STORY

About 140 years ago, in 1887 (Meiji 20), an extraordinary tower rose above Asakusa. Its name was the Fujisan Juranjo (Mt. Fuji Exhibition Hall). Located in the 4th plot of Asakusa Park's 6th District, it was a 32-meter-tall replica of Mt. Fuji, meticulously crafted from wood and plaster. The mastermind behind this grand project was Tamekichi Terada, a merchant living in Asakusa. This is the story of how he turned a seemingly reckless dream into a historical reality. The Spark

On January 18th—the auspicious day of "Hatsu-Kannon," the first memorial service of the year for the Shō-Kannon Bodhisattva at Senso-ji Temple—exciting news has arrived. It has been announced that the "Heisei Nakamuraza" Kabuki performances will be held in October 2026 at a temporary theater within the precincts of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Hatsu-Kannon has long been a day deeply associated with "success in the performing arts" and "business prosperity," where many e

A tourism event themed around Edo-period culture, the “Asakusa Edo Atmosphere Creation Project,” will be held in the Kannon-ura area of Asakusa from Sunday, February 1 to Saturday, March 14, 2026. The project is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s initiative to create Edo-inspired streetscapes, showcasing Asakusa’s rich history and cultural heritage while offering visitors a new way to experience the area. Throughout the event period, Edo-style noren curtains and lant

Today, Tokyo Skytree stands as the modern landmark of the city. But in the Meiji era, Asakusa was home to a legendary tower praised for being "high enough to reach the clouds." Its name was Ryounkaku , popularly known as Asakusa Ju-ni-kai (The Twelve-Story Tower). Built in 1890, this 52-meter structure was Japan's tallest building and the first to feature an electric elevator—a true symbol of cutting-edge technology. However, disaster struck early on when the elevator broke

Uncovering the Roots of the Lucky Cat: The Story of the "Marushime Cat" The "Maneki-neko" (Lucky Cat) is a beloved symbol recognized around the world today. But did you know that its origins can be traced back to a massive cultural movement that took place in Asakusa during the Edo period? In 1852 (Kaei 5), a ceramic cat figurine known as the "Marushime Cat" went on sale at open-air stalls within the precincts of Senso-ji Temple. It became an instant sensation among the peop

Ukiyo-e prints reveal the "Idols You Can Actually Meet" from the 18th century. In the Edo period (1603–1868), Asakusa was not only the center of faith and entertainment but was also widely celebrated as a district of "Famous Beauties." This vibrant culture is preserved in Ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), the mass media of the time. Among the women celebrated as the "Three Great Beauties of Edo," stars associated with Asakusa appeared time and time again. The Broad Definition of

◻︎ What Is Okuyama? In the Edo period, people gathered here to relax, be entertained, and follow the latest trends. Hidden just beyond Senso-ji Temple lay another side of Asakusa— a lively district known as Okuyama. When people think of Asakusa today, many picture Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Street, and the main hall of Senso-ji Temple. However, in the Edo period, Asakusa held another major attraction beyond the act of worship itself. That place was Okuyama. Okuyama was t

ASAKUSA LOVER — Message When walking through Asakusa, there are moments that quietly warm the heart. A smile seen in front of Kaminarimon. A brief exchange along Nakamise Street. The lanterns swaying gently in the evening river breeze. Asakusa has a mysterious power that softly loosens the heart and gently embraces both visitors and those who live here. Cool Japan TV Co., Ltd. has been appointed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as an official “Tokyo Tourist Information Ce