The most relevant memory about my first visit in Tokyo 3 years ago is Asakusa.
Displayed by the guide book as a traditional area, I wasn't surprised to find many rickshaws when getting out from the subway station.
A few paths from there here it is, the Kaminarimon (thunder gate), impressive and huge with its red lamp and the two wooden deities of thunder and wind looking at you.
kaminarimon
Behind, the Nakamise street, and its hundreds of souvenir and sweets shop, will lead you to Senso-ji temple and Asakusa shrine.
What made this visit so memorable? I'd say the atmosphere of a traditional place where so many Japanese people came to pray, the smell of incense on a cold winter day, the warm freshly baked cakes, the thousands of souvenirs I wanted to buy, the rickshaws pullers with their traditional costume, the ladies wearing elegant kimonos...
But also the perspective of the so modern architecture of Asahi Building, designed by the french designer Philippe Starck, at the east end of Kaminarimon street. So happy to find such a district in the giant Tokyo.
Asakusa view
At this time, I couldn't find any travel agency offering affordable English guided tour in this area, so I had to wander around. But unfortunately I couldn't enjoy and learn as much about this place as I wanted. But now Travelience made it, so please join!
by Volatiana