ASAKUSA – District with an Atmosphere of Old Tokyo

The Center of Tokyo Where Tradition Has Survived

Asakusa (浅草) the center of Tokyo ‘s shitamachi (literally “low city”), is one of Tokyo’s districts, where an atmosphere of the Tokyo of past decades survives. Asakusa’s main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century.

Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo ‘s most colorful and popular temples. 

What is Asakusa famous for?

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is a temple with a history of over 1300 years.

• The Kaminarimon Gate with its red lantern has become the symbol of Sensoji Temple.
• After passing through Kaminarimon, you will find Nakamise Street, the oldest shopping street in Japan.
• About 180 souvenir shops and Japanese confectionery shops line the 250-meter-long shopping street, which is bustling with visitors every day.
• Asakusa is famous for sweet potato yokan desserts, deep-fried manju sweets, and other local treats.

Statue at Entrance of Temple Gate

Gate Entrance

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple Visitors

Sensoji Temple Visitors

Asakusa – Shrine

Sensoji itself is not the only reason why you should visit the area. On Nakamise Dori you can buy traditional Japanese craft items as well as delicious snacks such as fried mochi (glutinous rice cakes).

Sensoji – Crowd

• Asakusa bustles with hundreds of visitors every day.

Asakusa – Side Street

Where is Asakusa, Tokyo

• Located in Taito-ku, Asakusa is an easy jaunt from anywhere in central Tokyo.
• The temple is a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station, which is served by the Ginza, Asakusa, and Tobu railway lines.
• Step off your train and walk into what was once a booming entertainment and pleasure district.
• Heavily bombed in World War II, Asakusa rebuilt and maintained its reputation as a place to be entertained.

How do you get to Asakusa Temple?

• You can approach the temple via the Nakamise
• After passing through Kaminarimon, you will find Nakamise Dori Street. This shopping street, the oldest shopping street in Japan, has provided temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.

Some Things to Do in Asakusa

1. Take a Rickshaw Tour

For a unique Asakusa experience, you can tour around Asakusa in a rickshaw.

Asakusa can easily be explored on foot. However,, you should consider a guided tour on a rickshaw (jinrikisha, literally “man powered vehicle“).

• This is one of the most distinctive ways to see Asakusa’s iconic tourist spots like Kaminarimon Gate and Denboin Street.
• You will enjoy the ride even more because the rickshaw person is usually very accommodating and speaks English. This makes it easier for you to communicate and get better insights of the historical district.

2. Rent a Kimono

When visiting Asakusa:

•  Make sure to wear a kimono for an authentic Japanese experience.
• This traditional costume is considered a national identity among the locals.
• Wearing one will certainly make your trip more fulfilling and unforgettable.
• Grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and walk around the historic streets of Asakusa. 
• It is a remarkable way to blend with the locals!
• Kimonos are expensive, but you can rent one for a few hours.
• Do you want to wear a kimono, rent from the shop that offers a wide range of options.
• They can also provide women with unique hairstyling.

3. See a Famous Sculpture in Asakusa

4. Visit the Tourist Information Centre

If you’re looking for an iconic structure to photograph, go to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. From the outside, this building looks like stacks of boxes.

Because of its unique architectural style, it is one of the most unique photographed spots in Asakusa.

5. Take a River Cruise

Sumida River

• Cap off your trip and take the Sumida River Cruise.
• This is a scenic water ride that offers amazing city views. Here, you can just unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
• Board the cruise at Asakusa pier.
• Get off at Odaiba, Toyosu, Hamarikyu, and Hinode Pier.

6. Enjoy Nature Tours

7. Visit the Tokyo Sky Tree

The Tokyo Skytree deserves to be a priority.

• It is the tallest building in Japan.
• This structure is very impressive.
• Even from a distance, you can see & feel its uniqueness and elegance.
• It is a marvelous sight at night as it lights up the entire Tokyo area.

Tokyo Skytree offers two main observation deck:

• Tembo Galleria: 
• At 450 meters high, this is the highest observation deck in Japan.
• This place offers breath-taking sights of the top Asakusa attractions.
• Try to locate Mount Fuji.
• Tembo Deck: 
• Capture the perfect view at at 350 meters high from 3 different viewing levels―Floor350, Floor345, and Floor340.
• You can view the Skytree Cafe and Tembo Deck Commemorative Photography on Floor 350.
• Floor345 has a panoramic restaurant and shop.
• Or you can visit Floor340 and walk around its marvelous glass floor.

Tokyo Skytree – View from Sumida Park

8. Visit the Taikokan (Drum Museum)