Asakusa was one of our favorite areas to explore in Tokyo with a great mix of historic temples and sites, cool bars and incredible restaurants to name a few.
It’s also the perfect place to stay at the start of your trip or if it’s your first time to Tokyo because it’s not as crowded and less overwhelming than other areas in the city such as Shinjuku and Shibuya.
We’ve compiled our list of must-dos and hidden gems in Asakusa based on our personal experiences as well as a few recommendations from our local tour guide!
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The Best Place To Stay In Asakusa
Henn Na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi
Every wonder what it would be like to be checked in to a hotel by a velociraptor? The Henn Na Hotel chain is recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records to be the world’s first robot hotel!
Aside from the awesome check in process, this hotel has very modern facilities and is situated in the perfect location with a train station just around the corner. The hotel is also short walk to some of Asakusa’s best restaurants as well as the famous Senso-ji Temple.
12 Best Things To Do In Asakusa:
1) Explore The Senso-Ji Temple
One of our first impressions of Japan was our visit to Senso-ji temple and it did not disappoint! This is a Buddhist temple located in the Asakusa district and truly offered a great look at some of Japan’s historic and existing tradition as well as their stunning, unique architecture.
Once we reached the temple, there was a water fountain where we could cleanse ourselves before we prayed in the temple. After making a donation of 100 yen, we received a fortune (known as “omikuji”) by drawing a stick from a metal container and receiving a paper from a drawer which matched the number on the stick.
We bought a traditional journal and had the temple’s unique calligraphy drawn into it by a local scribe and we also bought each other some traditional good luck charms.
Highlights
- Learn about Askakusa’s history and explore the Senso-ji Temple on this small group, highly-rated tour
- Unbeatable price and informative guides
2) Try Street Food At Nakisme Dori Street
Before you get to Senso-Ji temple, you will walk through Nakisme Dori Street which is a narrow, pedestrianized street that features nearly 100 shops. The street is technically on temple grounds and features some impressive gates at either end which are worth visiting in their own right. The shops’ exterior was very pleasing on the eye with each having a traditional Japanese appearance complete with hanging lanterns.
The street was packed with locals and tourists alike, and it felt like being at the fair with so much to look at and the wide range of goods to buy. Each shop was quaint and small, and we picked up some nice souvenirs as well as a few sweet and savory snacks that were fun to try. We definitely recommend coming here with an appetite as there are so many amazing food options to choose from!
3) Go Kart On The Streets Of Asakusa
For a unique and memorable experience, add go karting on the streets of Asakusa to your Japan itinerary!
For this activity, you can dress up as your favorite character from different comics, computer games, or anime as your zip around the streets. Not only is this an adrenaline boosting activity, but it’s the perfect way to tour the city as you get see sites such as Asakusa Shrine and Tokyo Skytree.
Be sure to book this in advance as it can book out quickly!
Book it: Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Asakusa
Travel Tip: Book this experience earlier in the day so you won’t have to deal with as much traffic.
4) Shop For Kitchenware at Kappabashi Street
Kappabashi street is an area near Asakusa that features more than 160 individual stores selling Japanese kitchenware. The area can be reached by the rail system and stores are all located close to one another which gave the feeling of a town as we weaved from one store to the next.
We got some great deals on high quality knives and plateware and we were able to have items easily shipped back to the US at a nearby post office.
5) Grab Drinks At The Ninja Bar
If you are looking for a hip bar to enjoy a few drinks, then Ninja Bar has you covered. This a cozy, well decorated bar and, as the name suggests, it features a bartender dressed like a ninja who gave us great recommendations on different types of sake to try. The small size of the bar meant that it was easy to mingle with others sat at the bar which made it a particularly memorable night.
The bar is found on a shopping street and is located downstairs in a basement so you might find it a little tricky to spot. There was even a little karaoke bar directly across from the Ninja Bar which was a perfect way to round off a brilliant night!
6) Visit Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is a proud city landmark and offers many attractions with the main one being the view from the observation decks. The building. standing at almost 650 meters, is Japan’s tallest and during our visit we scoped out both observation decks with one situated 350 meters high and the other took us 450 meters high. The view of the skyline from here was quite a spectacular sight as the evening sun shone over the city.
