Sightseeing Attractions Starting with Sensoji Temple

Explore the history and culture of Sensoji Temple

Senso-ji Temple, located in Taito-ku, Tokyo, is one of the oldest temples in Japan and has a very rich history and culture. The origins of Sensoji Temple date back to 628. At that time, fishermen brothers discovered a statue of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) in the Sumida River, and Senso-ji Temple was built to worship it. This statue of the Kannon is not open to the public as a secret statue and has attracted many devotees.

Throughout its long history, Sensoji Temple has developed under various cultural influences. Especially during the Edo period (1603-1867), the temple was crowded with worshippers as the faith of the common people increased. During this period, commerce and entertainment also flourished in the surrounding area, making it one of the "three major entertainment districts of Edo".

Senso-ji Temple is also famous for the Sanja Festival held every May. This festival attracts many visitors with a variety of events including portable shrine processions and traditional dances. The Sanja Matsuri strengthens ties with the local community and is deeply rooted in people's daily lives.

Senso-ji Temple is also notable for its architecture. The main hall, Kannon-do, the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), and other beautiful structures are located here. The Kaminarimon in particular, with its huge hanging lanterns, is an impressive sight that overwhelms visitors. The Nakamise Street leading from the main hall is lined with many souvenir stores and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and handicrafts.

Today it is a popular tourist destination, but the relationship with the local residents is also very important. Many worshippers participate in the sutra reading held every morning, offering new wishes and thanksgivings each day. Through such activities, Senso-ji has become more than just a tourist attraction.

In this way, Sensoji Temple is loved by many people for its history and culture. It also continues to convey its charm to visitors from Japan and abroad.

Asakusa Gourmet Tour to enjoy traditional Japanese food

Asakusa is an area of Tokyo with a particularly rich history and tradition, and is a place where you can enjoy Japanese food at its best. In this issue, we will introduce "Asakusa Gourmet Tour to Enjoy Traditional Japanese Food".

First, try "Ningyo-yaki" as a snack to fill your stomach while strolling along Nakamise-dori, the approach to Sensoji Temple. The fluffy sponge cake dough is filled with sweet red bean paste, and the bite-sized pieces are easy to eat.

The next place to visit is a long-established sushi restaurant that has been around since the Edo period. The restaurant boasts the freshest ingredients and offers authentic sushi. Particularly recommended is the nigirizushi set, which features seasonal seafood. The beautiful presentation and exquisite taste of the craftsmanship will satisfy your heart.

After lunch, visit a famous "Tempura" restaurant. Shrimp and vegetables wrapped in a light, crispy batter go well with sake. Each tempura dish is carefully deep-fried to accentuate its aroma and the natural flavor of the ingredients.

The tour ends at a restaurant specializing in "eels". The plump, steamed eel is given an even deeper flavor by the secret sauce. It also goes great with rice, and once you try it, you will never forget how delicious it is.

As you can see, Asakusa offers a wide variety of Japanese food experiences. Each restaurant has its own techniques and feelings that have been cultivated over many years, so please take the time to try each one. Through this tour, you will deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and make new discoveries. Please take this opportunity to enjoy a unique Japanese gastronomic experience on the Asakusa Gourmet Tour.

Scenes of downtown by rickshaw

There are several ways to enjoy the scenery of downtown, but touring by rickshaw is a special experience. The jinrikisha is a traditional means of transportation in Japan. In this article, we will introduce the scenery of downtown by rickshaw.

First, riding a rickshaw allows you to enjoy the cityscape from a different perspective than usual. By sitting a little higher off the ground, you can view the surrounding buildings and scenery from a fresh angle. Also, as the rickshawman (shafu) guides you around, you can learn more about the history and culture of the area and hear interesting stories that you may not find in tourist guidebooks.

The downtown areas of Asakusa and Yanaka are especially recommended. In Asakusa, you can visit famous sightseeing spots such as Kaminarimon and Senso-ji Temple, where you can enjoy the luxury of a rickshaw ride. In Yanaka, on the other hand, you can enjoy a leisurely tour of back alleys and shopping streets with a good old Japanese atmosphere and encounter stores and food unique to the area.

The relaxed pace of the rickshaw ride is also attractive. You can take your time to enjoy small stores and beautiful gardens that you might miss on foot. Another enjoyment is the scenery that changes with the seasons. From the rows of cherry blossom trees in spring to the autumn leaves in fall, you can experience the beauty of each of the four seasons, which is unique to Japan.

Furthermore, rickshaws are an environmentally friendly means of transportation. It is quiet with no engine noise, so you feel at one with nature without disturbing the harmony of your surroundings. After touring in this way, new discoveries and memorable experiences await you.

