Asakusa's Ryounkaku Tower to be revived

Asakusa's Ryounkaku Tower is going to make a reappearance as a new theatre and pachinko hall, featuring a facade that is a replica of the original historic tower.

The Maruhan Shochiku Rokku Tower is scheduled to open in December 2014. At 48 meters tall, it will be 4 meters shorter than the original tower.

The Ryounkaku was a 12-storey octagonal tower built in 1890. It was designed by British engineer William Kinnimond Burton, who spent most of his career in Japan. The first 10 floors were brick, while the top observation floors were wood.Read more