Denkikan, Tokyo

#578 among attractions in Tokyo

Cinema, Nightlife

Map

Facts and practical information

The Denkikan was the first dedicated movie theater in Japan. Originally a hall built in Asakusa's Rokku theater district to present spectacles featuring electricity, it was converted into a movie theater in October 1903 by Yoshizawa Shōten, the most successful of the film companies at the time. Featuring benshi such as Saburo Somei, it quickly became the symbol of the new phenomenon of the motion pictures and many cinemas around Japan were later created that borrowed the name "Denkikan." It later became a Nikkatsu theater and then a Shochiku theater before finally closing in 1976. A historically accurate model of the theater is currently on display at the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Tokyo. It is also cited in Kaizo Hayashi's film To Sleep so as to Dream. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 35°42'47"N, 139°47'36"E

Address

台東区 (浅草)Tokyo Japan

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Day trips

Denkikan – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Tokyo National Museum, Sensō-ji, National Museum of Western Art, National Museum of Nature and Science.

1.1 miW
Grand site for Japanese art and antiques
Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo
27 min walk • The Tokyo National Museum, standing as a cultural beacon in the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan, is the country's oldest and largest museum. Established in 1872, this prestigious institution is dedicated to preserving and displaying a comprehensive collection of art...
~1160 ftE
Historic temple to the goddess of mercy
Sensō-ji, Tokyo
6 min walk • Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple located in the historic Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan, is the city's oldest and one of its most significant religious sites. The temple, associated with the Bodhisattva Kannon, or Avalokitesvara, attracts millions of visitors...
1 miW
National museum for western art
National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo
26 min walk • The National Museum of Western Art, nestled in the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan, stands as a cultural beacon for art enthusiasts and historians alike. This museum, designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier, is a treasure trove of Western art from the late...
0.9 miW
Museum with an array of science exhibits
National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
24 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, the National Museum of Nature and Science stands as a bastion of knowledge and a celebration of Earth's history and the wonders of the natural world. This esteemed institution, located in the vibrant Ueno Park, offers a rich tapestry of...
~1000 ftNE
Amusement park with rides and restaurants
Hanayashiki, Tokyo
5 min walk • Hanayashiki, nestled in the vibrant Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan, holds the distinguished title of the country's oldest amusement park. With a history stretching back to 1853, it originally began as a flower park but has since evolved into a cherished urban...
1.1 miS
Sport venue, Sport
Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo
28 min walk • Ryōgoku Kokugikan, located in the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan, is a venue synonymous with the traditional and revered sport of sumo wrestling. Known as the spiritual home of sumo, this indoor arena is where enthusiasts and tourists alike gather to witness the...
1 miE
Huge tower with an observation deck
Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo
26 min walk • Tokyo Skytree, a towering testament to modern engineering and a beacon of Tokyo's skyline, stands as the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world. Completed in 2012, this impressive tower reaches a sky-piercing height of 634 meters, symbolizing...
~1850 ftNW
Hub for cookware and restaurant supplies
Kappabashi-dori, Tokyo
9 min walk • Nestled in the bustling heart of Tokyo, Japan, Kappabashi-dori stands as a unique and vibrant shopping district, renowned for its extensive range of kitchenware and restaurant supplies. This street, often referred to as Kitchen Town, stretches approximately 800 meters...
0.9 miE
Zoo
Sumida Aquarium, Katsushika
24 min walk • Nestled in the bustling city of Katsushika, Japan, the Sumida Aquarium offers a serene escape into the underwater world, right within the special wards of Tokyo. Opened to the public, this modern aquarium has swiftly become a favorite destination for both locals...
~1170 ftSE
Arch
Kaminarimon, Tokyo
6 min walk • The Kaminarimon, or "Thunder Gate," is a landmark of historic significance and a popular attraction in Tokyo, Japan. This majestic gate is the outer of two large entrance gates that ultimately lead to the ancient Senso-ji Temple, located in the traditional district of...
0.6 miE
Park
Sumida Park, Tokyo
16 min walk • Sumida Park is a public park in Sumida and Taitō, Tokyo, Japan. Cherry blossoms can be seen in spring, and the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is held in July.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Denkikan?

Nearby attractions include Asakusa, Tokyo (4 min walk), Kume no Heinai-dō, Tokyo (6 min walk), Hōzōmon, Tokyo (6 min walk), Sensō-ji, Tokyo (6 min walk).

How to get to Denkikan by public transport?

The nearest stations to Denkikan:

Bus

つくばエクスプレス浅草駅 • Lines: 東西めぐりん (2 min walk)
浅草公園六区 • Lines: 上46, 草41, 草43, 草63 (2 min walk)

Train

Asakusa (8 min walk)
Shin-Okachimachi (20 min walk)

Metro

Tawaramachi • Lines: G (7 min walk)
Asakusa • Lines: A, Al, G, Ks-Ae (9 min walk)