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Tokyo’s Asakusa Hanayashiki Revamps Haunted House with Traditional Edo Terror

  • Asakusa Hanayashiki celebrated its 170th anniversary on August 7, 2023. Just a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station, it preserves a nostalgic atmosphere despite its location in the heart of the city. Its roller coaster (at bottom left) celebrates its seventieth anniversary this year. (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

    Asakusa Hanayashiki celebrated its 170th anniversary on August 7, 2023. Just a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station, it preserves a nostalgic atmosphere despite its location in the heart of the city. Its roller coaster (at bottom left) celebrates its seventieth anniversary this year. (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

  • The park opened after receiving land from Sensōji, exhibiting 80 different kinds of large-flowered chrysanthemums. (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

    The park opened after receiving land from Sensōji, exhibiting 80 different kinds of large-flowered chrysanthemums. (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

  • The entrance in 1926. The park’s five tiger cubs became a hot topic, and Emperor Taishō is even said to have made a secret visit. (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

    The entrance in 1926. The park’s five tiger cubs became a hot topic, and Emperor Taishō is even said to have made a secret visit. (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

  • In 1949, the park changed its name from Hanayashiki to Asakusa Hanayashiki. Entry to the park grounds was free until 1985. (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

    In 1949, the park changed its name from Hanayashiki to Asakusa Hanayashiki. Entry to the park grounds was free until 1985. (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

  • The entrance to the haunted house is covered with protective amulets. (© Amano Hisaki)

    The entrance to the haunted house is covered with protective amulets. (© Amano Hisaki)

  • Triggered by sensors, ghosts and monsters appear suddenly from the darkness. (© Amano Hisaki)

    Triggered by sensors, ghosts and monsters appear suddenly from the darkness. (© Amano Hisaki)

  • Digital flower displays recall the park’s early days as a garden. (© Amano Hisaki)

    Digital flower displays recall the park’s early days as a garden. (© Amano Hisaki)

  • Clockwise from top left: pandakā yaki (panda car cakes), dessert monaka (wafer cakes), and hanamusubi (flower rice balls). (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

    Clockwise from top left: pandakā yaki (panda car cakes), dessert monaka (wafer cakes), and hanamusubi (flower rice balls). (Courtesy Asakusa Hanayashiki)

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