Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center: Gateway to Tradition

Located in the heart of Tokyo's historic Asakusa district, the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center serves as a vital resource for visitors exploring this traditional area. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the building itself is an attraction, showcasing a contemporary take on traditional Japanese architecture. Its unique design, resembling a stack of wooden houses, stands in contrast to the surrounding historical landscape, yet harmonizes with the area's cultural identity. Inside, the center provides a range of services to assist tourists, including multilingual information counters, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and accessible facilities. The upper floors feature an exhibition space detailing the history of Asakusa and Taito, as well as a covered observation deck. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Kaminarimon Gate, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise shopping street, Sumida River, Tokyo Skytree, and the Asahi Beer Hall. The Miharashi Café on the 8th floor offers light refreshments while you take in the scenery. The center's design draws inspiration from the nagaya houses of Tokyo's Edo period, creating a sense of familiarity and connection to the area's past. The building's materials, primarily wood and glass, reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics while incorporating modern architectural techniques. The center is open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, with the observation deck remaining open until 10:00 pm.