Tokyo [Tokyo] 2 Asakusa/Ryogoku

Q. Could you tell me about Tokyo’s most famous temple, Sensoji in Asakusa?

A. The temple is a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station. After passing through Kaminarimon, explore the bustling Nakamise Street where traditional crafts, printed cotton kimono, and the wafting scent of Japanese sweets will compete for your attention.

Q.What are traditional events or festivals in Asakusa area?

A.Sanja Matsuri, Sumida fire world display, yearly markets, Hoppy Street 

Q. What is the night life in Asakusa area?

A. Hoppy Street also has a number of casual open-air eateries where you can get fresh-grilled yakitori skewers or the area's specialty: beef stew.

Q. What’s special about Ryogoku area?

A. You get to watch a sumo tournament and sometimes catch a glimpse of a wrestler if you’re lucky. Also, there are modern museums among traditional houses.

Ryogoku is synonymous with sumo. The imposing Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo stadium dominates the landscape, and the neighborhood is filled with sumo stables and restaurants serving chanko nabe

Q. What is chanko nabe really?

A. the delicious, filling and surprisingly healthy stew that is a big part of the wrestlers' diet.

Q. What’s in or around Ryogoku Kougikan sumo stadium?

A. The stadium contains a sumo museum , which is free to enter on non-tournament days and features an extensive collection of sumo-related items that changes six times a year.

Just a short walk from the stadium, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is a great place to learn about the past of Japan's capital. The incredibly detailed dioramas, reconstructed buildings and popular art truly give you a sense of what daily life was like for Edo citizens.

Nearby you will find the Sumida Hokusai Museum , dedicated to the life and art of Japan's most famous ukiyo-e woodblock print artist.

Q. Any sightseeing spots for nature?

A. Dedicated to the god of scholars, Kameido Tenjin Shrine is particularly striking during the plum blossom and wisteria seasons in February-March and April-May. Stop by to admire the elegant red bridge and perhaps pray for a little wisdom while you are there.

Ryogoku boasts two lovely 19th-century Japanese gardens, both offering a pleasant spot to sit and take a break while sightseeing. Kiyosumi Gardens is filled with landscaped rocks and a miniature version of Mt. Fuji, while Kyu-Yasuda Teien Garden is known for its unusual pond, shaped like the Japanese character for heart.

Word Focus:

Venerable (人が年齢、業績から）立派な、尊敬する

Juxtaposition 並列、並べて置いてあること

soaring 遠大な、空にそびえる

highlight  強調する

retro charm 復古調の雰囲気で人を魅了するような

synonymous with 同意語の

imposing 印象的な

stables 安定した　

oversized athlete 特大の

scholar 学者