The epicenter of Japanese popular entertainment culture “Asakusa Rokku-Dori Street” with over 100 years of history

Do you know Asakusa has 67 shopping streets such as Nakamise-Dori Street and Kappabashi Kitchenware Town? From among them, this time, we’re going to introduce “Asakusa Rokku-Dori Street.”

“Asakusa Rokku-Dori Street” is an approximately 100-meter shopping street leading to Asakusa Engei Hall from Denpoin-Dori St. and close to Asakusa Sta. on the Tsukuba express line. Starting from the opening of Tokiwaza (常盤座/1887) which became popular for ‘Asakusa Opera’ combining song, dance and play, about 30 theaters were built in Rokku (the sixth district) during the peak period. In 1903, Japan’s first permanent movie theater ‘Denkikan (電気館)’ opened, and this district had flourished as the largest entertainment district in Japan.
Such Asakusa Rokku-Dori St. is one of this district’s symbols. There are still several theaters on both sides of the stone pavement, including ‘Asakusa Engei Hall’ which has produced many famous entertainers such as Takeshi Kitano and Sanyutei Enraku. In addition, you can also find old-established eateries around these buildings, which have been loved by comedians and cultured persons active in this district and local people.
By the way, 15 street lights illuminating the street are decorated with photos of 33 famous personalities related to Rokku. There is one photo frame saying ‘Reserved (予約済み),’ and it seems that it’s for Takeshi Kitano.