Asakusa Things to Do: Free, with Kids, at Night, and More

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

Classic Things to Do in Asakusa
1. Sensoji Temple: Visit Tokyo's Oldest Temple
2. Local Shopping Streets: Nakamise, Shin-Nakamise, Nishi Sando
3. Kimono Rental and Photo Shoot
4. Take a Rickshaw Ride through Asakusa
5. Sumida River Cruise
6. Japanese Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony
7. Tokyo Skytree

Free Things to Do in Asakusa
8. Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center: Great Views!
9. Sumida River Walk and Tokyo Mizumachi
10. Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center

What to Eat in Asakusa
11. Street Food and Local Sweets
12. Casual Dining: Restaurants at Asakusa EKIMISE (7F)
13. Colorful Desserts at Asakusa Taisho Romankan

Things to Do in Asakusa with Kids
14. Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park
15. Japanese Cooking Workshops

Things to Do in Asakusa at Night
16. Sensoji Temple Light-up
17. Enjoy a Drink on Hoppy Street
18. Asakusa Yokocho: Japanese Food and Izakaya Bar Culture

Shopping in Asakusa
19. Souvenir Hunting in Asakusa
20. Explore Kappabashi, Japan's Kitchen Town

Classic Things to Do in Asakusa

First, let's highlight the main attractions in Asakusa. The must-do activities are visiting Sensoji Temple and exploring the shotengai (local shopping streets), as they offer insight into Japanese culture and history. Both are free.

The other activities, while optional, are recommended to enrich your visit and create memorable experiences.

1. Sensoji Temple: Visit Tokyo's Oldest Temple

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Sensoji Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples, with a history spanning over 1,300 years. Its iconic Kaminarimon Gate, featuring a large red lantern, is especially well-known.

Other highlights include the Hozomon Gate, located right in front of the main hall, featuring two statues of the Nio, the kings of heaven in Buddhist mythology.

The Five-Story Pagoda and the main hall itself, famous for its dragon painting on the ceiling, are also worth seeing up close.

Photo by Pixta

Within Sensoji Temple's grounds is Asakusa Shrine, dedicated to the three founders of Sensoji. It is famous for hosting the lively Sanja Matsuri Festival, one of Tokyo's three major festivals, held over three days in mid-May.

Sensoji Temple
Location: Map
Hours: main hall and shops 6:30 - 17:00 *The temple precincts are open 24 hours.
Admission: free

2. Explore the Local Shopping Streets: Nakamise, Shin-Nakamise, Nishi Sando

Photo by Pixta

Nakamise Dori is Japan’s oldest shopping street, located beyond the Kaminarimon Gate and leading to Sensoji Temple’s main hall.

Along the street, you can buy traditional Japanese crafts and enjoy delicious snacks like fried mochi (glutinous rice cakes).

Perpendicular to Nakamise and crossing Asakusa from east to west is the Shin-Nakamise Dori, an arcade shopping street lined with souvenir shops, dining facilities, drugstores, kimono shops, and street food vendors.

To the west of Sensoji's main hall is yet another traditional shopping street: the Nishi Sando, where you'll find the same mix of old local shops and new shops offering the latest photogenic treats.

These local shopping streets are the heart of Asakusa culture, and the main reason why so many people visit the area, after Sensoji. So do take the time to explore them and enjoy the unique mix of traditional and modern culture that they offer.

Nakamise Dori: Map
Shin-Nakamise Dori: Map
Nishi Sando Shotengai: Map

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3. 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.

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

Photo by Pixta

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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5. Sumida River Cruises

Photo by Pixta

Taking a cruise on the Sumida River from Asakusa offers a unique perspective of Tokyo’s skyline.

The popular Suijo Bus water cruises between Asakusa and areas like Odaiba are very enjoyable. The Asakusa Pier is located near Asakusa's Azumabashi Bridge.

You can disembark at the Hamarikyu Gardens to explore the Japanese garden or at Hinode Pier, a popular boat trip spot. Or, why not go all the way to Odaiba Seaside Park?

Those who wish to enjoy their river cruise leisurely while dining on board should consider boarding a yakatabune (traditional houseboat). A ride on a yakatabune includes a Japanese meal; the boat is decorated with beautiful paper lanterns at night, providing a calm Japanese atmosphere. Please note that houseboat tours don't depart from Asakusa; if you book one, please check the boarding location.