The observation decks were both spacious so neither felt crowded. If you ask us, it probably wasn’t worth buying tickets to the 450-meter observation deck as the change in view was minimal and make sure to book online for a discount! The Tokyo Skytree also features an aquarium and shops at the ground level so there is certainly plenty to do here to fill half a day. It is situated right next to Asakusa and is easily accessible by train or bus but we decided to walk it as it was only 25 minutes from our hotel.
7) Get Brunch At Pelican Cafe
We decided to check out Pelican Cafe because it was right around the corner from our hotel, but we had no idea what a popular spot it was. When originally went at 9am, but after taking a ticket.
Even with the line, the staff we very quick to turnover tables and get guests seated quickly. Our food was also delivered promptly so even with the wait, it was only about a 20 minute.
8) Hanayahshiki amusement park
Operating since 1853, Hanayashiki is the oldest amusement park in Japan and boasts 17 different rides and attractions. A lot of the rides are geared towards children so this is an ideal place to bring the family but if you’re looking for more thrilling rides you should look elsewhere.
As a couple, this still served as a fun activity to do on the side during a date night. There are a number of bus routes that will take you close to Hanayashiki and Asakusa train station is not far away from the park either.
9) Grab Drinks On Hoppy Street
Hoppy street is a great place to visit for food and drinks in the evening in Asakusa. Located just around the corner from Senso-Ji temple, this street is packed with cool restaurants and bars along an 80-meter stretch. There is a wide variety of food to choose from across the different establishments and there is also outdoor seating which allows you to eat your food alfresco and still soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
10) Sumida park
Sumida park is only a few minutes’ walk from Asakusa station and offers a welcome escape from the busier city streets. Here you can take a stroll alongside the Sumida river as shrubs and cherry blossom trees fill the area around you.
The Tokyo skytree is easily visible from here too and at nighttime it looks particularly pretty as it’s lit up. There is also a playground in the park making this a good place for families with children to hang out.
11) Tokyo Gallery Gei
The Tokyo Gallery Gei is a great place to visit if you are looking to get a taste for contemporary Japanese art while in Asakusa.
Located on the west side of town, the gallery is well presented and has a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the variety of different art pieces. The gallery is easily accessible by public transport, and it is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for something to do for an hour.
12) Denboin Garden
Known as Tokyo’s secret garden, Denboin Garden is a beautiful example of a traditional Japanese garden and is something you should check out if you are near Senso-Ji temple as it is right next to it. The garden features well maintained trees, bushes, and flowers and there is also a large koi pond at the centre which offers a good spot to relax. This is an incredibly peaceful place to visit and a stark contrast to rest of the city. The garden is only open at certain times of the year, usually March through May, so be sure to check before showing up.
13) Grab Dinner at Asakusa Gyukatsu
We normally don’t go for Tiktok viral restaurants, but the reviews were incredible and many people claimed that this was the best meal out of their entire trip to Japan.
We definitely agree that this was one of our favorite meals in Japan, but be prepared for the wait. Going at 3:30, we expected an hour waits top, but ended up waiting in line for over 2 hours.
They do take your order as you’re in line so your meal is ready the second you sit down.
Despite the wait, the food really was incredible with some of the most tender steak we’ve ever had. Our meal was complete with delicious miso soup, fluffy rice, potato salad, and crisp cabbage.
14) Visit A Shiba Cafe
If you are looking for both a caffeine and serotonin boost during your day in Asakusa then look no further than the mame shiba cafe! Animal cafe’s can be found throughout Japan and this one in particular will be of interest to any dog lovers. Due to the limit of 20 guests allowed in at a time, you will need to get a ticket at the start of the day (in person) and come back when your turn comes around. The ticket includes one free drink and allows you to spend 30 minutes with the adorable shiba’s that crowd the room.
We’d Like To Hear From You!
We hope this list helps you to have an amazing time exploring Asakusa as we did.
Have you been to Askausa before? Did your favorite activities make this list?