We invite you to take a rickshaw ride and explore the downtown area. It is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture while experiencing the spirit and warmth of local hospitality. We would be happy to help you discover new discoveries and create new memories in the streets, each with its own distinct character.

A moment at a retro Showa-era coffee shop

A moment at this retro Showa-era coffee shop is like a trip through the ages. The first thing that catches your eye when you step into the store is the interior that creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Wooden tables and chairs, and old posters on the walls, each of which retains a trace of the Showa period.

As you take your seat, pleasant jazz and sing-along tunes play quietly in the background. This music is also unique to that era and calming. Looking at the menu, you will find dishes such as "Neapolitan" and "cream soda," which are unique to old-fashioned coffee shops. The cream soda, in particular, is pleasing to the eye with its bright colors, and each sip fills the mouth with sweetness.

The Neapolitan I ordered was served on a large platter and was very hearty. The thick spaghetti is coated with a ketchup-based sauce and is filled with ingredients such as green peppers and ham. The depth of flavor is unique and different from that of home cooking.

Conversations with the waitstaff also make the time spent at this coffee shop special. From friendly interactions with regular customers to the courteous hospitality of newcomers, the warmth of the service can only be found in a family-run store.

There is nothing like spending time reading a book or writing a letter in the soft light coming in from the window. And when I look up, I sometimes see customers smiling at each other. At that moment, you can't help but feel that there is more to this place than just a cup of coffee.

This moment spent in a Showa-era retro coffee shop is a precious experience that invites you to take a break from modern day-to-day life and enter a time and thought space that is all your own. In such a store, each person is immersed in nostalgia for the past in his or her own way, while also making new memories. It is because it is such a place that it continues to be loved by so many customers.

Asakusa's handmade souvenirs with craftsmanship

Asakusa is one of Tokyo's most popular tourist destinations and is visited by many people. One of the most popular souvenirs here are handmade items that showcase the craftsmanship of the artisans. Many tourists are attracted by the wide variety of goods made using traditional techniques here.

The first thing to mention is the Japanese paper crafts that can be found in the Sensoji area. Washi is made using a process unique to Japan and has many fans because of its beautiful texture and durability. Craftspeople put their heart and soul into processing each sheet of washi into diverse works of art, such as beautiful origami cranes and gorgeous lampshades. These are perfect for interior decoration, and when brought home, they serve as accents to remind you of Japanese culture.

Asakusa also has traditional footwear such as geta and zori. These are made by hand by skilled craftsmen, and each pair is carefully finished. Geta and zori are not only comfortable to wear, but also excel in their design and are popular as stylish fashion items.

In addition, the glass craft known as Edo faceting should not be overlooked. Edo faceted glass is highly transparent glass with delicate cut patterns. The beauty and exquisiteness of the work is stunning. Since each piece is individually decorated with a different pattern, you will enjoy finding your own favorite piece.

Lastly, I would like to introduce sweets such as ningyoyaki. These sweets are also popular as souvenirs unique to Asakusa. Each carefully baked doll yaki comes in a variety of flavors, such as red bean paste and custard cream, and is sure to be a welcome souvenir.

As you can see, "Asakusa's handmade souvenirs with craftsmanship" are all excellent products that pay homage to Japanese culture and traditional techniques. Each product has its own unique charm, making it a perfect souvenir choice for both personal use and as a gift. We invite you to visit and experience the splendor for yourself.

Spectacular views of Tokyo from a Sumida River cruise

A Sumida River cruise is a wonderful way to enjoy the spectacular views of Tokyo. On this cruise, you can leisurely view Tokyo's mix of historical and modern landscapes from the water. As you board the boat, you will first see the bustling streets of the Asakusa area. It is a refreshing experience to see famous sightseeing spots such as Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate from the water.

Further ahead, the Sky Tree greets you with its overwhelming presence. The Sky Tree is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated. Taking pictures with the Sky Tree in the background is a unique way to enjoy this cruise.

There are also many bridges along the Sumida River. Each is decorated with different designs and colors, with the Kachidokibashi and Eitai bridges being particularly worth seeing. Each time you pass under one of these bridges, you will encounter a new view.

Further on, you can see the Rainbow Bridge on the way toward Odaiba. In this area, you can also see skyscrapers and Tokyo Tower in the distance, so you will be able to see various faces of Tokyo at once.

A Sumida River cruise also offers seasonal attractions. In spring, the rows of cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast with the pink flowers reflected on the surface of the water. In summer, you can enjoy the night view while feeling the cool breeze, and in autumn, you can see the trees turning into autumn colors.

Thus, the Sumida River cruise has different charms in each season and offers a great opportunity to see Tokyo in its multifaceted form. Why not spend a special time on this cruise that you can only experience once?