Asakusa is one of the neighborhoods of Tokyo that’s in virtually every book about the capital city. And why wouldn’t it be? With the impressive Sensoji Temple, obscure sculptures, and attractive Japanese men in loincloths pulling expensive rickshaws, Asakusa has a little bit of something for everyone. Here are our top 10 things to do in Asakusa to make the most of your time there.
1. Take a peek from the top
Photo by Angela An
Why pay money to go to the top of Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Sky Tree when you can see it all for free from the eighth floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center? While the place isn’t exactly teeming with information about Asakusa, it is a lovely building that has a free veranda offering awesome views of Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-dori, and the Tokyo skyline.
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Nakamise Dori is the 250-meter long shopping street between the Kaminarimon and Hozomon gates of Sensoji Temple. Follow the signs to the temple and you won’t have any trouble spotting it. The narrow street is lined with close to 100 shops that sell everything from snacks to souvenirs and seriously fancy chopsticks. It can be crowded, but is a great place to do some browsing and get gift ideas.
3. Sample traditional Japanese snacks like Ningyoyaki
Taiyaki, a sweet fish-shaped snack | Photo by iStock.com/blowbackphoto
Ningyoyaki or Japanese snack cakes, are tasty local treats. They are made by pouring batter into intricate molds (ranging from fish and lantern-shaped to more themed Hello Kitty molds). In the center is usually a nice dollop of sweet red bean paste. It’s fun just to watch but it’s even better to try it yourself. These traditional Japanese snacks don’t
(There are actually plenty of snacks to satiate your sweet tooth in Asakusa—like delicious melon pan. Find out more about them in our Asakusa sweets guide!)
4. Get your fortune told
Photo by Tiffany Lim
Try your luck with an Omikuji. Simply put, Omikuji are strips of paper that supposedly tell your future. After you “donate” 100 yen into the box near the Omikuji station at Sensoji Temple, you are able to draw a stick that corresponds to your fortune slip. If you get a good fortune, keep it. If you get a bad fortune, you can tie it on the nearby pole, tree, or rack to make sure it doesn’t follow you back home.
5. Rent a Kimono
Photo by iStock.com/iam555man
A common sight you’ll see around Asakusa are either couples or groups of friends donned in kimono or yukata depending on the season. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and the best part is that it isn’t too expensive to rent. While there are places dotted all across the city that offer kimono rentals, Asakusa has got to be one of the most picturesque places to try it out.
6. Say a little prayer at Sensoji Temple
Photo by Grace Buchele Mineta
During the busy seasons at Sensoji Temple (basically any time in the evening, on a weekend, or a national holiday), it’s fun to be jostled to the front of throngs of people to toss 5 coin into the collection box. Afterwards, you bow and pray. As far as cultural events go, they don’t get any simpler than this. If you’re worried about the order of which to do first, just watch what the people ahead in line do.
7. Cafe hop around Asakusa
Sukemasa Coffee | Photo by Heidi Sarol
There’s more to Asakusa than the temples and shopping street, and before leaving we recommend you explore not just the historical landmarks but also the hole-in-the-wall cafes that line the backstreets of this colorful district. From traditional themed cafes to award winning latte art baristas, there’s a cafe for every coffee lover waiting just around the corner. If you’re feeling up to it, take a stroll past the busy area of Asakusa and head down to Kuramae for a more local feel. Have a look at our dedicated Asakusa cafe hopping guide for more information.
8. Giggle at the golden turd
Photo by Adriana Paradiso
You can’t leave Asakusa without a glance (and a photo) at the landmark “golden turd”, officially known as the flame atop the headquarters of Asahi (yep, the beer people). Unofficial word on the street is they had one too many of their own brew before coming up with the sculpture. You’ll notice that the building next door resembles a beer mug. Also golden.
9. Check out the Sanja Festival (in May)
Photo by Grigoris Miliaresis
In May you can attend one of the city’s three major Shinto festivals, which is truly a sight to behold. The Sanja Matsuri is a wild celebration that involves tattooed men jousting with portable shrines in the streets of Asakusa. Oh, and two million spectators. You’ve got to see it to believe it. Plan ahead to make the most out of your festival going experience.
10. Sample department-store food
If you’re still feeling a bit peckish after your tour of Asakusa, Matsuya is a good place to head in search of snacks. This swanky department store, like most other department stores, sometimes offers free samples of sweets and other food—and is an interesting place to wander around, besides. They’re known for their Japanese confectionery, which comes with a local twist.
If you want to squeeze some other areas into your trip to Asakusa, you might enjoy this suggested itinerary for a walking tour that takes in Ginza and more. And if you’re looking for places to stay, this guide to Asakusa accommodation is a good place to start.
