The Ryounkaku
From Museum notes: The Ryounkaku, a tower also known as the "Twelve stories", was designed by British engineer William K. Berton and completed in 1890. It functioned as a symbol of Asakusa and appeared on many souvenir pictures. This tower was highly popular until it collapsed in the great Kanto earthquake of 1923.
The Ryounkaku was approximately 60m in height. Up to the 10th floor it was made of brick, in an octagonal shape; the eleventh and twelfth floors were made of wood. Visitors could relax at a lounge or purchase imported products at shops inside the tower. (shopping mall!) The two upper floors were equipped with telescopes for peering into and over the city. The Ryounkaku featured Japan's first elevator, leading to the eighth floor. For safety reasons, however, the operation of the elevator was eventually halted.
