Asakusa, in Tokyo, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Asakusa literally means ‘Low City’ and is situated in Tokyo’s Shitamachi district, an area known for preserving much of the atmosphere of old Tokyo. Here you can really get a feel for how the city used to be. Once you leave the main streets, it’s easy to step back in time and enjoy the quieter side of life in Tokyo, away from the bustling crowds of the modern city.

On this trip, we wandered through the town, stopping for an absolutely delicious curry, exploring the peaceful Yanaka Cemetery, and generally meandering through the back streets, soaking up the atmosphere. The streets are lined with traditional shops, small temples, and local eateries, making it a delight to explore on foot.

Asakusa is a perfect place to combine sightseeing with a sense of history and local life. It’s where the charm of old Tokyo comes alive, giving visitors a chance to experience a side of the city that feels both timeless and authentic.

The Main Drag

Heading into the heart of Asakusa from the train station.

One of the main streets.

Hello.

A traditional Japanese house.

Eating Out

We had an absolutely delicious curry at the Mother India restaurant in Asakusa.

Hands down it was one of the best chicken saag curries I have ever eaten. I still think about that curry today. Yum Yum.

Yanaka Cemetery

Another smaller cemetery that we came across