Japan Travelogue: Asakusa Hanayashiki
Hanayashiki is considered to be the oldest amusement park in Japan operating since the late 1800’s!
Hanayashi or Asakusa Hanayashiki (浅草花やしき) first opened as a flower park in Tokyo in 1853, when US Navy Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry visited Japan in the latter part of the Edo period (1603-1867. Hanayashiki houses 20 types of attractions and eateries. It also has a wide selection of souvenir shops and other stores.
The Japanese term “hanayashiki” refers originally to public flower gardens (“hana” means “flower”). The transformation of the hanayashi from a flower garden to an amusement park began in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). It was fully developed between 1887-1896 by Yamamoto Kinzo, who was a lumber dealer and the manager of the park.
Asakusa Hanayashiki’s roller coaster dates back to when it first opened and the park also has the oldest extant scream machine. Other popular attractions are the Ninja Training Dojo, rooftop views of the main hall and five-storied pagoda of Senso-ji Temple and is only a few minutes away from Asakusa Station. It’s a place with so much history for all ages to enjoy!
Check out Michelle as she shows us around Hanayashiki!
