A walk through Asakusabashi neighbourhood

The Asakusabashi neighbourhood, or “Shallow Grass Bridge” in its literal translation, is located in Taito, a special ward in northeast Tokyo. The area is served by two stations: Asakusabashi subway station on Toei Asakusa Line and a JR station of the same name on the Chuo-Sobu Line.

I arrived at Asakusabashi metro station straight from Haneda Airport and, for the next four days, Asakusabashi neighboruhood was my “new home.” If it’s your first time in Japan, the view outside the metro station can be a bit confusing as both the metro and the JR stations are at the intersection of Edo-dori and Yasukuni-dori. To the unaccustomed eye, all four corners of the intersection can pretty much look the same.

Asakusabashi metro station opened in 1960, almost three decades after its sister station was opned by Japan Railways, and 50.000 passengers get on and off here on a daily basis.

This photograph shows the bridge used by trains going into the JR Asakusabashi Station. The metro station is underground, right cross the road and behind the bridge.

Asakusabashi neighbourhood is quite small, so there are no big shopping malls. Everything here is functional, serving the needs of the locals. Still, the area is known for its stores that specialize in traditional Japanese dolls (which can make perfect souvenirs and presents).

The traffic is light and no high risers cast their shadows on the streets below.

Like everywhere else in Japan, smoking corners dot every neighbourhood.

The orange building on the right-hand side is the actual Asakusabashi metro station building and the green bridge farther down the street serves the JR Station. There are several Japanese fast food stores, banks, and pachinko parlors in and around the station building.

Parking lots in Japan are quite a sophisticated thing. These metered parking spots demarcate the exact place where the cars must be parked. According to some recent studies, in Tokyo, building parking towers is more profitable than building apartments.

During the rainy season, convenience stores place umbrella holders by the entry doors. Here, customers can leave their dripping umbrellas and avoid making a mess inside.

At night, Asakusabashi is lit up by advertising banners and restaurants that stay open until late.

While I was in Japan, Burger King had some special offer. I was not interested.

Browse more photographs from Asakusabashi:

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