“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
- Saint Augustine
Although this former entertainment district was devastated during World War II, Asakusa remains one of the few neighborhoods in the city that is truly representative of yesteryear Tokyo. Sensoji is Tokyo's highest-profile Buddhist temple, and a year-round attraction for foreign and domestic visitors. The miniature streets that lead to the temple are thronged with kiosks selling Japanese trinkets, just as they've done for centuries. Just a short walk from Asakusa is the Kappabashi kitchen district. Here both beginner and Michelin-star chefs mingle among the stores in search of top-quality restaurant supplies, including incredibly realistic plastic sushi displays. Buy some of the world's finest hand-crafted chef's knives here.