The Tokyo Traveler

This shot of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa captures the view that can be seen as you approach the temple from Nakamase Dori.  It’s a hard view to photograph if you don’t own a wide angle lens and this HDR image does a great job of doing just that.
As you leave bustling shops and crowds of Nakamise Dori behind, you pass though an impressive gate on your approach to the Senso-ji Temple, which sits in essentially the same spot and in the same configuration that is has for hundreds of years.
Shops on either side sell religious tokens and incense and pamphlets …read more

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The term rickshaw is a western word  derived from the Japanese word jinrikisha which can be literally translated as “human-drawn carriage” in English.  The much romanticized jinrikisha is a simple cart with large, spoked wheels on either side and an axle that rests upon the ground until a runner picks it up to navigate the occupants to their chosen destination.  The jinrikisha is was invented in Japan around 1868 and was one of the main modes of transportation around the city with over 40,000 in operation by 1872.
Today, you can tour the Asakusa and Nihonbashi areas of Tokyo on …read more

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If you were asked to pick a color associated with Tokyo, what color would that be? I think the first colors that come to mind for most people would be red and black but the city offers a veritable rainbow, or niji, of colors to her visitors. Let’s explore the colors of Tokyo…
Aka (Red) is the color of the circle representing the sun on the Hinomaru, the flag of Japan, and is considered good luck. The Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa and many of the shrines around Tokyo are painted in this deep crimson color.Kiiro (Yellow) is the …read more

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Visitors to Tokyo tend to do a lot of walking while touring the city.  The routine goes something like this, walk to the nearest Tokyo Metro Station, navigate your way to your destination, possibly transiting one or more stations on foot in the process, walk to and around your desired destination and finally,when you have had your fill of the sights or your feet are just too tired to walk anymore, do it all again in reverse to get back to your accommodations.  Now that’s a lot of walking! It’s good for you and you see a lot more by …read more

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Forbes has put together a list of Japan’s 10 Most Popular Tourist Attractions and a companion slide show with some great images.  According to Forbes,
“When foreigners go to Japan, Tokyo tops their list of places to see. Seven of the 10 most-visited destinations in the country are in the capital, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization.”

The article offers a brief overview of Asakusa, Ginza, Harajuku, Shinjuku and other areas that have been mentioned here at The Tokyo Traveler and it is worth a read if you are planning a trip to Japan.
Photo Credit:  Personal Collection

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If you can’t make the fire boat demonstration at the Tokyo Port Festival this Saturday then why not head over to the Asakusa Yayoi Matsuri (festival) on Sunday, May 25th. Or you could do both!
The Edo Shobo Kinen-kai (Edo Civilian Fire Fighters’ Association) will be hosting a demonstration of acrobatics on fire-ladders at 12 Noon at the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
To get to the Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple) take Tokyo Metro to Asakusa Station and follow the signs to the Kaminarimon Gate.
While you are there why not make a day of it and check out some of the …read more

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The number three in Japanense is “san” and the Sanja Matsuri is a festival that honors the three men who founded the Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo.  Two of the men were said to have found a Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) statuette caught in their fishing net around this time in the year 628.  A wealthy man heard about the discovery and used the opportunity to share a Buddhist sermon with the two men.  The two men were converted and devoted their life to teaching Buddhism.  The wealthy man consecrated the Kannon statuette in a small temple in what is now …read more

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Pagodas first appeared in Japan in the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced from China and India.  They can range in height from one to thirteen tiers. On the grounds of the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa you will find an beautiful example of a five storied pagoda which is the most common.
In the west pagodas are symbolic of Asian architecture but the spiritual aspect of the structure is often overlooked. Pagodas were originally built to house Buddhist relics and the remains of prominent Monks. In Japan most pagodas can be found on the sites of Temples and are …read more

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Located about a quarter or a mile to the west of the Nakamise shopping district in Asakusa you will find Kappabashi Dogugai Street. If you are a fan of kitchenware and gadgets then this is the place for you! There are 170 plus shops along a flag lined half mile stretch that sell Japanese, Chinese and Western style tableware, dishes, pots, pans and cooking and baking supplies.
Most of the shops along Kappabashi Dogugai are open to the street which makes it easy to check out the wares on display. You may also find some good deals …read more

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Located in the Asakusa area and built in 1989 the 22 story Asahi Brewery Headquarters building is said to capture the essence of a sudsy glass of beer. The adjoining Asahi Super Dry Hall was designed by the noted French designer Philippe Starck and the “Flaming Ornament” on the roof is a symbol of Asahi Breweries’ dynamic heart according to the Asahi Breweries web site.
If you are craving a beer after seeing the building from a distance just head over to the Asahi Super Dry Hall where a variety of bars and restaurants can be found.

The “Flaming Ornament” is …read more

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