Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This small, peaceful and unjustifiably overlooked temple pays tribute to the
tanuki
, (raccoon-like, folkloric characters), who figure in Japanese myth as mystical
shape-shifters and merry pranksters. They are also said to protect against fire and
theft, which is why you'll often see
tanuki
figurines in front of restaurants.
( 2-3-1
Asakusa, Taitō-ku;
6am-5pm;
Ginza Line to Asakusa, exit 1)
5
Traditional Crafts Museum
MUSEUM
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
Asakusa has a long artisan tradition and changing exhibitions of local crafts are
held here. Demonstrations are held on Saturdays and Sundays (between 11am &
5pm). If you see anything that strikes your interest, staff can direct you to the ar-
tisans or to shops selling their work.
( Edo Shitamachi Dentō Kōgeikan;
ht-
tp://www.city.taito.lg.jp/index/kurashi/shigoto/jibasangyo/kogeikan/
; 2-22-13 Asakusa, Taitō-ku;
10am-8pm;
Ginza Line to Asakusa, exit 1)
6
Hanayashiki
AMUSEMENT PARK
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
Japan's oldest amusement park has creaky old carnival rides and heaps of vintage
charm. Don't miss the hilariously old-school 'Bikkuri Hausu' ('Surprise House'),
which dates from 1949, and the Bee Tower, Hanayashiki's landmark. Once you're
inside, you can buy tickets for individual rides, which cost a few hundred yen each.
(
www.hanayashiki.net/index.html
; 2-28-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku; admission ¥900;
10am-6pm;
Ginza Line to Asakusa, exit 1)
7
Kappabashi-dōri
STREET
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
Kappabashi-dōri supplies many a Tokyo restaurant with all the necessities, such as
matching sets of chopsticks, crockery, uniforms and neon signs. However, it is
most famous for its shops selling those eerily realistic plastic food models that
