Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

In short

Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is a tourist guidance facility operated by Taito City, located right in front of Kaminarimon Gate. Designed by Kuma Kengo, the building received the Good Design Award in 2012. From the 8th-floor observation terrace, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the town of Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree.

• ​Exterior​​: A structure resembling seven stacked traditional wooden houses, featuring sloped roofs and wooden louvers on each floor.
• ​Observation Terrace​​: Offers panoramic views of Nakamise leading from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple, as well as the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree.
• ​Tourist Information​​: Guidance is provided in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean at the 1st-floor counter.

History and Highlights

​Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center​ is a Taito City tourist information facility situated in front of Kaminarimon Gate. Based on the concept of "finding, showing, and supporting," it provides useful information and services to visitors. The building has eight floors above ground and one basement floor.

Designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates, it was built in 2012 and received the Good Design Award that same year. The site is a corner lot directly opposite Kaminarimon Gate measuring just 326 square meters. To accommodate a tourist information office, conference rooms, a multipurpose hall, and exhibition spaces on this compact plot, a structure resembling seven stacked traditional wooden houses was proposed. This represents an attempt to vertically recreate the bustling neighborhood character remaining in Asakusa.

Looking up from the outside, each level features sloped roofs and wooden louvers. The roofs and louvers also serve to block sunlight. The spaces between the roofs and the floors above house mechanical equipment, which also helps to maximize ceiling heights.

The interior is organized by floor according to function. There is an information counter on the 1st floor, a tourist information corner on the 2nd floor, and conference rooms on the 4th and 5th floors. The building also houses a foreign currency exchange booth. The 6th floor is a multipurpose space, the 7th floor is an exhibition space, and the 8th floor features an observation terrace and a café.

Viewing and Experience Tips

• ​8th-Floor Observation Terrace​​: A scenic viewpoint offering sweeping views of the town of Asakusa, Nakamise extending from Kaminarimon Gate toward Senso-ji Temple, the Sumida River, and Tokyo Skytree. Visitors can also enjoy night views here.
• ​Information on the 1st and 2nd Floors​​: The 1st-floor counter provides tourist guidance in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. The 2nd floor features tourist information magazines and computer terminals for information searches, as well as a communication board where visitors can view tourist tips and reviews.
• ​Exhibits on the 6th and 7th Floors​​: The 6th floor is a tiered, stepped space that uses video to introduce the highlights, events, history, and culture of Taito City. Chairs are available for use as a resting spot, although access may be restricted during events. The 7th floor also introduces the sights, history, and culture of Taito City.

Travel Tips

The center is a 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Exit 2) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and a 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Exit A4) on the Toei Asakusa Line. Kaminarimon Gate is located just across the street. Gathering information here first and taking in the city layout from the 8th floor before walking around makes it easy to grasp directions. From here, Nakamise Shopping Street is about 180 meters north, Senso-ji Temple is about 310 meters north, and Tokyo Skytree is about 1.3 kilometers east. Restrooms are located on the basement 1st floor, accessible toilets are available on the 1st floor and other levels, and a nursing room is located on the 2nd floor.