ASAKUSA is a major attraction in eastern downtown Tokyo centered on the Sensoji Temple.

This temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Tokyo. It is also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple and was established by three fishermen who found a tiny image of the Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in their nets in the 17th century. Small shops that sell snacks, souvenirs, antiques, and artwork line both sides of the busy promenade leading to the temple.

To the right of the Kannondo stands the Nitemmon Gate, an entrance to the Asakusa Shrine. This shrine is more popu-larly called Sanja-sama (“three shrines”) and was built by the order of the third Tokugawa Shogun in memory of the three fishermen.

The Kannon Temple is one of the most popular in the country and draws huge crowds on New Year's Day. The Sanja Matsuri, a major annual festival hosting processional floats and dengaku court dances, is celebrated on the third Sat-urday and Sunday of May at the Asakusa Shrine.

West of the temple is one of Tokyo's most popular entertainment areas, with hundreds of bars and restaurants that middle-class Tokyoites frequent. You'll have no trouble finding a good spot for lunch at shops selling noodles, tem-pura, yakitori, and sushi.

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