Things to Do in Asakusa: Top Experiences for a Perfect Tokyo Day

Asakusa: The Highlight of Tokyo Sightseeing

Photo by Pixta

Asakusa is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Tokyo. Despite suffering extensive damage during the Tokyo bombings during World War II, the area was rebuilt and the preserved historical shitamachi (downtown area) of Asakusa is now one of the most visited tourist spots in the city.

Here you will find the famed Sensoji Temple and the great paper lantern of Kaminarimon, but there are dozens, if not hundreds, of incredible things to both see and do here, many of which you won't find in most guidebooks!

20 Fun Things to Do in Asakusa, Tokyo's Historic District

1. Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Dori: Tokyo's Oldest Temple
2. Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center: Great Views!
3. Take a Rickshaw Ride through Asakusa
4. Colorful Desserts at Asakusa Taisho Romankan
5. Kimono Rental and Photo Shoot
6. Asakusa Yokocho: Japanese Food and Izakaya Bar Culture
7. Sumida River Cruise
8. Sumida River Walk and Tokyo Mizumachi
9. Tokyo Skytree
10. Hanayashiki Amusement Park
11. Nishi Sando Shopping Street
12. Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center
13. Learn Japanese Cooking at Local Classes
14. Asakusa's Underground Shopping Center
15. Souvenir Hunting in Asakusa
16. Explore Kappabashi, Japan's Kitchen Town
17. Japanese Sweets Making and Kimono Tea Ceremony
18. Enjoy a Drink on Hoppy Street
19. Matsuchiyama Shoden: A Temple Decorated with Daikon Radishes?
20. Oku Asakusa: Explore a Less-Crowded, Quaint Neighborhood

1. Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Dori: Explore Tokyo's Oldest Temple

Photo by Pixta

Sensoji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Japan. It looks back on a 1,300-year-long history and is also famous for its entrance gate called Kaminarimon which stands out through its large red lantern.

Photo by Pixta

The oldest shopping street in Japan, called Nakamise Dori is located beyond the Kaminarimon Gate and leads to Sensoji Temple's main hall. On Nakamise Dori you can buy traditional Japanese craft items as well as delicious snacks such as fried mochi (glutinous rice cakes).

Photo by Pixta

In the predicts of Sensoji Temple, you'll also find Asakusa Shrine, which celebrates the three founders of Sensoji Temple. This shrine is famous for hosting the vibrant Sanja Matsuri Festival, one of Tokyo's three great festivals, held every way for three days around mid-May.

Sensoji Temple

2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito ward, Tokyo

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 Tem...

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2. Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center: Visit for Great Views!

Photo by Pixta
While you might think that you have your route all sorted out when visiting Asakusa, you might want to reconsider your options and visit the Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center first.

This eight-story center stands right across from Kaminarimon, the entrance to Sensoji Temple, and is the place to go if you need Wi-Fi, want to see limited-time exhibits related to the area, grab a bite to eat, or get guidance and support while sightseeing in Asakusa.

The center also has an observatory on the eighth floor that is available to access for free. This is the only place you can take in a clear and sweeping view of Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon, and Tokyo Skytree all at once! Be sure to make the visit here and experience this view for yourself.

There's also a cafe adjacent to the observatory where you can take a break for refreshments while taking in the views.

Asakusa Culture Tourism Center

111-0034 2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo

The Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center is a tourist information center located in front of Asakusa Kaminarimon, directly across from Kaminar...

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3. Take a Rickshaw Ride and Get to Know Asakusa More Deeply

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Booking a Rickshaw Tour makes it simple to explore the streets of Asakusa while experiencing traditional Japanese culture.

You can choose from 30-minute, 1-hour, and two-hour tours to fit your schedule and budget. Guides can speak English.

The best part about taking a rickshaw tour is that your guide will tell you lesser-known facts and stories related to Asakusa. At the same time, they'll show the best photography spots and even take photos of you in the rickshaw!

