Asakusa

District in the eastern part of Taitō Ward, Tokyo, on the west bank of the river Sumidagawa. The district contains shopping arcades and entertainment halls, and a number of traditional festivals are held there. The famous Asakusa Temple, part of Sensōji Temple, is the site of the popular Sanja Festival, held in mid May. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)