Welcome to Asakusa, a pivotal place in Tokyo’s history. Known for its rich history and traditional charm, Asakusa continues to enchant visitors from all over the world.
Asakusa is a destination where you can deeply experience Japanese culture. Start with its famous and historic shrines and temples, then explore the bustling shopping streets, delicious local food, and vibrant seasonal events. Whether you’re strolling through Nakamise Street, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or participating in traditional festivals, use this guide to fully enjoy all that Asakusa has to offer!
Tokyo Station Area: Start from The Heart of the Capital
Asakusa is a district in Tokyo where tradition and culture are especially vibrant.
The streets, reminiscent of old Japan, historic shrines and temples, along with traditional events and festivals, continue to attract many people. Let’s explore how this area became a cultural hub of Tokyo and answer various other questions you might have about it.
Why is Asakusa So Famous?
Asakusa is especially famous for its fusion of traditional and modern Japanese culture.
At the heart of this district is Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo, which attracts numerous visitors each year. Once known as a thriving theater district, it now hosts major festivals like the Sanja Matsuri. Asakusa offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s past through well-preserved architecture, historical artifacts, and bustling markets like Nakamise Street.
The rich culture here, combined with modern attractions like the nearby Tokyo Skytree, makes it a must-visit location in Tokyo.
What Time Do Things Open in Asakusa?
Senso-ji Temple open at 6 am
Shops open between 9 to 10 am (depending on shops)
In Asakusa, many tourist spots and shops open around 10:00 AM. For instance, Senso-ji Temple welcomes worshippers from 6:00 AM, while Nakamise Street’s shops typically open between 9:00 and 10:00 AM.
Early morning visitors will find fewer open shops, allowing a peaceful exploration of temples and shrines. Some restaurants operate from early morning, but most start around 10:00 AM. It’s advisable to check opening hours and reservations, especially for activities like yakatabune (houseboat) trips, when planning your visit to Asakusa.
How Much Time Do You Need in Asakusa?
Generally, half a day to one day.
The time needed to visit Asakusa varies depending on the spots and activities you choose, but generally, half a day to a full day is appropriate.
If you’re only visiting the main tourist attractions, a few hours should be sufficient. However, if you want to deeply experience the charm of Asakusa, spending a full day exploring at a leisurely pace is recommended. If you plan to include visits to nearby Skytree, shopping, enjoying a river cruise on a yakatabune, or participating in seasonal events, you might need more time. It’s important to plan ahead and adjust your schedule based on the activities you are interested in.
Is Asakusa worth visiting?
Yes！
Asakusa is a charming place in Tokyo where you can experience both historical and modern aspects of the city. If you visit Tokyo, it is recommend that spending a day exploring Asakusa.
It offers more than just temples and shrines; you can enjoy a variety of shops ranging from old curio stores to outlets selling innovative goods spread across a wide area. The culinary options are also plentiful, allowing you to taste a unique culture that you won’t find in other countries.
Main Tourist Attractions in Asakusa
Are you ready to explore Asakusa? Let me introduce you to the main tourist spots!
Kaminari-Mon (Kaminari gate)
Kaminari-Mon
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Open hours | Always open |
The entry way to the senso ji temple
The entry way to the senso ji temple. It’s the beginning to a big shopping street for tourists where you can buy souvenirs and get some really tasty treats. I had some of the best Mochi on this street.
Kimono
If you want to experience wearing kimono in Tokyo here you must to come. You can feel all the Japanese Tradition here.
Amazing Temple
Amazing temple. Fantastic gardens. Well worth a visit.
From Google Review – Kaminarimon Gate
Kaminarimon, located in Asakusa, Tokyo, is known as the main entrance to Senso-ji Temple.
Also called the “Thunder Gate,” its name derives from the statues of the gods of wind and thunder positioned on either side of the gate. The gate’s most prominent feature is the massive lantern hung in the center, weighing about 700 kilograms and standing 3.9 meters tall.