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Colorful Desserts and Kimonos at Asakusa Taisho Romankan

Asakusa Taisho Romankan, adjacent to Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, is both a cafe and kimono rental hub, popular for its blend of Taisho-era fashion and diverse cafe options. This shop evokes the individualistic flair of Japan's Taisho period, marked by fashion diversity.

The first-floor Taisho Romankan Cafe melds vintage and modern aesthetics, offering a cozy retreat amidst Asakusa's bustle.

Indulge in their signature High-Collar Cream Sodas, a nod to Taisho's culinary history featuring vintage crepes, ice cream treats, and retro-inspired float drinks. Immerse yourself in a harmonious mix of history and contemporary comfort at Asakusa Taisho Romankan.

Asakusa Taisho Romankan

2-2-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032

Kimono Rental and Photo Shoots

Picture courtesy of Klook

Asakusa is the perfect place to stroll around wearing a kimono and take beautiful pictures that convey the unique charm of Japanese culture.

For those who would like to dress up in a kimono and then freely explore Asakusa, we recommend the kimono rental services of Kimono Komachi Ruri, Miyabi or WARGO.

If you'd also like to have your photos taken by a professional photographer, Kimono-Mitsuki might be the best choice.

6. Asakusa Yokocho: Japanese Food and Izakaya Bar Culture

Asakusa Yokocho opened in July 2022 as a new food court in Asakusa. The facility comprises seven izakaya bars that offer Japanese dishes and various types of beverages. Customers can choose from yakitori, sushi, pork dishes, Korean cuisine, and even Japanese eel dishes.

What makes this place special is its surreal ambiance inspired by Japan's vibrant festival culture. The items on display will make you feel you've gone down the rabbit hole into the world of Japanese folklore. A kimono rental shop offering chic, casual kimono styling is also located within Asakusa Yokocho.

Asakusa Yokocho

Tokyo, Taito ward, Asakusa 2-6-7, Rakutenchi Building 4F

Asakusa Yokocho contains seven izakaya taverns where customers can enjoy dining in an ambiance inspired by Japan's vibrant festival culture.

7. Sumida River Cruises

Photo by Pixta
Taking a cruise on the Sumida River from Asakusa is a chance to enjoy great views of Tokyo from a different angle!

Water cruises on the popular Suijo Bus between Asakusa and other areas of Tokyo such as Odaiba are very enjoyable.

You can get off the ship at the Hamarikyu Gardens and enjoy the Japanese garden scenery or at Hinode Pier, which is a popular boat trip location in Japan. Or how about going all the way to Odaiba Seaside Park?

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Sumida River Walk and Tokyo Mizumachi

The Sumida River Walk is a pedestrian bridge over the river, connecting Asakusa with the area around Tokyo Skytree. You can cross over this bridge from the entrance located on the Asakusa side of Sumida Park, right under the rails of the Tobu Skytree Line.

The Sumida River Walk offers splendid views of the river and Asakusa - which make for great photos both during the day and in the evenings.

Once you're on the other side, head toward Tokyo Skytree strolling around Tokyo mizumachi, a waterfront shopping district with cafes, restaurants, and shops, where you can enjoy local treats.

Tokyo Mizumachi

1-2 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0033

9. Tokyo Skytree: Japan's Tallest Tower

Photo by Pixta
While it goes without saying that you should definitely check out Tokyo Skytree and all its related attractions in nearby Oshiage, there is one thing that you can do to enjoy Japan's tallest tower while in Asakusa: photograph it!

There are plenty of places to take pictures of Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa, and depending on what sort of shot you'd like, there are even different poses you can take on to get a selfie with the tower too.

We also recommend viewing the Tokyo Skytree in the evenings, right after dark, when it's lit up artistically. There is a different lighting display every day!

Tokyo Sky Tree

131-0045 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Skytree is a radio tower located in Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo, which opened on May 22, 2012. One of Tokyo's landmarks, it is 634 met...

