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Asakusa Yokocho: A Festival-Themed Dining Paradise in Tokyo
Asakusa Yokocho is a dining and entertainment complex in Tokyo's Asakusa district. Learn more about the highlights and features of this exciting festival-themed facility adorned with futuristic neon cyberpunk-like displays.
Asakusa Yokocho: A Must-Visit Dining Facility in Asakusa
Asakusa Yokocho, a collection of izakaya bars, restaurants, and shops located on the fourth floor of the Tokyo Rakutenchi Asakusa building opened in June 2022, captivating visitors with its unique charm.
Blending modern design and electronic displays with traditional cultural elements, Asakusa Yokocho offers a vibrant and festive experience in the historic town of Asakusa. Above the bustling city streets, this colorful festival space presents an array of incredible food and entertainment options.
Day or night, the stunning Asakusa Yokocho treats visitors to breathtaking views of Tokyo Skytree and an extensive selection of Japanese and Asian cuisine. From kimono rentals to duck scooping and captivating photo opportunities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Due to its unique neon installations, Asakusa Yokocho has become a must-visit destination in Asakusa. Whether you're seeking a perfect backdrop for photo shoots, a memorable dining experience, or a delightful escape on a rainy day, Asakusa Yokocho is certain to leave every visitor enthralled.
Highlights of Asakusa Yokocho
1. Vibrant Neon Streets and Traditional Festival Displays
2. Excellent Japanese and Korean Dining
3. Indoor Festival Atmosphere, Kimono Rental, Duck Scooping, and More!
4. Electrifying Photo Spots
5. How to Get to Asakusa Yokocho
1. Vibrant Neon Streets and Traditional Festival Displays
Asakusa Yokocho will impress you with its festive paths that bring brilliant pops of color to the room. From small masks hanging on the shop's walls to retro posters and traditional lanterns, the space represents the fusion of old and new traditions in Japan.
Visitors can draw omikuji (fortune paper slips) near the umbrella display, adding an element of fun and mystery to their visit. Whether deciding on what food to eat or browsing the rental kimonos at the kimono store, there are plenty of delights to uncover within this compact entertainment space.
Walk under a tunnel of neon artwork and be captivated by the beautifully designed signs of each shop, inviting you to explore the special items they have to offer. Capture your favorite illustrations in photos and become engulfed in this three-dimensional sign pathway.
The rainbow vaporwave lights on the ceiling pave a road map of the facility's pathways, guiding visitors to the diverse restaurants where passionate and friendly staff await. From afternoon delights to evening indulgences, the facility offers a variety of delicious Japanese and Asian cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful day out or a relaxing evening with friends after work.
2. Excellent Japanese and Korean Food
The restaurants and bars at Asakusa Yokocho offer a wide variety of delicious cuisine with close ties to the food found at Japanese festivals, including skewered meat and vegetables. Visitors can choose from over 7 brilliantly designed restaurants and unwind in the vibrant atmosphere.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Asakusa Sushi is a delightful and welcoming sushi restaurant that takes pride in ensuring the deliciousness of their sushi.
Specializing in Edomae sushi, a style that originated in the Edo period (1603-1868) of Japan, it is renowned for its intense flavors, from saltier to sweeter tastes. Guests are sure to appreciate the craftsmanship and diverse array of dishes offered at Asakusa Sushi.
The metal tables at Hanmart, a Korean restaurant, are naturally illuminated by electric purple lights, creating a futuristic art installation that is truly a sight to behold. Its glowing neon signs and urban chic interior give off a cyberpunk movie vibe, making it a captivating dining spot.
The menu offers delights such as Chijimi (Korean pancakes), Kimchi cheese fried rice, and Japchae (stir-fried sweet glass noodles). Be sure to stop by to peruse the full menu and explore the delicious options.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
For a different dining experience, head over to Yurayura to savor yakitori (fried chicken and vegetable skewers), or indulge in a variety of grilled meats and a refreshing beer at Nihon Eiko Sakaba Rocky Kanai!
Both restaurants offer a diverse array of dishes reminiscent of Japan's summer festival food stalls, which are easy to eat as a snack or a full meal. It's common to see people wearing yukata (light kimonos) while enjoying skewered food at festivals.
3. Indoor Festival Atmosphere, Kimono Rental, Duck Scooping, and More!
Experience the festive atmosphere of a summer festival all while being sheltered from the elements in the Yokocho area.
You'll find numerous festival stalls to enjoy, including the chance to challenge yourself to a game like the traditional Japanese Kingyo Sukui, a Goldfish Scooping game. Test your skills and win a prize by scooping up a durable plastic duck, alongside vibrant activities and displays that transport you to a Japanese festival, complete with traditional festival music playing throughout the facility.
