Asakusa is known as one of the leading sightseeing spots which gathers tourists from all over world through the year. There are a lot of places to see such as traditional shrines and temples, a shopping district which has a lot of stores to buy take-out food, and stores which have products made by great craftsman. I went to walk around Asakusa with Emma Tanioku which is the town fuses together nostalgic atmosphere and newest culture..

Starting trip from Kaminari-mon Gate which is the symbol of Asakusa.

We started strolling from Kaminari-mon Gate! The Kaminari-mon Gate that has big red lantern as a landmark is considered to be the symbol of Asakusa, and great photo spot for tourists. If you visit Asakusa, you should take picture in front of Kaminari-mon gate as the first thing to do.

Cheerful Nakamise Street

Nakamise street is the almost 250-meter-long shopping street that connects Kaminari-mon Gate to Sensoji Temple. There are about 90 stores that deal with souvenirs, traditional crafts, and food. One of the oldest and historical shopping districts is really fun just walking around.

To the chopstick store called “Morita”

The chopstick specialty store called “Morita” which represent Nakamise street has variety of chopsticks from the reasonable one to luxury one.

Chopstick is the stuff that represents Japanese culture. There also has cute chopstick rest. They are tiny and easy to carry around so that is great for souvenirs.

■Information

Morita

Address：1-30-1  Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Hours：10:00AM to 6:00PM

Holiday：Open 7 days a week

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To the hand-dyed towel store called “Fuji-ya”

“Hand-dyed towel store Fuji-ya” is located in right side of the back street facing the Sensoji temple. It is a 65 year old established hand-dyed towel store. This store is being particular about dealing with traditional hand-dyed towels. It is not only good for using as a handkerchief or towel, but also beautiful for decorating in the picture frame. Other than that, you can use it for a variety of ways such as wrapping gifts or using it as bandana.

It is beautiful hand-dyed towels. Why don’t you find your favorite when you visited Asakusa?

■Information

Fuji-ya

Address：2-2-15  Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Hours：10:00AM to 6:00PM

Holiday：Closed on Thursday

To the conventional café called “Tomorrow”

The next store we visited is a popular café called “Tomorrow” located in Asakusa Shin-Nakamise shopping district. They let us use electrical outlets, chargers, and Wi-Fi, so you can charge your phone and laptop (but you have to order something every 2 hours.) Other than that, they have great hospitality such as letting you have amenity goods and stationaries.

Inside the store, there are books all over the wall! These books are donated by customers, and you can borrow it for two weeks if you want. Many clocks hang on the walls, interesting room lights, and book shelfs perform a nostalgic atmosphere inside the café.

The concept of “Tomorrow” is “the café is one of Japanese culture.” Nice waitresses, quiet and comfy atmosphere… It is good thing that you can stay comfortable and forget about hustle and bustle by drinking good coffee.

■Information

Cafe Tomorrow Asakusa

Address：1-29-3-2F  Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Hours：6:30AM to 8:00PM

Holiday：Open 7 days a week

To the “Asakusa Tatsumi-ya” in Kaminari-mon store

We visited “Asakusa Tatsumi-ya in Kaminari-mon store” located in the left alley of Kaminari-mon Gate. The third generations of Kimono store “Tatsumi-ya” which established 80 years ago sells their original goods utilizing the traditional kimono design.

“Kimono Tumbler” which is the most popular products in this store is hand-made by picking up the most beautiful parts of new Nishijin silk fabric belts. The only one original stainless steel tumbler is good for gift to someone special!

Other than that, they are dealing with original Kimono fabric goods such as tapestry, table runner and pillows that are made by Nishijin silk fabric belts. The number of products made out of one belt are so little. The beautiful and sensitive patterns took my breath away.

There are transcriptions into other languages and English speaker receptionists. You can take picture wearing a Kimono. It is worth visiting.

■Information

Asakusa Tatsumi-ya in Kaminari-mon

Address：1-18-2  Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Hours：10:00AM to 6:30PM

Holiday：Closed on Wednesday

Strolling has ended in front of Sensoji temple Hozomon gate going through the Nakamise street. It was satisfying day that I could enjoy the interesting temple and shrine, the café and particular stores. Did you enjoy it?

Please use this as a reference in your next trip to Asakusa.

Photo & Writer：Haruka Yamamoto

Model： Ema Tanioku @ematanioku

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