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10. Hanayashiki: Enjoy Japan's Oldest Amusement Park

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Hanayashiki was founded in 1853 and is one of Japan's oldest amusement parks. It is located near Sensoji Temple and hosts about twenty-five attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

Here, you can enjoy all the beloved amusement park attractions such as roller coasters, a merry-go-round, and a haunted house. This park surely has some old school flair and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Asakusa Hanayashiki

111-0032 2-28-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Established in 1853, it is one of the oldest amusement parks in Japan. Located near Sensoji Temple, it has around 25 attractions suitable f...

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11. Nishi Sando Shopping Street: Stroll Through an Ukiyo-e Painting

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Take a short walk from Sensoji Temple to find the picturesque Nishi Sando Shopping Street. This covered shopping street looks like something you would find in a Japanese woodblock print and is the ideal place for relaxed exploration and photos.

The floor of this market is covered in natural Japanese cypress flooring and is filled with tiny shops! Browse through everything, from souvenirs and regional ramen to samurai swords, and pick up a souvenir or treat for yourself. This is the perfect place to go if you want to do a little shopping and get a sense of Japanese history.

Asakusa Nishisando Shopping Street

2-7-13 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032

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12. Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center: See Exhibits of Artisan Crafts

The Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center is a facility dedicated to the artisan crafts that flourished in Japan since the Edo period (1603-1868). The entrance is free.

Various types of crafts are displayed on two floors: from traditional kitchenware and handmade furniture to decorative objects, accessories, and daily use objects. Traditional craft items made by artisans who are currently active all around Japan are available for sale at the reception.

On weekends, local craftsmen hold demonstrations and workshops. It's a great chance to learn more about Japan's traditional crafts, including how to appreciate authentic items.

Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Museum

2-22-13 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032

13. Learn Japanese Cooking at Local Classes

Another way to heighten your Asakusa experience is through a workshop––what better of an activity to try than cooking? airKitchen offers classes in Asakusa where you can learn how to make classic Japanese from residents, from onigiri (rice balls) to sushi, ramen, and traditional sweets. Many classes support vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and Halal dietary needs, and all instructors can offer support in English.

You can also join a sushi making experience, where you learn to make various types of sushi - about 20 pieces, using 10 ingredients.

Other Japanese Cooking Classes in Asakusa:
Sushi Cooking in Aakusa

Instagrammable Cooking Class in Asakusa

Browse these fun and easy cooking classes to add an in-depth and delicious activity to your itinerary in Asakusa.

14. Asakusa's Underground Shopping Center: Check Out Retro Asakusa

Photo by Pixta
Have you ever wondered what life was like in Japan during the postwar period? If you have, then you might want to head to Asakusa's Underground Shopping Center, easily reached from EKIMISE, a shopping center and the Tobu Asakusa Line's Asakusa Station.

This shopping center is not very well known even to the Japanese, despite having been open since 1955, but there are many great and cheap Japanese restaurants, bars, and shops catering to the busy working person here. Not only that, but the majority of them have been in business since the shopping center first opened. If you want to see a retro slice of life in Tokyo, then this is the place to go.

Asakusa Underground Shopping Center
Address: Tokyo, Taito, Asakusa 1-1-12 Google Map

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15. Souvenir Hunting in Asakusa

One thing that everyone does in Asakusa is shop for souvenirs. Here, there are literally hundreds of stores selling thousands of items; everything from simple postcards to green tea snacks all the way to antique kimono and authentic samurai swords or original Japanese handicrafts can be easily found at this very station.

If you're looking for mementos and Japanese handicrafts, browse the shops along the Nakamise Dori and Shinnakamise Dori. These traditional shopping streets are the go-to place even for Tokyoites when it comes to Japanese souvenirs.

If you're looking for sophisticated Japanese items, like high-quality glassware or kimonos, visit the EKIMISE or the Asakusa Rox department stores.

For edible souvenirs that you can buy in bulk, the Don Quijote Asakusa store is the place to go. Their large variety of products will satisfy any taste.

Don Quijote Asakusa store

111-0032 2-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

A discount store in Asakusa where you can buy groceries, toys, shoes, and other household items. When you come to Asakusa, you'll probably w...