Originally built in the Edo period, the gate has been rebuilt several times to reach its current form. Kaminarimon is widely recognized as one of Tokyo’s iconic tourist spots and a popular location for photography. As the symbolic starting point for visits to Senso-ji Temple, it creates an unforgettable moment for many who visit Japan.
Nakamise Shopping Street
Nakamise Shopping Street
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Open hours | Around 9am to 8pm (Depending on the shops) |
See what you find
Lively streets packed with interesting shops and eats. Very busy, at least when I was there, and certainly with a touristy flavor, but it is worth it. The temple is very nice as well. Come over, explore, and see what you find 🙂
Looks nicer at night
Best to come during daylight, although it’s still busy and well lit after dark, only half of the shops open. Although the temple lights look nicer at night.
Shopping street full of food
Shopping street full of food stalls where you can try typical Japanese snacks. There are also souvenir, chopsticks and clothing stores.I recommend trying the Yuzu juice and go early, as the stores close early.
From Google Review – Nakamise Street
Nakamise Shopping Street is a popular tourist spot in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, stretching about 250 meters from the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple. This street has a history dating back to the Edo period and is lined with many shops. Visitors can enjoy approximately 90 stores selling traditional Japanese souvenirs and foods.
The appeal of Nakamise Shopping Street lies in its lively atmosphere and the abundance of shops offering traditional goods. Here, you can find handmade fans, yukata, ceramics, and various other crafts. You can also taste traditional Japanese snacks such as taiyaki and kaminari-okoshi. Walking down this street offers a perfect opportunity to experience the traditional culture of Japan while enjoying the modern vibrancy of Asakusa.
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple
| Official Site | https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/ |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Open hours | 6am to 5pm |
Must-go place in Tokyo
Must-go place in Tokyo. Even though the place was extremely crowded, we enjoyed the Asakusa temples and neighborhood. Along the way you will find many unique vendors and fun eateries. So many people walked around with beautiful kimono. Highly recommend this place to visit while in Tokyo.
Very impressive
It is a very impressive area. You feel like you’ve been transported back in time. The temple is huge and also offers a few opportunities to take part in the rituals, such as lighting incense. You can also have your future predicted with the help of small sticks and drawers, but for me this could have been better.
Beautiful Temple
Beautiful temple worth a visit in Tokyo! We went during the day and at night. Day was great for the shopping and seeing inside. Night was great to see the temple lit up and way fewer people!
From Google Review – Senso-ji Temple
Passing through the Kaminarimon and along Nakamise Street, you arrive at Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Japan and a significant cultural landmark bustling with tourists and worshippers.
This temple was reportedly founded in 628 AD and venerates the Buddhist goddess Kannon. Its historical significance and beautiful architectural style attract visitors from both Japan and abroad.
At the entrance of Senso-ji Temple stands the famous Kaminarimon, with its giant lantern welcoming visitors. Nakamise Street, leading from the gate to the main hall, is lined with shops offering a variety of traditional Japanese souvenirs and foods, making the street itself a part of the sightseeing experience. The main hall regularly hosts numerous religious rituals and events, allowing visitors to experience traditional Japanese religious culture.
Additionally, the temple grounds feature several attractions, including a five-story pagoda and Asakusa Shrine. Each of these buildings has its own unique history and aesthetic, leaving a lasting impression on those who visit.
The Sacred Smoke of Senso-ji Temple
The smoke in front of Senso-ji Temple comes from a large incense burner. Visitors bathe in this smoke to wish for health and good fortune, believing it can promote healing for ailing parts of the body.
It’s also thought that smoke can enhance intelligence, making it popular among students. Bathing in the smoke is an important ritual for visitors, embodying their hopes for health, wisdom, and luck.
Asakusa Shrine
Asakusa Shrine
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Open hours | 9am to 4:30pm |
Must Visit
Amazing place and definitely a must to visit when in Tokyo. One of the most famous shrines in the city. The beauty and history takes your breath away.
