Asakusa is the part of Tokyo that stands closest to old Japan, the district where the city briefly looks not to the future, but back at itself. The heart of this is Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, which you reach via Nakamise-dōri: a long shopping street full of small stalls selling snacks and souvenirs, with the famous Kaminarimon at the beginning; the “Thunder Gate” with its enormous red lantern.

There is plenty to discover around the temple. Walk a little further to Kappabashi, the street where restaurants source their tableware and, most famously, their hyperrealistic plastic food. By the Sumida River, you can take a boat ride or simply look out over the water, with the Asahi Beer Tower and the Tokyo Skytree in the background. And for those who love something old and something nostalgic: Asakusa Hanayashiki, Japan's oldest amusement park since 1853, is worth a visit for many.

The neighborhood is easy to reach: Asakusa Station is on the Ginza Line, the Toei Asakusa Line, and the Tobu Skytree Line, and you can get there in no time from Tokyo Station (about 20 minutes) or Shinjuku (approximately 35 minutes). Once you arrive, however, it is better to leave the metro map behind; Asakusa is best explored on foot, strolling from alley to alley.

What makes this hotel special is that it doesn't keep you indoors, but instead sends you out into the neighborhood. The OMO Rangers, staff members who know this area inside out, take you past the usual tourist routes to spots known only to locals. Back at the hotel, the experience is just as enjoyable. On the 13th floor lies a lounge and rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of both Sensoji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree. Here, you'll find the best view of the city while you enjoy a bite and a drink from the OMO Base, a 24/7 self-service station featuring Asakusa classics, such as traditional pastries from Ryushotei Nishimura and inari sushi from Fukujuya. No lines, no hassle, just grab something whenever you feel like it, in the lounge or comfortably in your room.

OMO3 Asakusa