This is another symbolic building in Asakusa, designed by Kuma Kengo. He is the most prominent Japanese architect now who designed The National Olympics Game Stadium. Some of you may know, Zaha Hadid won the design competition of that stadium, but her original plan was withdrawn due to unexpectedly huge building cost. Kuma Kengo was appointed after that scandalous happening.
Talking about Asakusa, everybody drops by Kaminarimon, the thunder gate, the gate of main approach to Sensoji temple.
This building stands opposite to Kaminarimon.
The building is Asakusa sightseeing center that accommodates the tourist information, an exhibition hall for tourists and offices and convention rooms for those who work for tourists.
I am belonging to Tokyo Systemized Goodwill Guide, so called TSGG, and its office is located in this building and we provide much information about sightseeing not only in Tokyo but other areas of Japan. TSGG also provide free guided walking tours in Tokyo for international tourists.
Last weekend, I worked at the tourist information desk and saw many tourists from Europa, south America, Oceania as well as Asia.
Some of them asked me the questions about means of traffic, reasonable train tickets. Others asked more general advices such as must-see spot in Asakusa and recommended food.
It was interesting to give advice fitting their needs. Moreover, It gave me a feeling of self-respect to be helpful to those who need help in this foreign country.
I didn’t understand why people do this kind of volunteer work, but I have learned the reason through this experience.
LOVE LIFE in Tokyo 