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16. Explore Kappabashi, Japan's Kitchen Town

Photo by Pixta
Kappabashi, a neighborhood in the greater Asakusa area, is known for its many vendors selling high-quality, fair-priced kitchen supplies of all types. From Japanese knives to chopsticks and dishes, there is much to see and shop for.

Those looking for something practical to bring home, try the cooking and baking supplies at Mamijiya. They even have Mt. Fuji-shaped cake molds!

Another highlight of the neighborhood is the fake food replicas created in great detail. When in the area, be sure to head to Ganso Sample, a shop with hundreds of detailed dishes, ranging from ramen to sushi, to elaborate ice cream parfaits.

The to-scale size of the replicas are used in restaurants in Japan--it may be more convenient for travelers to take home a smaller version of Japan's famous dishes, however.

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Japanese Sweets Making and Kimono Tea Ceremony

Picture courtesy of Viator

If you're seeking an authentic cultural experience, visit Maikoya Tokyo, a tea house that offers tea ceremony and sweets-making workshops in Asakusa.

The Japanese sweets that accompany the matcha green tea in tea ceremonies are not only delectable but also look beautiful! They are inspired by seasonal motifs. This workshop offers you the chance to learn how they are made.

Picture courtesy of Viator

You get to enjoy the sweets that you made with a bowl of rich matcha tea during a tea ceremony! You can also opt to wear a kimono during the experience and take memorable photos.

If your time in Asakusa is limited, Maikoya Tokyo also offers Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experiences that don't involve the sweets making part.

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Enjoy a Drink on Hoppy Street

Hoppy Street, located in the area west of Sensoji Temple, is an alley lined with Japanese taverns (izakaya) and dining facilities. While most of them offer lunch and dinner menus, there are also cafes where you can drop by for a coffee and dessert.

If you enjoy drinking, how about trying a glass of hoppy, the alcoholic beverage this street was named after?

Hoppy Street
Location: Map
Business hours: vary by shop (*most of the dining facilities on Hoppy Street open around 11:00 and close at 21:00; some of the taverns operate until 23:00)

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19. Matsuchiyama Shoden: A Temple Decorated with Daikon Radishes?

Photo by Pixta
Matsuchiyama Shoden is a less known and slightly hidden Buddhist temple in Asakusa, which is said to be a temple of thanksgiving and one that grants blessings on fulfillment in love, family harmony, business prosperity, and others to its worshipers.

And, with the daikon radish as its distinctive but unusual symbol, you will be able to find daikon radish designs throughout the grounds too. Although this temple is a little bit harder to find than others in the Asakusa area, the charming pond with carp fish swimming in it and Edo period clay wall, as well as the neighborhood itself more than make it up for the hunt.

Matsuchiyama Shoden
Address: Tokyo, Taito, Asakusa 7-4-1 Google Map

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20. Oku Asakusa - Explore a Less-Crowded, Quaint Neighborhood

Located just north of Sensoji Temple, Oku Asakusa, or deep Asakusa, is known for its charming traditional townscape, shopping streets, and laidback atmosphere. It is lesser-known and therefore less crowded than other places nearby. It is the ideal place for photography, finding homestyle meals, and taking a peaceful walk.

As you stroll down the streets here, look for the machiya-style shops, with long, narrow rooms that go into the back of the store, allowing owners to see when customers enter through the front door.

There are also seasonal events and festivals held, like the Oiran Dochu Procession held as part of the Ichiyo Sakura Festival in early April featuring a parade with participants dressed in historical costumes.

The Tori no Ichi Festival held at the Otori Shrine at the end of November is another exciting event. At Tori-no-Ichi, local businesses gather to pray for prosperity in the following year.

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Get the Most Out of Asakusa!

There are so many things to see, do, eat, and buy in Asakusa that it might make your head spin, but if you want to get the absolute most out of a trip to this historic downtown hot spot, then consider this article to be your guide to the best that Tokyo's old shitamachi has to offer!

Main image by Pixta