Start at Asakusa metro station.

Across the road from the station is the Asakusa TIC. An unusual clock above the entrance springs some wonderful surprises when it strikes the hour. From the metro locate the ornate Kaminarimon Gate, with its lantern and statues of the thunder and rain gods.

Walk through the gate and along Nakamise-dori towards the Sensoji or Kannon Temple.

At the end of the street lined with stalls is the temple itself, the oldest and most revered in Tokyo, dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Here is a counter where you can purchase a long wooden stick with a number on it. The number corresponds to a number on a set of drawers. Inside will be your fortune - translation is available at a nearby counter.

Explore to the left (west) of the temple, for an old area of bars, restaurants, 'love hotels' and music halls. Cross Kokusai-dori and continue straight on, with the tower of the Asakusa View Hotel on your right. Reach Kappabashi-dori.

This is the heart of Tokyo's wholesale catering trade, and you can buy everything from the sharpest kitchen knives to gaudy decorative food made from plastic.

Retrace your steps to return to Asakusa metro station.