Tokyo Stroll Supplement: Asakusabashi/Kuramae/Torigoe Area

This page is for locations in the Asakusabashi/Kuramae/Torigoe area of Tokyo. This neighborhood is not part of my book Tokyo Stroll.

For information on Tokyo Stroll and this web supplement see Tokyo Stroll Supplement home page

For users of the Organic Maps, Maps.Me and Google Maps apps the items below have bookmarks you can import into those apps to make navigation easier.
Instructions and links are on the Viewing Locations in Organic Maps, Maps.Me, Google Maps, or Google Earth page.

Jinnai Jinja (甚内神社)

An interesting fellow is enshrined at Jinnai Jinja, which is sometimes referred to as Kōsaka-sama, and Kōsaka Jinnai-jinja.
Kōsaka Jinnai was a former mercenary who drifted to Edo after the battle of Sekigahara ensured peace and little work for men like him. One legend says he studied sword fighting under Miyamoto Musashi who then lived in the city. When he was admonished by Musashi for killing bystanders for their money he faked a suicide, left Edo, and became a highway man on the Tōkaidō.
Another tale says that when he arrived in the city he started a successful street gang. When Fūma Kotarō, an old enemy, set up a competing gang Jinnai informed on him, was given a reward, and eliminated a rival. This version of his story states he did so well that he established a mansion in Asakusa until the authorities found out he was a gang boss. The stories agree that he was caught while feverish with malaria. Before he was executed by crucifixion he stated to the onlookers that he would not have been caught if he had not had an attack of fever and that if anyone with the same disease prays to him he would cure them. The shrine became, and remains, a popular place to pray to be healed.

Komatsuya (小松屋)

A company established in 1927 that provides yakatabune, a traditional type of roofed party boat dating from the Edo Period. The boats are sizable, more like floating restaurants complete with tables and able to hold sizeable groups. Such boats are mainly for parties on the river, they are popular for events like cherry blossom viewing, firework shows, anniversary parties, etc. These are a sight to see on the river, especially at night with the paper lanterns on their sides lit up. Even if they are traditional the boats have air conditioning so you can cool down in the summer and warm up in the winter. Speaking of modern the boats also have toilets and karaoke machines. The company also can arrange for a variety of food for customers. If you plan to rent a boat for a party make reservations and take public transit as there is no parking lot. For the casual stroller just enjoying the sight of the boats on the Sumidagawa or moored at their docks at the Yanagibashi on the Kandagawa is still nice. If you do plan to reserve a boat you should have a native speaker make arrangements.
WEB: http://www.komatuya.net