Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Tokyo Strolls
Because Tokyo is a jigsaw puzzle
of distinct neighborhoods, it makes sense
to explore the city section by section.
Below are walking tours of four of Tokyo's
most fascinating, diverse, and easily
explored neighborhoods. For information
on sightseeing and attractions outside
these neighborhoods or for additional
information on attractions described
below, see chapter 7.
WALKING TOUR 1
ASAKUSA
START:
Hama Rikyu Garden (Shiodome Station) or Asakusa Station (exit 1 or 3)
FINISH:
Kappabashi Dori (station: Tawaramachi)
TIME:
Allow approximately 5 hours, including the boat ride
BEST TIMES:
Tuesday through Friday, when the crowds aren't as big, or Sunday, when you can join a free
tour, but:
WORST TIMES:
Sunday, when the shops on Kappabashi Dori are closed
If anything remains of old Tokyo, Asakusa is it. This is where you find narrow streets
lined with small residential homes, women in kimono, Tokyo's oldest and most popular
temple, and quaint shops selling boxwood combs, fans, sweet pastries, and other prod-
ucts of yore. With its temple market, old-fashioned amusement park, and traditional
shops and restaurants, Asakusa preserves the charm of old downtown Edo better than
anyplace else in Tokyo. For many older Japanese, a visit to Asakusa is like stepping back
to their childhood; for tourists, it provides a glimpse of Tokyo's past.
Pleasure-seekers have flocked to Asakusa for centuries. Originating as a temple town
back in the 7th century, it grew in popularity during the Tokugawa regime, as merchants
grew wealthy and whole new forms of popular entertainment arose to cater to them.
Theaters for Kabuki and Bunraku flourished in Asakusa, as did restaurants and shops. By
1840, Asakusa had become Edo's main entertainment district. In stark contrast to the
solemnity surrounding places of worship in the West, Asakusa's temple market had a
carnival atmosphere reminiscent of medieval Europe, complete with street performers
and exotic animals. It retains some of that festive atmosphere today.
The most dramatic way to arrive in Asakusa is by boat
from Hama Rikyu Garden (see stop no. 1, below), just
as people used to arrive in the old days. If you want
to forgo the boat ride, take the subway directly to
Asakusa Station and start your tour from stop no. 2.
Otherwise, head to:
1
Hama Rikyu Garden
Located at the south end of Tokyo (sta-
tion: Shiodome, exit 5, and then a 5-min.
walk), this garden was laid out during the
Edo Period in a style popular at the time,
in which surrounding scenery was incor-
porated into its composition. Today, sky-
scrapers are the only surrounding scenery,
but it does contain an inner tidal pool,
bridges draped with wisteria, moon-view-
ing pavilions, and teahouses. (See “Parks
& Gardens,” in chapter 7, for more
details.)
