Asakusa is home to several important cultural landmarks, such as the iconic Sensō-ji Temple and the Kaminarimon Gate. Nearby Sensō-ji, the vibe of older Tokyo is still strongly felt, with traditional craft stores and street food stalls lined along Nakamise Street.
However, there’s more to Asakusa than just those. In this concise travel guide, let’s discover 10 of the best things to do here.
1. Travel Back in Time at Sensō-ji Temple
Opened as early as 645 AD, Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest-established temple. This Buddhist religious retreat is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. In the vicinity, there’s a five-story pagoda and large gates apart from the main hall. If you’re headed here to take gorgeous shots of yourself with the temple, be sure to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
2. Ride a Japanese Rickshaw
If Bangkok has tuk-tuks and Manila has tricycles, you shouldn’t miss riding a rickshaw in Asakusa. Pulled by friendly local Japanese men – or even women! – with legs seemingly made of steel, the rickshaw will give you insights into the surroundings while you marvel at the district’s beautiful sceneries. Invented in 1986, rickshaws were important modes of transport for the locals.
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3. Shop for Souvenirs at Nakamise
The Nakamise shopping street is also a star attraction here in Asakusa. This lively alley is lined with shops and food stalls selling Japanese delights, souvenirs, crafts, and so much more. Unagi rice balls, curry bread, and sweet potato ice cream are some of the must-try delights here.
4. Wear a Kimono and Stroll Around
Some tourists say they cannot imbibe the place without wearing the local fashion. Walk around Asakusa, and you may see people wearing kimono. Don’t mistake them for geishas because they might just be tourists like you. The best way to make your travel OOTDs in Japan pop is by renting a kimono and wearing it as you stroll around.
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5. Taste Michelin-starred French-Japanese fusion cuisine
Japan once closed its doors to the rest of the world, but that didn’t stop foreign nations from getting to know the country. In Asakusa, a Michelin-starred restaurant serves French and Japanese fusion cuisine. That’s Hommage, run by a meticulous chef who uses only the finest and freshest ingredients in each dish. Every recipe follows what Japanese culture is about—simple but classy.
6. Participate in a Japanese Tea Ceremony
If you are skipping this on your itinerary, it’s best that you just stay at home and not fly to Japan. Taking part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a must for a first-timer in Asakusa. The ceremony is performed in an old tea house where you can taste authentic Japanese tea and learn the etiquette of drinking tea in Japan.
7. Be on Top of the World at Tokyo Skytree
Some say the Tokyo Skytree has overtaken Tokyo Tower as the symbol of the capital. Climb its 634-meter structure and see Tokyo from the sky. When the night falls, Skytree lights up either in traditional Edo purple, gold, or baby blue. The Tokyo Skytree is about a 20-minute walk from Asakusa Center.
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8. Find out Your Future From O-mikuji Paper
Like in China, Japanese fortune-telling is also deeply rooted in their culture. Japanese paper is not just for art, but it can tell your future, too. When in Asakusa, you can try your luck with O-mikuji paper strips. Simply donate some money into the box near the O-mikuji station, then draw a stick corresponding to your fortune slip. If the paper tells good fortune, keep it. Otherwise, tie it tightly on a nearby tree or pole to ensure it won’t follow you around. Creepy.
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9. Visit Edo Shitamachi Traditional Crafts Museum
This is a small museum dedicated to exhibiting Asakusa’s traditional arts and crafts. Aside from feasting your eyes at them, you can experience them hands-on through workshops on origami, calligraphy, and woodblock printing.
10. Grab a Post-War Drink at Hoppy Street
What did the Japanese do after World War II? They partied and drank the night away. You can experience what they did at Hoppy Street, a place that serves hoppy, the post-war Japanese drink. This beer-flavored, semi-alcoholic drink was produced by the Kokuka Beverage Company in 1948. It’s the perfect pair to a bowl of stew. Everything is cheap at Hoppy Street.
If your goal of visiting Japan is to see Tokyo’s main attractions, such as Shibuya, or take your family to Disneyland and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but want to try those things in Asakusa above, don’t get stressed out. Asakusa is just 20 minutes away from Tokyo by train.
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line going to Kanda Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line toward Asakusa Station.
Looking for a traditional food experience in Tokyo? Join us for our Tokyo Tea Ceremony Experience and participate in an authentic tea ceremony while enjoying Japan's finest teas.
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