Tokyo is a modern megapolis, and will showcase its “modern” face complete with the renovated infrastructure, the anime culture and the image makeover with the Cool Japan  campaign recently launched. Tokyo is certainly much more than that and it  retains its traditional Japanese roots prevalent in some neighbourhoods in the city, particularly in Asakusa, on the banks of the Sumida River.

Old Buddhist temple Senso-ji is one of this attractions built in the 7th century and in 2011 with the Tokyo Skytree coming up in the neighboured offers a retro modern landscape to the visitors. Visitors to the event can look forward to catching time between sporting events to find handmade arts and crafts and traditional Japanese clothing, and see numerous temples and shrines.

Retro modern Skytree and Sensoji

Traditional items which are a staple with the tourists in Japan can find awesome collection of the same in the back lanes of Asakusa. Traditional Japanese footwear “Geta”.

Shopping in Asakusa back lanes, Geta or bamboo footwear

The Sensoji Temple at blue hour is a genuine Oriental experience, which is not be missed in Tokyo.

Sensoji at Blue hour

A panoramic view of the Asakusa crossing with the Skytree on the extreme right and the Temple gate Kaminarimon on the left hand.

Retro modern Skytree and Sensoji

Well known to locals, close by from Kaminarimon is the Akasaka Silk Pudding shop which is a speciality pudding and has been covered by many a television shows for the tasty treats to be had in the cultural neighbourhood.

Asakusa Silk Pudding by Testa Rosa Cafe

An aerial view of the Sensoji Temple taken from a nearby cafe Miharashi Cafe in the evening.

View of Sensoji from Miharashi Cafe