18 Mar 2025
Asakusa is definitely a Tokyo neighborhood that is worth seeing, but it will be very overwhelming without a guide. Our guide, Haruo, made everything perfect for our group of four adults. It was easy to find him at the subway station. He took us immediately to the Asakusa tourist building which has an observatory to get an aerial view of the the neighborhood. It would be important to meet him on time because he was able to get us up in the observatory before it got too crowded. After, we meandered through the crowded street of shops leading up to the Senso-ji Buddhist Temple. Haruo was patient with us as we stopped in a few shops. He explained some of the local culinary treats, some of the cultural items that were being sold in the shops and more. If there was something that you had a question about, he was happy to answer it. Haruo explained all the interesting facts about the Senso-ji, but most importantly, how to be there in a respectful manner and also explained the important rituals since this is an active Temple. He helped us to purchase pendants for protection and more. We then went to the Shinto Shrine and learned about the religious practices there. After, he took us into an enclosed street that had a variety of shops and games for people to try. We then headed to a part of town to see a street that sells culinary ware. I was looking for a Japanese knife, so we went into a few shops and eventually I purchased a nice one. We went for a wonderful soba noodle lunch overlooking the river and then headed to the Tokyo Skytree. Haruo offered to purchase our tickets in advance (WHICH IS A MUST DO! IT WILL SAVE YOU AN HOUR at least on a busy day!) and explained everything we were seeing. (Also - if you buy a knife, you'll need to lock it up in a locker before heading up the Skytree). Hauro also helped us find our subway platform since the Skytree mall is very large and busy. We had an amazing day and learned so much!