“Asakusa Bridge,” that’s what Asakusabashi means. Asakusabashi is a district in Taito ward in east Tokyo. But don’t confuse Asakusabashi with Asakusa. They are different places.
Asakusabashi refers to the bridge. This bridge is where Edo-dori Avenue crosses the Kanda River. Asakusabashi Station is about 150 meters north of here. In the Edo period, Asakusabashi was a very important bridge. It was on the Nikko Kaido and Oshu Kaido. These were two of Tokyo’s five main highways.
Now look around. This Asakusabashi area is known for several things. First, there are the traditional Japanese doll shops. Many are in the Yanagibashi area. That’s across from Asakusabashi Station. These doll shops are old and established. Grandparents often shop here for their grandchildren. Kyugetsu is an exception. It has a wider range of dolls. It caters to all budgets. You can find good souvenirs here. The atmosphere is more welcoming.
Spring is doll season in Japan. Hina dolls are popular. They show Heian era court life. These dolls are given to girls on March 3. This is the day of the Hina Matsuri. It is also called the Girl’s Festival or Peach Festival. The dolls are a prayer for the girl’s good health. Boys receive samurai dolls on May 5. This is Boys Day. They are clad in armor with swords and spears. Koinobori carp streamers are another Boys Day decoration.
The kimekomi doll is popular all year. Everything is carved into the doll. This includes hair and clothing. The doll is then painted.
Asakusabashi is also known for hobby and clothing accessory stores. Small shops sell ribbons, buttons, beads, and lace. You can find sewing supplies here. Shimojima is an emporium near Asakusabashi Station. It has eight floors of hobby, craft, and stationery goods. Asakusabashi has many leather shops. They sell leather goods like belts and bags. They also sell various kinds of leather itself.
If you visit in the fall attend the Monomachi event. This showcases local craftsmanship. Studios and galleries open their doors to visitors. They offer hands-on activities. You can see samples of their work. The Monomachi event extends north of Asakusabashi. But Asakusabashi is its core.
The area around Asakusabashi Station has cafes and fast food. There are small restaurants and izakaya pubs. Many hotels in Asakusabashi have restaurants too. Toriyoshi Shoten Asakusabashi serves traditional Japanese cuisine. They have beer and sake. Chicken is a specialty. It is open 24 hours a day and is very cheap.
Yanagibashi is another area to explore. It is across Edo-dori Avenue from Asakusabashi Station. This area has the biggest doll shops. Yanagibashi was Tokyo’s lively entertainment district in the 17th century. There were many geisha houses along the riverfront. Now, the Yanagibashi riverside is where yakatabune boats board. These boats cruise the Kanda River and Sumida River.
Yanagibashi means “Willow Bridge.” The Yanagibashi Bridge is an old metal truss bridge. It replaced a wooden bridge destroyed in the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake.
There are three old Shinto shrines near Asakusabashi. Ichogaoka Hachiman Shrine is worth a visit. Sakaki Shrine is also interesting. Ichogaoka Hachiman Shrine is near Asakusabashi Station. Minamoto no Yoriyoshi planted a ginkgo tree branch here. Ichogaoka means “ginkgo hill.” Hachiman was the god of warriors. In the Edo period, the shrine was part of the Matsudaira family’s residence.
Suga Shrine is on Edo-dori Avenue. It was founded in 600 A.D. It is dedicated to Gozu Tenno. Sakaki Shrine is in the Kuramae district. It was founded in the 8th century.
Asakusabashi is known for its cheap accommodation. It is good for budget travelers. The JR Chuo/Sobu line makes it easy to get around. You can reach Asakusabashi Station on the JR Chuo-Sobu line and the Asakusa subway line. You can come directly from Narita Airport on the Keisei Access Express.
Remember Asakusabashi. It’s more than just a bridge. It’s a district with history, crafts, and culture.