Tokyo Cruise Asakusa Pier: Map

6. Japanese Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony in Asakusa

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 served with matcha green tea in tea ceremonies are both beautiful and delicious, often inspired by seasonal motifs. This workshop offers the opportunity to learn how to make them.

Picture courtesy of Viator

Enjoy the sweets you make alongside a bowl of rich matcha tea during a tea ceremony. You can also choose to wear a kimono 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 workshop.

7. Tokyo Skytree: Enjoy the Views from Japan's Tallest Tower

Photo by Pixta

Although not technically in Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree is visible from here and can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes, crossing the Sumida River.

Many visitors explore Asakusa during the day and then head to Tokyo Skytree in the evening to enjoy the city’s nightscape from its observatories.

Asakusa has many great spots to photograph Tokyo Skytree from different angles. We especially recommend viewing it in the evening, just after sunset, when it’s beautifully illuminated with a different light display each day!

Tokyo Skytree
Location: Map

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Free Things to Do in Asakusa

Despite being the most popular place to visit in Tokyo, Asakusa offers many activities that can be enjoyed for free. Below we introduce some of them.

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

Photo by Pixta

The Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center is an eight-story building located opposite Kaminarimon, the entrance to Sensoji Temple.

It offers free Wi-Fi, temporary exhibits about the area, dining options, and sightseeing assistance.

The center's eighth-floor observatory is open to the public for free until 10 PM. It offers a clear, sweeping view of Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon, and Tokyo Skytree—all at once! Be sure to visit and experience this view for yourself.

Additionally, there's a cafe next to the observatory where you can relax with refreshments while enjoying the scenery.

Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center
Location: Map
Hours: 9:00 - 20:00 *8th floor observatory open until 22:00.

9. Sumida River Walk and Tokyo Mizumachi

The Sumida River Walk is a pedestrian bridge connecting Asakusa to the area around Tokyo Skytree. You can access it from the Asakusa side of Sumida Park, near the Tobu Skytree Line rails.

It offers beautiful views of the river and Asakusa, making it a great spot for photos both daytime and evening.

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

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Tokyo Mizumachi

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

10. Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center: Free Exhibits of Artisan Crafts

The Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center showcases artisan crafts from Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868). Admission is free.

The two-floor displays include traditional kitchenware, handmade furniture, decorative objects, accessories, and everyday items. Artisans from across Japan sell their authentic crafts at the reception.

On weekends, local craftsmen hold demonstrations and workshops—an excellent opportunity to learn about Japan's traditional crafts and how to appreciate their beauty.

Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00
Admission: free

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What to Eat in Asakusa

Asakusa is a gourmet paradise, offering a wide variety of treats that can be enjoyed on the go, but also restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine.

We introduce some of our recommendations below.

11. Street Food and Local Sweets

One of the joys of visiting Asakusa is sampling the delicious street food from vendors along Nakamise Street and Shin-Nakamise Street.

You’ll find everything from Strawberry Daifuku (glutinous rice cakes) and skewered dango dumplings to refreshing fruit shakes, matcha desserts, and taiyaki (fish-shaped baked treats). There are also savory options like croquettes and rice crackers (sembei).

These treats are affordable and make great souvenirs or take-out snacks. Don’t be shy—join the crowds and enjoy this local activity that truly captures the charm of Asakusa.

Check the articles linked below for shop and treat recommendations.

12. Casual Dining: Restaurants at Asakusa EKIMISE (7F)

Asakusa has restaurants on every corner, but they are often crowded with long lines.

We recommend visiting the 7th floor of Asakusa EKIMISE, a nearby department store, where you'll find a quieter selection of restaurants.

We especially recommend 66 Dining, which offers a variety of dishes such as curry rice, omelet rice, steak, and more—catering to every taste. Their desserts are also delightful!

Additionally, there's a yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant, two Japanese cuisine options, and one Chinese restaurant. There is even a sushi making studio where you can join a cooking workshop.

