Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
incense burner standing before
the cavernous main hall,
designed in a style known as
gongen-zukuri
. Within the same
compound, Asakusa Shrine was
founded in 1649 and rebuilt
several times. Erected even
earlier, the nearby 1618 Niten-
mon gate remains completely
intact, a miraculous survivor of
earthquakes, typhoons, and air
raids
(see pp10-11)
.
&
Edo-Shitamachi Traditional
Rickshaws
The
jinrikisha
was invented in
Japan in 1869. Izumi Yosuke's
workshop produced the prototype,
a great transportation innovation
in Tokyo's narrow roads and rough
surfaces. Four years later, there
were over 34,000 registered
rickshaws in the city, continuing
to be a common sight until WWII.
Beautifully lacquered rickshaws
have made a comeback in tourist
spots such as Asakusa. Expect to
pay ¥5,000 for a 15-minute ride.
Crafts Museum
Also known as Gallery Takumi,
this museum was set up to
preserve and promote local craft
industries and techniques dating
from the Edo period. More than
300 displays represent 50
different traditional crafts. Craft
demonstrations take place on
weekends.
d
Map R1 • 2-22-13
Asakusa, Taito-ku • 3842-1990
• Open 10am-8pm
%
Taikan Yokoyama
Memorial Hall
Taikan Yokoyama (1868-1958)
was a master of Nihonga, a style
of painting that fused nativist
themes and traditional materials
with modern art techniques. A
giant among modern Japanese
painters, Yokoyama lived in this
house for almost 90 years, wit-
nessing immense changes in
both the country and its arts. His
works are diplayed inside the
house, located just opposite
Shinobazu Pond.
d
Map F2
• 1-4-24 Ikenohata, Taito-ku • 3821-1017
*
Hanayashiki
Once part of an aristocratic
residence to the west of Senso-ji
Temple, the Hanayashiki gardens
were opened in 1853 in the
Asakusa Rokku entertainment
district. A small zoo was added
20 years later. An Asakusa institu-
tion, it retains its retro quality,
with old-fashioned game
machines that complement an
^
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's mother temple
looms majestically at the end of
Nakamise, an avenue of stores
selling iconic trinkets. Two
imposing gates lead to the great
Old-fashioned attractions inside Hanayashiki Amusement Park
84
The must-see Senso-ji Temple is the site of the annual spring
Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo's greatest festivals.
