Top Tokyo shopping, subterranean style! Edo Taitō Traditional Crafts Center
Get up close to arts and old fashioned techniques at the Edo Taitō Traditional Crafts Museum, with a charming and compact collection of over 200 exhibits over two floors, including Edo-kiriko (cut glass).
A free thing to do in Asakusa, this is a nice thing to do on a rainy afternoon but perhaps not an essential Asakusa activity.
Try this –Tokyo Japanese Dance Cabaret at Theater Asakusa-Kaguwa >
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Asakusa Shrine
A small Shinto shrine close to Senso-ji, this is also a nice place to escape the hustle and bustle of the more popular temple nearby.
Asakusa shrine was built in the late 1640s in honour of the fishermen who established Senso-ji – it is one of only two historic buildings in the area to survive the World War II bombing and is marked by a large grey Torii gate at its entrance.
Try this – From Asakusa: Old Tokyo, Temples, Gardens and Pop Culture >
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See old world Toyo and epic Edo period experiences from the comfort of your own carriage.
Try these rickshaw experiences
17. Kimono Rental
Given all of the historic temples and ancient alleyways in Asakusa, traditional kimono rental is a popular activity to explore the streets and sights.
You can either hire costumes and take them out for the day or some kimono rental agencies can also organise professional photographers to accompany you.
There are several places to hire kimonos in Asakusa including:
You might like – Tsukiji Outer Market Tokyo (formerly Tsukiji Fish Market) Guide + Photos >
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Asakusa Hanayashiki
Dating back to the 1850s, Asakusa Hanayashiki is amazingly Japan’s oldest amusement park. Facilities include a rooftop terrace, plus a 24-hour food and drink station on the top floor, allowing guests to enjoy snacks and beverages while admiring the night views. NinjaBar Asakusa
Heard about the ‘underground’ ninja bar in Tokyo?
The small shrine to Kannon then grew over the years becoming Sensō-ji.
A common topic in our Plan My Japan Facebook group is how crazily busy Senso-ji gets in the daytime and at weekends so if you don’t like crowds, maybe try to visit first or last.
4. Daemon is known as Benten Kozō (弁天小僧) too.
The figurine of Daemon-San is also flanked by two popular Asakusa eateries and photo spots.
We’ve raved about the cheap chain delights of Matsunoya Tonkatsu but in terms of our favourite / best tonkatsu in Tokyo, it has to be Tonkatsu Oribe restaurant in Asakusa.
Tonkatsu Oribe takes tonkatsu to the top tier (try saying that with a mouthful of tender pork tonkatsu).
The quality of meat here was so incredible and it is served medium so the tonkatsu retains its juices and the breadcrumb batter is spot on!
Even when the temple is closed, it’s a photographer’s delight thanks to beautiful illuminations.
Nakamise Dori is touristy but is also full of attractive souvenirs and all sorts of snacks to try.
The Tobu Skytree Line is NOT part of the Tokyo Metro network.
(Watch the final moments of my video for a glimpse of the Ekimise Complex)
Asakusa Photo Gallery (November 2023)
I have a visiting tip for the Tourist Center.
Many shops and restaurants have been doing business here for decades, too, and so they are glimpses into Japan’s past.
Don’t skip the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. There are also ninja games and rides for the very young.
Don Quijote Asakusa is large and with an almost bewildering selection of goods. If I’m not wrong, the site, now occupied by a modern building, is to the left of the gate.
There’s a model of Ryōunkaku at the Edo Tokyo Museum.
Check rates and availability on hostelworld.com, agoda.com, trip.com and expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$) The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Budget to mid-range priced hotel located a a 4-minute walk away from Sensoji Temple with a rooftop terrace.
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The first serves amazing Matcha Mont Blancs made on the spot. When a traveler “visits Asakusa,” he or she is typically just exploring Sensō-ji and the surrounding area.
To elaborate on the first point, the most famous Asakusa landmarks are all several centuries old but what you see today dates from after WWII.
Practically everywhere is a photo opportunity.
At first glance, I thought the Kabuki gentleman in the picture above was the famous Sukeroku. Hoppy Street
Kanpai to Asakusa’s Hoppy Street, packed full of izakayas, outdoor bars and a generally very merry place to be in Tokyo!
Hoppy Street lives up to its name and is full of boozed up characters, happy hours galore and some delicious smelling soul food like yakitori skewers or steaming bowls of ramen.
Open until very late, this is an awesome and atmospheric drinking street to visit at night, sip some sake and get friendly with the local – so hop on over to Hoppy Street.
Read more in our Hoppy Street guide >
In the Asakusa Uniqlo store you can buy Hoppy Street clothing – more on this Uniqlo store later!
Try this –Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Temple and Tokyo Tower Day Tour >
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Walk from Asakusa Sta. on each line.
Website
Official Website (English)
View on Google Maps
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As a Buddhist of sorts, well, I feel an obligation to always offer prayers at Sensō-ji since Japan is the only country I’ve been to where I have not encountered any major travel inconvenience or mishap.
Come to think of it, I’ve visited Japan over 15 times and there wasn’t once when I skipped Asakusa.
I’ll probably continue coming here whenever I’m in Tokyo.
Though it is Japan’s oldest, the rides are new and modern. Sumida Park
A nice little park to escape the business of Asakusa, Sumida Park blooms into life every spring with some epic displays of cherry blossom / sakura.
It is a small stretch of riverside parkland and a nice way to see the cruise boats and a cool view of the Tokyo Skytree and surrounding skyline.
