TOKYO PHOTO JOURNAL #Asakusa 2

Hoppy Street

This is the street of bars open from midday to late at night. The atmosphere is local and popular.

Hoppy is a low-alcohol, beer-flavoured drink that is drunk with shochu, a distilled spirit. It goes well with a classic izakaya dish, "motsu-nikomi", a fish stew. In winter, plastic tents are set up so you can drink without fear of the cold.

The Asakusa Engei Theatre and the Asakusa Franceza Engei Theatre 

A traditional Japanese comedy theatre is located in a corner of a row of commercial buildings near Hoppy Street. The "yose" is a live performance venue open daily. The audience mainly sees rakugo, a zany comedy play by a single actor, but also manzai, with two actors, and magic tricks.

Matsuyoshi 

If you want to enjoy the local atmosphere, I recommend Matsuyoshi, located in an alleyway off Hanayashiki Street. You'll enjoy odens, Japanese-style stews, yakitori, and giblet stews. You'll be mingling with the locals and the atmosphere will be great! 

Yonekyu Honten 

This restaurant, which specialises in sukiyaki, known here as "beef melt", has been in existence for over 150 years. 

When you arrive, you are greeted by a drum roll! The more people you are, the bigger the instrument! Unlike other sukiyaki restaurants, you can enjoy quality beef at a reasonable price.

Kamiya Bar

Kamiya Bar is considered the first bar in Japan and has been in existence for over 100 years. Its speciality is the original cocktail called "Denki Bran", a brandy-based drink with an alcohol content of 40%.

The bar has been frequented by some of the giants of Japanese literature and appears in the novels of Osamu Dazai and Masuji Ibuse.

Akebono-yu 

Japanese people are so fond of public baths that they have become a part of their daily life. Nowadays, large, well-equipped "super sento" baths are very popular, but traditional sento baths also have their charm. The Akebono-yu baths are known for their high ceilings and traditional interior decoration, as well as the wisteria that bloom under the eaves in spring. You can come unpacked as shampoo and towels are provided. Feel free to come and relax after a long day of sightseeing. You can always have a nightcap afterwards.

Asakusa Culture and Tourism Centre 

Located just across from Kaminarimon Gate, this facility not only provides a wide range of tourist information, but is also a little-known place worth visiting.

 It has a free observation deck on the top floor. It offers a panoramic view of the Asakusa district at night, including the Sky Tree and Nakamise Street. Why not end a tour with a night view? It would be an extra souvenir...