Admire the iridescent windchimes that adorn the ceiling and wooden frameworks at one of the many photo spots in Asakusa Yokocho. Delight in the colorful display of hundreds of windchimes, a fitting motif associated with Japan's hot summers.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Embrace the festival spirit by donning a traditional kimono from head to toe at Wargo Kyoto Kimono Rental. Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional culture as you explore historic cityscapes like Asakusa while adorned in traditional attire.
With prices starting from 3,300 yen for a standard kimono plan, you can select from a variety of plans, designs, patterns, and colors to find the perfect kimono for your experience. Wander through Asakusa Yokocho in a stunning rental kimono, becoming a part of the vibrant art displays and creating memorable photo opportunities.
Whether you plan to enjoy a day out or a photo shoot, you have the option to borrow the kimono until 18:30 or select a plan that allows you to return the kimono by 15:00 the next day. For more details about pricing and plans, please visit the link below.
Wargo Kimono Rental
Business hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (last return time 18:30)
Official website: https://kyotokimono-rental.com/access/asakusa-area/asakusa (Japanese)
4. Electrifying Photo Spots
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Strike a pose in front of the captivating neon mural at Asakusa Yokocho! Located on the opposite end of the floor from the windchimes, this beautiful display of fluorescent lights features traditional art depicting Japanese lucky cats, lanterns, and women in kimonos chatting. Can you spot the gate of Sensoji Temple in the center of the artwork?
The black and white tiles framing the display make the lights pop out, with intricate details such as ramen bowls and magatama symbols - traditional Shinto Japanese talismans for preventing evil and bringing good fortune - completing the overall display that celebrates Japanese culture. Additionally, cut-out ninjas are placed in front of the mural, offering a fun photo opportunity.
Across from this mesmerizing display, you'll find more glowing art. Sit under an open rouge umbrella against a neon cat backdrop, and read your fortune from a nearby fortune box in this fantastic illuminated area, a must-see when visiting Asakusa Yokocho.
Adjacent to the terrace, a tunnel of colorful windchimes casts a beautiful rainbow pathway, creating a breathtaking sight. Stand under the soothing wind chimes and admire the view of Skytree towering over the cityscape, making it a beautiful spot day and night. Supported by a light wooden frame, the colorful glass haven also serves as an amazing photo op.
When visiting, don't miss the chance to capture a rainbow in the windchimes from the fluorescent striped lights above for a truly unique and mesmerizing picture.
Marvel at the enchanting sight of glowing goldfish lanterns as they float among the vibrant streets of Asakusa Yokocho. This artistic spot invites you to capture memorable photos amidst the displays of the unique Japanese hanging signs that showcase the diverse array of delicious restaurants in the area.
Get creative and take photos beneath the floating lanterns, while also noticing the retro posters and artwork adorning the area, including the captivating decor such as the round lanterns behind the hanging signs at the Korean restaurant.
On the opposite side of the building's walls, you'll discover a striking contrast in the form of blue and white airy windmills displayed in front of the Kimono shop.
Every corner of Asakusa Yokocho is truly a work of art! From the projection map on the floor of the smoking area to the vibrant and contrasting artistic murals in the restrooms, each space is designed to captivate and excite visitors. Take the time to explore and discover unique details and pieces throughout the fourth floor, capturing snapshots of your favorite areas along the way.
How to Get to Asakusa Yokocho
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Located just an 8-minute walk from Asakusa Station and a mere 2-minute walk from Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Yokocho is conveniently nestled in an easily accessible area.
Situated on the fourth floor of Tokyo Rakutenchi, it provides a delightful escape from the bustling streets of Asakusa. A perfect addition to any Asakusa itinerary, this facility may be small and convenient, yet it exudes stunning beauty and offers a plethora of attractions and delectable cuisines, all while boasting magnificent views of Tokyo Skytree.
Explore the facility, seek out your favorite photo spot, rent a kimono, and savor amazing dishes. With free entry, there are countless ways to enjoy your time amidst the captivating festive displays.
Why not uncover the beauty of Asakusa Yokocho and immerse yourself in this stunning neon paradise?
Information and photo source: PR Times
Assistant editor at MATCHA since 2023, Kate is a photographer who enjoys traveling Japan's hidden gems and adventuring off the beaten path. Living in Japan since 2018, she has traveled across different areas of Japan. From indulging in Aomori’s apple pies and fiery festivals to exploring the quaint charm of Nagasaki’s cat-filled streets she is always searching for new areas full of atmospheric beauty, festivals, and seasonal events to capture on camera.Assistant editor at MATCHA since 2023, Kate is a photographer who enjoys traveling Japan's hidden gems and adventuring off the beaten path.