Asakusa: Japanese kitchen knife store visits after history tour

This bridge has been one of the most important and popular rivers in Tokyo. Actually, the story of Sensoji temple originated in this river 1400 years ago.

Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is one of Asakusa’s newest sightseeing attractions. We will go to the open terrace Observation Deck on the top floor of the Center, where you can get a good view of the main part of Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate, Nakamise shopping street, Sensoji Temple, and much more on one side, and on the other side, another splendid view of Tokyo Skytree and the Asahi Beer Headquarters.

Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is the entrance to the world of Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine. The world's well-known giant red lantern is hanging under the gate.

This street leads to Sensoji temple. You may be surprised by its friendly and welcoming atmosphere walking on it if you had imagined solemn and stately religious facilities. The street features not just shops but "history tablets," which recounts Asakusa's history with beautiful pictures.

Hozomon ("Treasure-House Gate") is the inner of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the Sensoji (the outer being the Kaminarimon). A two-story gate, the Hozomon's second story houses many of the Sensoji's treasures. The first story houses two statues, three lanterns and two large sandals.

It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Adjacent to the temple is a five-story pagoda, which holds Buddha's ashes given by Sri Lanka government and Buddhist society for goodwill between Sri Lanka and Japan in its top floor. You can participate in centuries-old rituals at the Temple and the Asakusa Shrine and see what the fates have in store for you with Sensoji’s infamous paper fortunes.

This is a shrine of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion sitting just next to Senshoji temple. Coexistence of two distinct religions in the same premises may be unfathomable. The guide will unlock the mystery from a historical standpoint.

After the magnificence of Sensoji, we'll escape into the Rokku area: Asakusa's traditional entertainment district, always bustling yet rarely busy. Walk through the Meiji period into the present day (with stops along the way for more Japanese sweet snacks). Once a district of endless novelty — movies, comedians and exotic animals — Rokku passed through its glory days to become a quaint neighborhood of handicrafts and nostalgia. Through vivid descriptions of its complex, colorful history, you'll even see sights that aren't there to see anymore! Packed with cosy bars, eateries, and snack stands, as well as boutique shops for traditionally crafted goods of all kinds, the narrow, winding and wandering streets of Rokku will lead you through the other Asakusa experience.

We will take you to the Kappabashi Street adjacent to Asakusa, a shopping street lined with dozens of strores selling everything including kitchen knives needed by restaurant operators.