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Things to Do

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Sensoji Temple

The centerpiece of the Asakusa area with origins dating back to 628 CE when two brothers found a statue resembling the Buddhist deity of mercy at the bottom of the Sumida River. The statue is said to be enshrined in the main temple building.

Hozomon Gate

Magnificent inner entrance to Sensoji at south end of the Nakamise shopping street. The original gate was built in 942 but was destroyed by fire in 1631 and then again in 1945 in the Tokyo air raids, having stood for over 300 years. The structure you see today was built in 1964. The statues either side of the gate’s southern face are guardians of the Buddha.

Nakamise

A 250-meter long street that leads up to Sensoji Temple lined either side with stalls selling anything from Japanese sweets to Japanese swords and paper umbrellas. Nakamise is more than just a tourist trap—it is actually one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan.

Kaminarimon

Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”) is the protector of Sensoji Temple. Fujin, the god of wind, and Raijin, the god of thunder, are enshrined on the east and west side of the gate, respectively. Pass under the gate and make your way up Nakamise. As you do, be sure to look up to see the wooden carving under the large red lantern.

Ebisu Yokocho

Opened in 2008, this indoor alley of twenty restaurants and bars might not have the authentic appeal of other yokocho in the capital, but it is nevertheless a fun and friendly place with a very lively atmosphere.

Yebisu Garden Place

A modern commercial zone with shopping, museums, and restaurants. The Michelin 3-star Chateau Restaurant Taillvent-Robuchon sits at the other end of Yebisu Garden Place when you come out from the walkway.

Mt. Hachijo-Fuji

Volcanic mountain on the north side which you can climb in about 45-60 minutes from road that circles…

Kukansha in Long Beach 1983

Beautiful cafe in one of the most remote areas of the island—which must also qualify as Tokyo’s most distant (after all, you’re still in Tokyo Metropolis in Hachijojima). The cakes were excellent and the views from the upper balcony magnificent.

Hachijo Onsen Hotel

One of Hachijojima’s hidden spots—an abandoned hotel on the south side of the island. The hotel is now…

Hachijojima History and Folk Museum

A museum of Hachijo Island that explores the island’s history. The museum is broken into sections that deal…

Fureai Bokujo Farm

Farm half way up Mount Nishi where Hachijo cows graze. Would be an unremarkable tourist spot were it not for the observation deck which provides one of the best views of the island. Admission is free.

Hachijo Botantical Garden

Large botanical garden opened in 1962. The grounds includes greenhouse with plants native to the island, a view point, and woodland. The Hachijo Visitor Center is also located in the grounds and is a good place to start to get maps and plan what you’re going to see (you an also see the glowing mushrooms native to the island!).