A Day Trip to Asakusa: The Historical Center of Tokyo

How Tokyo Interweaves History into Its Metropolis

Tokyo is considered by many to be a major center of advancements and technology. However, what goes under the service is Tokyo's vast historical significance, interlaced between sky scrapers and train stations. Around a random corner or squished between two apartments may lay a shrine, shorter than the average person. Under a major bridge may stand a stone lantern or tōrō. Kyoto is where many tourists go to visit the more traditional side of Japan, yet so much of Japan's history and tradition may be right under our noses. Or, for something like Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, right in front of us, dazzling. 

Asakusa is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo, home to Sensō-ji Temple, a major shinto temple and shrine that is more than 1,300 years old. Being large, spectacular, and the oldest temple in all of Tokyo, many venture to Sensō-ji to experience and wonder and magic of such a historical and ancient site, including our Anime & Manga students. 

First Stop: Yukata Rentals

A key part of Japanese summer culture, the yukata 浴衣 is a traditional robe-like clothing similar to that of a kimono. Because of the yukata's loose fit, it is the perfect outfit for intense Japanese summers. Our students were able to try yukatas on for the first time with the stunning background of Sensō-ji Temple and Asakusa. 

Yukata rentals involve visitng a rental store and choosing from a wide plethora of yukata designs, colors, and patterns. Students were given free reign during this part, debating on which color and look would fit them best. After choosing a fitting yukata, the students change into their pick with assistance from the staff as well as get their hair done with a matching hair piece. 

Once they have completed their look, the students had the opportunity to do a small photoshoot with the rental staff, taking photos in front of flowers and with a high-quality background. They were directed to take different poses and expressions in order to create the most beautiful photos, showcasing their experience with yukatas. 

Next Stop: Traditional Sweets Making

Diving more into Japan's history, the students learned how to make a traditional Japanese sweet called wagashi 和菓子, containing sweet white and red bean paste, and other plant based ingredients depending on the recipe. Through careful instruction from the staff, the students took various colors of bean paste to create a cute, smiling frog with a bow tie. 

This brought out the creative side of many students. Having an interest in anime and manga, many of the students had an artistic side and were intrigued by the artistic element of wagashi making, resulting in some adorable and well-made frog wagashi by the end. After finishing their concoction, the students had one final thing to make: matcha green tea. Using a traditional bamboo whisk, the students took the tea powder and vigorously mixed it with the warm water, creating a freshing and soothing green tea, creating a perfect combination with the wagashi.

Last Stop: Samurai and Ninja Museum

The final step in the students' day trip was to The Samurai Ninja Museum near the main shopping street of Asakusa. Samurai and ninjas have become a staple of Japanese culture, often shown in movies and anime. This museum provided the students with a deeper and more historical approach to both types of warriors, showing various armor, weapons, and scrolls that were used during the Edo Period. 

After finishing the tour, there was a daring and exciting finale--ninja star throwing. Mimicking the same attack that ninjas would do throughout Japanese history, students were provided with plastic ninja stars that they would throw at a wooden wall with various targets. The tour guide gave numerous opportunities for the students to work their throwing techniques, and even rewarded a few if they accurately hit their target.

A Day to Remember

Throughout their time in Asakusa, students were dazzled by the area's sheer beauty, history, and intrigue. After leaving the Samurai Ninja Museum, the fulfilled students returned their yukatas to the rental shop and explored more of Asakusa, leaving with an experience that they will never forget. 

Interested in experiencing an unforgettable summer of high school abroad with CIEE? Enroll today!