Playing at Asakusa

Thunder gate "Kaminari-mon"

Asakusa from Wikipedia.

Asakusa from WikiTravel.

Asakusa is the terminus of the Metro Ginza line, which is the best way to get into the area, perhaps by connecting from the Yamanote line at Ueno. Another option is to take the eponymous Toei Asakusa line, which carves a path through eastern and southern Tokyo or by using the Tobu-Isesaki Line.

Cruises down the Sumidagawa river depart from a wharf only 5-minute walk from the temple.

Sensōji (浅草寺), also known as Asakusa Kannon, is Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple and a major attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike. Take the Sensoji exit of the subway and follow the crowds.

* Up first is the Kaminarimon (雷門) or "Thunder Gate", featuring a much-photographed giant lantern and statues of guardian gods Raijin (god of thunder) and Fujin (god of wind). First built in 942, the gate has been destroyed numerous times and the current incarnation dates to only 1950. The Nakamise shopping arcade leading up to the temple starts after the gate (see Buy).

* At the end of the arcade is the main gate Hōzōmon (宝蔵門), notable for a giant straw sandal (waraji) hung up on one side. This gate too is guarded by ferocious guardian gods.

* The perennially busy Kannondō (観音堂, Kannon Hall) is behind the gate, with a steady stream of worshippers wafting incense over themselves and trooping up the steps to pray and donate. According to legend, the hall was originally built in 628 to house a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, fished out of the Sumida River by two brothers.

* To the west is the Gojūnoto (五重塔, 5-Story Pagoda), reputedly containing some of the ashes of the Buddha.

Eat
* Asakusa is famous for its senbei rice crackers, grilled on the spot, flavored with soy and usually wrapped in seaweed. There are many competing shops in the Nakamise arcade, and packages of senbei are a very popular souvenir among the Japanese as well.

* Asakusa is also famous for its "tenpura", fried prawns and vegetables. You can find many tenpura restaurants (high and low budget) in the streets near Nakamise doori.


Oldest roller coaster in Japan. "Hanayashiki playland"

Hanayashiki

When you go through Sensoji, you can find old playland "Hanayashiki".
There is oldest roller coaster in Japan. It is short but thrilling coaster.
Have fun!


Oldest and famouns bar in Asakusa. "Kamiya Bar"

Kamiya Bar

It is most famous Bar in Asakusa.
Denki-Bran is most famous Cocktail.
Enough with 1shot even if you are a heavy drinker :-)
It is not cheep. and you can buy it with the bottle IF you like it.

Those are not POP culture.
But most japanese bring foreigner here :-P
If you want to buy Ninja wares, you can find cheep one at Nakamise.
If you want to be, you have to go another place...