20 best things to do in Asakusa (Tokyo)

There are many interesting things you can experience in Asakusa.
Instead of simply strolling around to see the sights, you can choose to ride a water bus to admire the town from a unique perspective on the river. Or instead of eating in a regular restaurant, you can visit Asakusa Yokocho to enjoy a delicious meal in a festive atmosphere.

In this article, we will suggest 20 interesting things you should experience in Asakusa, helping you enjoy your time here to the fullest.

Visit and take photos at Sensōji Temple

Sensōji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, with a history of nearly 1400 years.
It is not only the most famous tourist attraction in Asakusa but also one of the most popular destinations in Tokyo, attracting millions of visitors and worshippers annually.

Thanks to its beautiful architecture and distinctive red color, Sensōji Temple is one of the great places to take photos. Don’t forget to take a commemorative photo at Kaminarimon gate – Sensōji Temple’s most famous attraction.

Website:

https://www.senso-ji.jp/

Shopping and snacking on Nakamise-dōri Street

Nakamise-dōri Street is a shopping street located on the grounds of Sensōji Temple, said to be one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan.

Nakamise-dōri Street is about 250 meters long with 89 shops, including traditional Japanese toy, sweets, and souvenir shops. There are also Japanese dolls and Japanese swords sold here, so if you want to buy unique souvenirs, please stop by.

Website:

http://www.asakusa-nakamise.jp/

Return to the Edo period in Denbōin-dōri Street

Denbōin-dōri Street, located at the intersection of Nakamise-dōri Street, is a shopping street that recreates the architecture of the Edo period (1603~1868).

Not only during the day, but the night scenery of Denbōin-dōri Street also attracts many tourists, especially photography enthusiasts.
When the shops are closed and the shutters are down, beautiful Ukiyo-e paintings appear on the shutters, making you feel like you are walking through an art museum.

Learn about Japanese shrines at Asakusa Shrine

Asakusa Shrine is a Shinto shrine that was designated as a “National Important Cultural Property” in 1951.
This shrine is famous for the Sanja Festival, one of the most iconic festivals in Tokyo.

Because it is located right next to the main hall of Sensōji Temple, Asakusa Shrine is an ideal place for you to experience Japanese shrines and temples at the same time.

Website:

https://www.asakusajinja.jp/

Get a panoramic view of Asakusa from the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center

The Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center is located across from Sensōji Temple’s Kaminarimon gate. This is a building with a modern design, providing a lot of useful information and services for visitors when visiting Asakusa.

The attraction is the free observatory located on the 8th floor of the building, where you can see the Asakusa townscape and Tokyo Skytree tower. Also on the 8th floor is a coffee shop, very suitable for those who want to admire the scenery and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Website:

https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/bunka_kanko/kankoinfo/info/oyakudachi/kankocenter/index.html

Enjoy Asakusa’s specialty sweets

Not only does it have many unique attractions, Asakusa is also a paradise for those with a sweet tooth because there are many delicious sweet dishes.

Some famous sweet dishes include Melon Pan from “Kagetsudo” store, 7-level Matcha icecream from “Suzuki-en” store and Ningyō-yaki – a sponge cake filled with red bean paste.

All of these stores are concentrated around Sensōji Temple, so they are easy to find. Ningyo-yaki are sold a lot on Nakamise-dōri street (the road to Sensōji temple), so you can try different stores to find your favorite store.

Website:

• Kagetsudo (Melon Pan): https://asakusa-kagetudo.com/
• Suzuki-en (Matcha icecream): https://www.tocha.co.jp/company/shops#asakusahonten

Scoop goldfish at Asakusa Kingyo

Scooping goldfish is a popular game at summer festivals in Japan. However, there’s no need to wait until summer, whenever you want to experience goldfish scooping, you can visit Asakusa Kingyo, a store specializing in goldfish scooping games that is open all year round.

Asakusa Kingyo is just a few minutes’ walk from Sensōji Temple, making it convenient to stop by after visiting Sensōji Temple. Especially, if you are traveling with children, stopping by here is a great choice because the goldfish scooping game will definitely make them excited.

Website:

https://asakusa-kingyo.crayonsite.net/

Eat while watching the festival at Asakusa Yokocho

Asakusa Yokocho is a food district where you can enjoy both the cuisine and the folklore culture of Japan.
There are a total of 7 restaurants, serving famous Japanese dishes such as Sushi, Yakitori, and eel rice. At certain hours, you can also enjoy performances by street artists, recreating traditional festivals from all over the country.

If you love Japanese food and culture, Asakusa Yokocho is an absolute must-visit.

Website:

https://asakusayokocho.com/

Attempting Japanese Candy Sculpting at Ameshin

Can you believe that the fish in the picture above is made from candy?

Candy sculpting is a traditional Japanese culture that has somewhat faded over time.
Fortunately, near Sensōji Temple, there is a shop called “Ameshin,” which specializes in producing various types of candy sculptures.
Here, you can not only admire and purchase candy sculptures in various shapes but also experience candy sculpting yourself.

Note that the experience class needs to be booked in advance, so you should book in advance to ensure you can attend on your desired schedule.

Website:

http://www.ame-shin.com/

Walk around Asakusa in Kimono

Traditional Japanese costumes such as Kimono and Yukata are very suitable for Asakusa’s ancient setting. Therefore, many tourists, especially couples and groups of female friends, often rent Kimonos to wear while sightseeing.

