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Asakusa has prospered since the Yedo period (1603 - 1867) as a temple town. Its center is Senso-ji temple, otherwise known as Kannon-sama (the Goddess of Mercy). It is one of the major sightseeing places to represent Tokyo shitamachi section (districts with friendly and down to earth people and atmosphere) along with Ueno, located in the same Taito ward. The shops along Nakamise-dori and the old restaurants attract visitors as nostalgic and homely sites. There are numerous seasonal events such as Sanja Festival (one of the three major festivals in Tokyo), Hozuki (ground cherry) Fair, and Tori-no-ichi Festival. There are places of their own characteristics in the vicinity such as the Kappabashi utensil arcade, where there is a line of utensils and furniture stores, as well as stores which specialize in Buddhist altar articles in Inari-cho. The Yedo (present day Tokyo) sentiment, nourished in the old days in the Yedo period (1603 - 1867), has still remained in these neighborhoods, and created a unique and outstanding charm among those fast urbanized and standardized cities in other places in the country. Leaving behind the stagnated mood during the post World War II period, Asakusa is one of the most attractive towns in Tokyo where tourists inside and outside of the country choose to visit.
Courtesy: Taito-ku Tourist Bureau