Asakusa EKIMISE 7F Restaurant Floor
Location: Map
Hours: 11:00 - 22:00

13. Colorful Desserts 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
Location: Map
Hours: 9:30 - 18:00

Things to Do in Asakusa with Kids

If you're traveling with children, they'll love Asakusa’s vibrant Sensoji Temple—with its fascinating buildings and impressive statues—and Nakamise-dori, full of colorful sweets and souvenirs.

Here are some activities best enjoyed together with kids.

14. Asakusa Hanayashiki: Have Fun at a Retro Amusement Park

Photo by Pixta

Asakusa Hanayashiki, founded in 1853, is Japan’s oldest amusement park. Located near Sensoji Temple, it features about twenty-five attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

You can enjoy classic amusement park rides like roller coasters, a merry-go-round, and a haunted house. With its old-school charm, Hanayashiki is a fun experience for the entire family.

Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 *Closed on Tuesdays

15. Learn Japanese Cooking at Local Classes

Enhance your Asakusa visit with a cooking workshop—what better way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture?

In Asakusa, you can take Japanese cooking classes to learn how to make dishes like onigiri (rice balls), sushi, ramen, and traditional sweets. Many classes accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and Halal diets, and instructors often speak English.

For families, we recommend the Temari sushi making experience, where you’ll learn to create about 20 pieces of sushi 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.

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Things to Do in Asakusa at Night

The souvenir shops along Nakamise Dori close as soon as it gets dark, but Asakusa is filled with restaurants, bars, and shops that stay open late into the night.

The district is well-lit, busy with people strolling the streets, and feels safe—making it a pleasant place for an evening walk. Here are a few activities that can be enjoyed in Asakusa at night.

16. See the Sensoji Temple Light-up

Sensoji Temple is beautifully illuminated at night, and its grounds are open to the public. While the shops are closed, the area is free of crowds, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The vibrant vermillion buildings look stunning when lit up, so be sure to take the chance to capture them in photos.

Be sure to also visit the observatory at the Asakusa Culture and Tourist Center for a stunning view of the light-up from above. The observation deck is open until 22:00 and admission is free.

From there, you can enjoy views of the Tokyo Skytree's illumination and the lit-up bridges along the Sumida River. These sights make Asakusa a truly mesmerizing destination for an evening stroll.

17. Enjoy a Drink on Hoppy Street

Hoppy Street, located west of Sensoji Temple, is an alley lined with izakaya (Japanese taverns) and various dining establishments. While most offer lunch and dinner menus, there are also cafes where you can enjoy coffee and desserts.

If you enjoy drinking, why not try a glass of hoppy—the alcoholic beverage after which the street is named?

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)

18. 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.

Shopping in Asakusa

Asakusa is the perfect place to find Japanese items that make great souvenirs or gifts. In addition to souvenir shops, you'll discover fashion and accessory stores, drugstores, and even one of Tokyo’s largest Don Quijote stores, where you can find virtually anything you might need.

Here are some recommended shopping destinations in Asakusa.

19. Souvenir Shops and Don Quijote in Asakusa

One popular activity in Asakusa is shopping for souvenirs. There are hundreds of stores offering a wide variety of items, from simple postcards and green tea snacks to antique kimonos, authentic samurai swords, and traditional Japanese handicrafts—all easily found around this area.

If you're searching for mementos or Japanese crafts, be sure to browse the shops along Nakamise Dori and Shin-Nakamise Dori. These traditional streets are Tokyoites’ go-to spots for authentic Japanese souvenirs.

If you're looking for upscale Japanese items, such as high-quality glassware or kimonos, visit EKIMISE or Asakusa Rox department stores.

For edible souvenirs that can be purchased in bulk, the Don Quijote Asakusa store is the ideal destination. Their wide selection of products is sure to satisfy any taste. Plus, it's open 24 hours a day, making it possible to come and buy souvenirs at any time.

Don Quijote Asakusa Store
Location: Map
Hours: open 24 hours

20. Explore Kappabashi, Japan's Famous Kitchen Street

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.

Kappabashi Street
Location: Map

Get the Most Out of Asakusa!

Asakusa offers so many sights, activities, foods, and shopping options that it can be overwhelming.

To help you make the most of your visit to this historic downtown area, consider this your guide to the best experiences that Tokyo’s charming old shitamachi neighborhood has to offer!

Main image by Pixta