Easy access
Very nice traditional Japanese shrine. Easy access by public transportation. The only catch is there are always a lot of people and you can hardly get a clean photo taken!
Profound experience
As a spiritual traveler, my visit to Tokyo’s Asakusa Shrine was a profound experience. Despite the weekend crowds, the shrine’s ethereal beauty and ancient rituals are wonderful. It offered a glimpse into the spiritual tapestry of Japan, leaving me inspired and connected.
From Google Review – Asakusa Shrine
Asakusa Shrine, affectionately known as “Sanja-sama” by locals, is a Shinto shrine adjacent to Senso-ji Temple in the Taito district of Tokyo. Established in the early Edo period, it enshrines the three fishermen brothers who are said to have founded Senso-ji Temple. The shrine is revered for providing blessings for bountiful harvests, prosperous fishing, warding off epidemics, and ensuring success in business and protection from misfortune.
Asakusa Shrine is particularly famous for the Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s largest and most vibrant festivals. Held annually in May, the festival features a procession of portable shrines (mikoshi) through the streets, drawing large crowds eager to witness this traditional celebration. The shrine’s architecture is also noteworthy, adorned with unique carvings and decorations that showcase traditional Japanese architectural skills.
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
| Official Site | https://www.asakusa-shinnaka.com/ |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Open hours | 24 hours (depending on shops) |
Interesting place
This is a shopping arcade in Asakusa area that filled with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Interesting place to stroll around and buy cute souvenirs, also a great place to have a quick bite. We came here on a weekday and not very crowded here.
Great place to shop
A great place to shop. Prices are less than those in to the department stores. We bought a few inexpensive clothes. The snacks made with red beans were tasty too. It also has restaurants at reasonable price.
Best place for souvenirs
Best place for souvenirs in Asakusa! Less foot traffic than the north-south Nakamise heading to Senso-ji with a more casual atmosphere, plus you can find convenience stores and a pharmacy here if need be. I stayed a couple blocks away and ended up there most evenings because it’s a good starting point to explore Asakusa.
From Google Review – Shin-Nakamise Street
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street is a popular shopping area located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Adjacent to the traditional Nakamise Street, it is situated very close to Senso-ji Temple. Shin-Nakamise is a bustling street lined with a variety of stores offering everything from traditional Japanese crafts to modern products and food outlets.
This shopping street is beloved not only by tourists visiting Japan but also by locals, and is known as a shopping destination that meets a wide range of needs, from everyday items to special gifts. Each store in Shin-Nakamise has its own unique appeal, providing new discoveries for visitors. Additionally, there are workshops and exhibitions that allow visitors to engage with local culture and traditions, offering more than just shopping but also experiential activities.
Denboin Street
| Official Site | https://asakusanioideyo.com/ |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Open hours | 24 hours (depending on shops) |
The old streets
The old streets where they used to film old Japanese movies. If you enjoy looking back into Japan’s past this is the street for you. It’s dedicated to the old movies that were once filmed here. Plenty of restaurants and things to look at. Very nice place to take pictures as well. Very close to the famous Asakusa temple.
Very Unique
There are shops on both sides, and the doors of the shops are very unique. Nearby is the Kaminarimon Gate, where you can see the Skytree, and rickshaws are also one of the features.
Various stores
It was nice to be able to look at various stores during the day, and it was nice to be able to enjoy the quiet streets at night.
From Google Review – Denboin Street
Denboin Street is an attractive street located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, named after Denboin, a sub-temple of Senso-ji Temple, situated on the temple’s west side.
A marked gatepost labeled “Denboin-dori” around the middle of Nakamise Street serves as a landmark. The street is known for its quiet and tranquil atmosphere, lined with many second-hand bookstores, cafes, and restaurants.
