Tokyo Illustrip By Adrian Hogan. ImageTokyo Illustrip By Adrian Hogan. Image

in Asakusain Asakusa

Tokyo is unique and exciting city that the tradition and cutting edge culture is mixed. This is the series of Tokyo illustrations that Adrian found on his trip. Let’s discover “old meets new” in Tokyo!

Asakusa, is the one the popular spot in Tokyo. 100 years ago, Samurai and Edo people wearing kimono had walked around Sensoji. And now, people of different generations from different countries walk through this gate in the same way.
Asakusa is a mysterious mixture of the tradition and the modern.

Tokyo Illustrip By Adrian Hogan. Image 1

When I draw a neighbourhood, I like to go for a stroll around the area first.
Here are some of the people and places I saw around Asakusa. I love how you can feel the past and the present at the same time.

Asakusa Subway StationAsakusa Subway Station

There’s a (kind of) hidden entrance from a nearby shopping arcade.
The station signage has never been changed so it has an authentic retro charm to it.

SensojiSensoji

Many people who visit Asakusa make an effort to dress up or wear a kimono or yukata. You can see them taking selfies everywhere.

Rickshaw drivers checking their phones and sharing their tour activities,while they wait for their customers to arrive. Some of them have modern haircuts but their clothes look like they are from a different era.

Tokyo Illustrip By Adrian Hogan. Image 7

Lantern storeLantern store

There are many craftspeople in Asakusa. Some traditions such as lantern making are passed down within the same family over generations. While the techniques and products have not changed, the craftspeople adapted their business to meet new demand from overseas customers and local businesses alike.

I love how cluttered but organized these spaces can feel at the same time.

Tokyo Illustrip By Adrian Hogan. Image 10

Lunch at a local coffee shop, called “kissaten” in Japanese.Lunch at a local coffee shop, called “kissaten” in Japanese.

My favorite is the Toasted Prawn Sandwich.
There are lots of small trinkets dotted around the cafe.
Antique plates, lucky charms and characters.

Old Video Game consoles are used as tables in the centre of the room.

There’s a distinct nostalgic feel but young people also love to visit, so the cafe feels contemporary at the same time.

Tokyo Illustrip By Adrian Hogan. Image 13

There’s no better way to cap off a day in Asakusa than with a glass of “Denki Bran.”There’s no better way to cap off a day in Asakusa than with a glass of “Denki Bran.”

Denki Bran is a beautiful amber-colored cocktail.
It’s pretty easy to find a place that sells it. Only ¥300! Tastes sweet and mellow.
Supposedly invented somewhere in Asakusa in the late 1800’s. And its recipe remains a mystery to this day.

As I drew my drink I listened to other customers around me discuss the topics of the day.

THE END.

Adrian Hogan
Illustrator
Adrian is an illustrator and artist based in East Tokyo. His studio has directed campaigns, editorial media, and large format artwork for over a decade. He is a regular contributor to Popeye Magazine, Brutus Magazine and Tarzan Magazine.

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IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE!

The Official Tokyo Travel Guide, GO TOKYO Apart from the major tourist attractions, Tokyo is full of attractive hidden local shopping streets! Check it out on the GO TOKYO website! (Open in other window)The Official Tokyo Travel Guide, GO TOKYO Apart from the major tourist attractions, Tokyo is full of attractive hidden local shopping streets! Check it out on the GO TOKYO website! (Open in other window)

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