Tokyo's Shitamachi, Historic Downtown

SUMIDA-KU, Japan - July 22, 2019 - PRLog -- Tokyo's downtown or Shitamachi region is renowned for its bohemian residents and its plethora of history.  The popular Asakusa area – near Sensoji Temple in Taito-ward and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN – the tallest free-standing structure in the world -- in Sumida-ward – are convenient places to experience the traditional culture of Tokyo's working-class people during Japan's Edo period (1603-1868).  In Asakusa travelers can get a lesson in making traditional Edo glassware – Edo Kiriko. They can also visit traditional Japanese izakaya pubs, and historic shops along Sensoji's Nakamize-dori. At TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN, including TOKYO Solamachi, an expansive shopping mall under TOKYO SKYTREE tourists can stock up on souvenirs. Now, a new major multifaceted cultural shopping venue is scheduled to open under the area railway tracks in 2020, adding to the excitement in Shitamachi.

Making Traditional Edo Cut Glass – Edo Kiriko -- the Must-Try Traditional Shitamachi Experience

At Sokichi workshop (https://www.sokichi-workshop.com/blank-4) customers can experience designing and making their own Edo Kiriko, a traditional style of cut glass. They'll learn to combine a variety of patterned pieces using historic methods. There is no need for visitors to worry about communication, as instruction is available in English. All final work can be taken home.

For a pre-or-post Edo Kiriko workshop drink, travelers can explore the bars along Hoppy Street (https://matcha-jp.com/en/63). This is a great place for reliving vacation memories with travel companions, meeting someone, or relaxing while making plans for the next day.

TOKYO Solamachi is a new evolution of "Shitamachi culture", and a great place for souvenirs

TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN is at the heart of the new "Shitamachi Wonderland Plan." This plan will create a vibrant, evolving district rooted in Japan's traditional culture, providing authentic experiences of traditional craftsmanship, interactive opportunities with locals, great souvenir shopping on the 4^th floor of TOKYO Solamachi. In addition, the Japan Experience Zone, on the 5th Floor, offers a range of stores with insight into Japan's by-hand manufacturing heritage.  Goods include everything from Ninja blades to artistic candy animals to realistic food samples. Simply browsing the stores is a great way to get a feel for Japanese culture. Floor guide: http://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/english/floor/; Souvenir guide: http://www.Tokyo-solamachi.jp/pdf/souvenirGuide.pdf?ver20180910

Get into the spirit of "shitamachi" at a new complex commercial facility/shopping venue under the elevated railway tracks

In Japan, many recent developments take advantage of the land under elevated railway tracks to create unique locations rooted in the urban landscape.  In 2020, a new complex commercial facility/shopping venue (http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/pdf/20190704.pdf) will open under the railway linking Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN to provide a new look at the attractions of Shitamachi. The new project will include restaurants, shops, various entertainment options, and accommodation. All will be unified by the concept "Live to Trip," which expresses the developer's desire for guests to feel right at home. A new pedestrian bridge is also planned to link Asakusa and the TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN across the Sumida River, improving access between these two districts.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games

For travelers planning to visit Japan during the 2020 Olympics – just one year away – there is easy access from the New National Stadium – the main Olympic events venue -- to the historic Shitamachi locale.

About Tobu Railway Company Ltd.:

TOBU Railway Company, Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railways cover the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo and lead to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and Tokyo SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, famous its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for beautiful blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in numerous hotels, including the highly anticipated luxury properties: Nikko Fufu Resort and The Ritz Carlton Nikko, both of which will open in 2020, in time for the Tokyo Olympics.

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