The street itself is relatively narrow and less crowded, making it an ideal place for leisurely strolls. Additionally, the surrounding buildings retain traditional Japanese architectural styles, providing visitors with a space that evokes Japan’s history and culture. Located a short distance from the bustling tourist areas of Asakusa, Denpoin Street is especially recommended for those looking to relax and enjoy a quieter setting. It offers a chance to experience another side of Asakusa and enjoy some peaceful moments.
Hanayashiki Asakusa
Hanayashiki Asakusa
| Official Site | https://www.hanayashiki.net/english/ |
| Entrance Fee | Price Guide (Official Homepage) |
| Open hours | 10:00～18:00 |
A nice theme park
A nice theme park for both adults and kids. Family enjoyed it. The rides are fun and entertaining. You can get an all ride pass (not very expensive) to skip the queue. I feel it’s more worth it than buying ride coupons.
My daughter had a blast!
This attraction is perfect for a place to burn off energy for 5-10 years old in between sightseeing. My daughter had a blast! It is very nostalgic. All the rides are very short, you won’t spend very much time here
Enjoyable
We had a enjoyable morning in this vintage playground, although the rides are old but they are still energetic, kids can play most of the ride and feels happy with them. It is more effort-able to buy a “unlimited hand band” for kid and buying ticket book ($1000yen for 11tickets) for adults.
From Google Review – Hanayashiki
Asakusa Hanayashiki is Tokyo’s oldest amusement park, located in the Taito district.
It opened in 1853, originally starting as a flower exhibition and gradually incorporating amusement park elements, now offering numerous attractions and entertainment options. This park has been beloved by generations over its long history.
Hanayashiki features classic attractions like roller coasters and carousels that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The park also hosts seasonal events and special shows regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to enjoy with each visit.
One of the distinctive features of this amusement park is its ability to maintain an old-fashioned ambiance despite being in the center of the city. Blending seamlessly with the Asakusa streetscape, it offers visitors a chance to experience both the traditional and modern aspects of Tokyo culture. Close to other tourist attractions like Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, Hanayashiki is a must-visit spot when exploring Asakusa.
Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Soramachi, Skytree Town
Tokyo Skytree
| Official Site | https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ |
| Entrance Fee | Click here for Entrance Fee (official site) |
| Open hours | 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM *Hours may vary by season. (Last admission: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck around 8:00 PM, Tembo Galleria around 8:30 PM) |
Very cool experience
Very cool experience. It’s very “touristy” and definitely gives you an opportunity to shop. You can find everything cheaper in other shopping districts. This isn’t a long experience so best to do at the earliest time before it gets busy. You can see Disney and Mt. Fuji on a clear day!
Interesting structure
An interesting structure in its own right, offering panoramic views. Large crowds attend, but they are well-managed. I would have liked more diagrams below the windows pointing out landmarks etc. Nowhere near as expensive as similar structures in other major cities.
Great place to visit
Great place to visit in Tokyo. They have Harry Potter and Pokemon souvenir shops here , they have clean comfort rooms and the staff here are all polite and accommodating. Souvenir items here are quite expensive so be prepared.
From Google Review – Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 meters, is the world’s tallest freestanding tower and was inaugurated in 2012. It has garnered attention for its breathtaking views and advanced design. From the observation deck, one can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view that includes Mount Fuji on clear days, and the nighttime view beautifully illuminates the city of Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Tokyo Solamachi, located at the base of Skytree, is a large shopping and entertainment complex with about 300 stores. It features a variety of shops offering everything from unique Japanese products to international brands, spanning fashion, goods, and gourmet food. Additionally, there are diverse dining options available, from Japanese cuisine to dishes from around the world.
Within Tokyo Skytree Town, there are numerous family-oriented attractions, such as aquariums and planetariums, providing content that can be enjoyed by all ages. This area, offering new discoveries and inspiring experiences to all its visitors, has become a new symbol of Tokyo and a highlight for tourists visiting Japan, enjoying great popularity.
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