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Asakusa and Ueno in northern Tokyo display an irresistible retro charm.
They offer a glimpse into Tokyo during the Edo and early Meiji periods when this area was a bustling center of commerce and entertainment.
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Asakusa was Tokyo's former pleasure hub, featuring a large red-light neighborhood.
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The district on the banks of the Sumida River is now best known for its old Tokyo vibe, with atmospheric temples, traditional eateries, and local shops.
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Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple.
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After passing through the "thunder gate", visitors will stroll through Nakamise-dori, one of Japan's oldest shopping streets.
Though today's appearance was postwar, Sensoji was founded in 628, stemming from a mysterious incident involving a statue of Kannon.
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Designed by Kengo Kuma, this visitor center pays homage to Tokyo's Edo period, featuring a stack of "traditional houses".
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It offers everything from maps to free Wi-Fi connectivity and currency exchange.
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Though not strictly in Asakusa, the Tokyo Skytree dominates the district's skyline.
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Soaring 634 meters high, this engineering marvel has proudly held the title of the world's tallest tower since its completion in 2012.
Not far from the tower is a unique beer-mug-shaped structure, the Asahi Group HQ.
The Tokyo Skytree at dawn.
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A district centered around Ueno Station - the gateway from northern regions.
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The vast Ueno Park is the central feature of this neighborhood, along with several remarkable cultural sites, including the Tokyo National Museum.
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Japan’s oldest, largest, and one of the most comprehensive museums in the world.
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The museum complex comprises six galleries, showcasing an incredible collection of 120,000 art pieces from Japan and other parts of Asia.
Only 3,000 of these are displayed at any given time, meaning each visit promises new and captivating exhibits.
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