Asakusa

Asakusa is situated on the north-east fringe of Central Tokyo. It is at the Eastern end of the Ginza subway line, which is famous in Tokyo for the Sensoji temple. Asakusa was a center of entertainment for most of the twentieth century.

The Sensoji temple is also known as Asakusa Kannon. It is the largest Buddhist temple and a major attraction for the Japanese and the foreigners alike. Tourists throng to this temple all throughout the year. There are many things to see inside this temple itself. The Kaminarimon or "Thunder gate" has a giant lantern and statues of gods Rajjin and Fujin.

The Five storied pagoda is another famous attraction of this place. This pagoda was built in 1973. It is 53.32 meters high. Like all pagodas, this pagoda similarly has a huge pillar of Japanese Cypress tree wood in the center. To the left of the temple you can see the Hanayashiki Amusement Park. There are many other temples and shrines here. Some of them are:

1 Asakusa Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to protecting the Buddhist temple in a typically Japanese manner. The main attraction of this shrine is that, it is the pivot of the Sanja Masturi festival.
2 Chingodo Shrine is devoted to the Japanese raccoon dog tanuki who is noted for its huge flask of sake and mammoth testicles.
3 Denpoin temple has a wonderful garden though it is not open to visitors.

You can also enjoy the Sanja Masturi festival which is popularly called Daigyorestu, if you visit the place during third weekend in May. Visitors flock this district during the time of the festival. You can also enjoy the Asakusa Samba Carnival, which is held in the last Saturday of August.

Kappabashi Dori Avenue is the place in the town where most of the restaurants and eating joints are concentrated. Shopping here is a wonderful experience. You can buy anything from paper lanterns to plastic plates of sushi. You must taste senbei rice crackers, which is famous here. Asakusa is famous for "tenpura" fried prawns and vegetables. Accommodation is not much of a problem for budget travelers. Ryokan Shigetsu, Taito Ryokan, etc are nice, comfortable but cheap hotels.

Hotels in Tokyo
Nishi Shinjuku Hotel	Belmonte Hotel
Fukuoka Kaikan Hotel	Mercure Narita Hotel
International Garden Hotel	Ikebukuro Theatre Hotel