There are many Kimono rental shops near Asakusa station. Even if you try it on for the first time, you don’t have to worry because there will be staff to help you wear it.

If you want to capture the best moments in Asakusa, renting and wearing a Kimono is an experience not to be missed.

Website:

https://ewha-yifu.com/en/shops/asakusa/

Rest at Sumida park

If you want to find a place to rest while visiting Asakusa, Sumida Park is a suggestion.

Located along the Sumida River, Sumida Park is famous for cherry blossom viewing events in the spring and fireworks festivals in the summer.
In addition to cherry blossoms, you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as plum blossoms and hydrangeas. You can stroll along the banks of the Sumida River while taking in the breathtaking view of the Tokyo Skytree.

Ride a traditional Japanese rickshaw

In front of Sensōji Temple, you can see many rickshaw pullers waiting. By hiring a rickshaw service, you will be taken to famous attractions in Asakusa. Along the way, the rickshaw puller will share many interesting information about Asakusa, including its history and latest news.

Each rickshaw can carry 2 people and the price for 2 people is also cheaper, so if you visit Asakusa with another person, try riding a rickshaw.

Take a water bus to see Asakusa from the river

If you have some extra time in your schedule, why not try touring Asakusa by water bus? The journey takes about 2 hours (*) allowing you to enjoy exceptional views of Asakusa and Tōkyō Bay.

Especially, if you travel to Asakusa in spring and want to see cherry blossoms blooming on both sides of the river, traveling by water bus is definitely an experience not to be missed.

(*) There are shorter journeys depending on the landing stop. Please refer to the official website for more details.

Website:

https://www.suijobus.co.jp/cruise/asakusa/

Take photos in front of the Asahi Beer Group Headquarters Building

There are many great photo spots in Asakusa, and one of them is in front of the Asahi Beer Corporation Headquarters Building.

This building is partly famous for its unique shape: a draft beer mug, but most of the attention is usually focused on the yellow object located next to it. In fact, this object simulates a flame, symbolizing “the burning heart towards the new century of the Asahi beer group.”
(However, I wouldn’t be surprised if you see it as something else, as most Japanese people imagine it that way too. )

Join the festival in Asakusa

Good news for those who love a lively atmosphere: Asakusa hosts many festivals throughout the year.
The most famous is the Sanja Festival, held at Asakusa Shrine every May. The sight of men chanting while carrying Mikoshi (portable shrines) through the town is truly impressive and worth seeing.

Some other famous festivals in Asakusa:

• Setsubun Festival: takes place at Sensōji Temple in early February.
• Hozuki Ichi (Lantern Plant Fair): takes place at Sensōji Temple in mid-July.
• Asakusa Samba Festival: takes place on Kaminarimon-dōri Street at the end of August.
• Tori-no-Ichi Fair: takes place at several temples and shrines in the area in November.

Visit Tokyo Skytree Tower

Since its completion in 2012, Tokyo Skytree Tower has become a new symbol of the capital Tōkyō.
Since Tokyo Skytree Tower is located near Asakusa Station, it is convenient to visit on the same day.

If you like to admire the scenery from above, you can buy tickets to go to the observatory located at an altitude of 350 meters and 450 meters. Or you can also visit Tokyo Solamachi, a commercial facility located at the base of the tower, which has a variety of shops with everything to see.

Website:

https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/

Meet lucky cats at Imado Shrine

Located about a 15-minute walk from Asakusa Station, Imado Jinja Shrine is a must-visit spot for those who love Japan’s lucky cat (Maneki Neko) statues.
You can find lucky cat statues all around the shrine grounds, and even the fortune slips and amulets feature lucky cats.

Imado Shrine is also very famous for praying for love prospects, so if you want to find good partner or happiness in love, don’t forget to pray when you come here.

Website:

https://imadojinja1063.crayonsite.net/

Buy Japanese knives at Kappabashi Street

Kappabashi Street is where you can find everything related to kitchen appliances. Among them, shops selling Japanese knives are the places that attract the most international tourists.

Here, there is a wide variety of knives, and the appealing point is that you can try and inspect them before deciding to buy.
Additionally, there is a name engraving service on the blade, making it a great option if you want to buy a knife as a gift.

Although it’s about a 15-minute walk from Asakusa, Kappabashi Street is really worth your time if you want to buy quality Japanese knives.

Take a Sushi or Ramen cooking class

In Asakusa, there are many cooking classes where you can try your hand at making traditional Japanese dishes like Sushi or Ramen.
Classes for foreign visitors are taught by Japanese instructors who can speak English, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t know Japanese.

Once you know the recipe and method, you can make these dishes at home whenever you want to enjoy a Japanese meal.
If you are passionate about Japanese cuisine, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Visit the “World Bags & Luggage Museum”

A unique museum located near Asakusa Station, which displays more than 550 extremely rare bags collected from about 50 countries around the world.

“World Bags & Luggage Museum” is a place that is not very popular with foreign tourists, so there are often few visitors, allowing you to leisurely view the works.

Another attraction is that the museum is free to enter, so if you are looking for a quality and economical attraction in Asakusa, “World Bags & Luggage Museum” is also a recommendation.

Website:

https://www.ace.jp/museum/