First released in March this year, our 67 things to do in Asakusa / Sumida guide takes you behind the scenes of this most tourist-infested part of the old city, featuring not only Asakusa but also the less thoroughly explored streets on the east side of the Sumida River, from Mukojima and the Skytree all the way down to Kameido and Ryogoku. Ever since hitting shelves across the city, the guide's apparently been popular enough to run out at several of our distribution points – apologies for that (and the thinly veiled bragging). Now though, those of you left without a copy are getting another chance: an updated summer edition of 67 things is available all over Tokyo from today.
Produced together with the fine folks at the Tobu Railway company, a major player in the area, the guide invites you to explore the shitamachi's culture of craftsmanship, its newly trendy cafés, inviting eateries and bars, plus major sights like Sumida Aquarium and the Solamachi shopping complex. For this second edition, we've added a handful of all-new places to explore, including the two can't-miss spots featured below.
In summer, taiyaki (fish-shaped pancake filled with bean paste) specialty shop Naniwaya offers a shaved ice treat worth making the trip for. The Asayake, which depicts the sunrise atop Mt Fuji, wows with toppings of sweet and sour syrup made from fresh strawberries, condensed milk and homemade sweet bean paste. Round off with some freshly baked taiyaki or even a bowl of udon.
Edo Kiriko is a traditional, Tokyo-born form of glass manufacturing and decoration practised since the late Edo era. It involves careful carving of detailed decorative patterns and polishing of the glass by hand, resulting in a vivid shine not found in chemically polished glassware. Admire the results of such exquisite craftsmanship at Kameido's Hanashyo, where you can choose from a wide range of designs.
Hungry for more? Pick up your free copy now: just like all the other guide maps in our series, this one is available at distribution points across the city, from the Shibuya Station Tourist Information Centre to bars, shops and major hotels, while you can of course also pick up your copy at our very own Time Out Café & Diner in Ebisu, or order directly from our Map Store (subject to availability).