Volunteer Guides Helping Tourists Explore Historic Asakusa

Only a few minutes walk from the Sumida River in Tokyo's eastern district of Taito lies one of the city's cultural jewels - the temple town of Asakusa. While this town and nearby Ueno flourished during the Edo period (1603~1868), they were very nearly bombed out of existence by the American military in WWII. Now, after having been lovingly rebuilt from the ashes, much of their former glory can be seen.

Walk beneath the famed huge 220-pound red lantern hanging from "Kaminarimon" ("Thunder Gate") and you step into a world that attracts millions of tourists every year. The first sight to catch your eyes will be the long stretch of Nakamise Dori, the Senso-ji temple precinct's shopping street. Souvenir stalls have lined this street leading to the huge Hozomon Gate since the mid 1600s. Shops carry a huge variety of souvenirs and food, from rice crackers and kimono, to washi (Japanese paper), Japanese dolls, masks, fans and T-shirts.

But if you have come as a tourist, how can you get the most out of a visit to Asakusa? That's when it's best to go with a guide. Meet Mr. HEADAY, one of the approximately 80 volunteer English-speaking guides who help show thousands of tourists through these historic area every year.

Before this tour began, Mr. Headay pointed out the Asakusa Cultural and Sightseeing Center directly opposite Kaminarimon where tourists are able to ask questions in Japanese or English. The Center offers tourist information for Taito-ku and free sightseeing brochures and maps.

Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo
Volunteer guides are bilingual, trained and knowledgeable folks who will show you around, explain the history and architecture of the area, and may even point out the still partially blackened tree (right) that survived the Tokyo fire-bombing raids of 1945 that remarkably, is still alive today. "We have 40-50 ready and activated guides ready to guide people every day," Mr. Headay says.

This very convenient service guided approximately 10,000 people in 2004. Of the 30 million tourists who visit the area every year, including many from east Asia (especially Koreans and Chinese), America and Europe, Japanese are by far the largest group to be guided.

After Nakamise Dori, guides will take you through the imposing Hozomon Gate, behind which you will see a large five-storied pagoda on the left and the huge Kannon-do Hall beyond it. This is also known as the Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. This inspiring building was first built in the 7th century, but like most of the structures in the area, was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in the 1960's. The only original building remaining is the Nitenmon Gate over to the right, which has been standing since 1618.

Mr. Headay says many people ask about the history and architectural aspects of the great buildings. "People cannot find any authentic Japanese architecture like this abroad," he says.

He says the biggest problem guides face is language and trying to explain Buddhism. "Many east Asians know all about Buddhism but it can be very difficult explaining the religion to a Caucasian while I am showing them the sights."

What would make this service more enjoyable? Mr. Headay suggests people interested in exploring the area should learn a little about Japan's history before they come.

Back to List Page