Asakusa (ó‘) is the center of Tokyo's shitamachi (literally "low city"), one of Tokyo's districts, where an atmosphere of the Tokyo of past decades survives.
Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.
Asakusa can easily be explored on foot. Alternatively, you can consider a guided tour on a rickshaw (jinrikisha, literally "man powered vehicle"). A 30 minute tour for two persons costs around 9000 yen. Shorter and longer courses are also available.
Sensoji on a busy day
For many centuries, Asakusa used to be Tokyo's leading entertainment district. During the Edo Period (1603-1867), when the district was still located outside the city limits, Asakusa was the site of kabuki theaters and a large red light district. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, modern types of entertainment, including movie theaters, set foot in Asakusa.
However, large parts of Asakusa were destroyed in the air raids of 1945. And while the area around the rebuilt Sensoji has since regained its former popularity, the same cannot be said for Asakusa's entertainment district. The opening of the 634 meter tall Tokyo Skytree, a twenty minute walk across the Sumida River from Asakusa, has led to an increase of tourists again.
Temples and shrines
Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate)
Hours: Always open Admission: Free
Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji Temple. First built more than 1000 years ago, it is the symbol of Asakusa. The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds.
Hours: 6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 October to March) Admission: Free
Sensoji ("Senso" is an alternative reading for Asakusa and "ji" means temple) is Tokyo's most famous and popular temple. Built in the 7th century, it is also one of its oldest, although the current buildings are postwar reconstructions.
Asakusa Shrine
Hours: Always open Admission: Free
Asakusa Shrine, also known as Sanja-sama, was built during the Edo Period and survived the air raids of 1945. The shrine's festival, the Sanja Matsuri, is one of Tokyo's most spectacular and popular. It is held every year on a weekend (Friday to Sunday) in mid May.
Dempoin Temple
Not usually open to the public
Dempoin is a temple just next to Sensoji, known for its beautiful garden. Unfortunately, the temple and garden are not open to the public except during occsional special openings. Visiting the garden by appointment is not possible either anymore.
Hours depend on the individual shops; typically daily from 9:00 to 18:00
The Nakamise shopping street stretches over approximately 250 meters from Kaminarimon to the main grounds of Sensoji Temple. It is lined by more than 50 shops, which offer local specialties and the usual array of tourist souvenirs.
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
Hours depend on the individual shops; typically daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Shin-Nakamise or "New Nakamise" runs perpendicular to the Nakamise Shopping Street. It is a covered shopping arcade lined by various shops and restaurants.
Hours: Most shops open from 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: Many shops are closed on Sundays and national holidays
Kappabashi is an almost one kilometer long street lined by shops catering to restaurant businesses. Items on sale include tableware, kitchen utensils and appliances, sample food, furniture, signs, lanterns and uniforms. The street is located about 600 meters west of Sensoji.
Rox Department Store
Shops: 10:30 to 21:00 (supermarket is open 24 hours)
Rox is a shopping and entertainment complex consisting of a main building (Rox) and three annex buildings (Rox2G, Rox3G and Rox Dome). Many shops sell fashion for ladies and kids. There is a 24h supermarket in the basement.
Tobu Asakusa Station & Matsuya Department Store
Matsuya department store is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00
Tobu Asakusa Station is the terminal station of Tobu trains heading into the suburbs and prefectures north of Tokyo, including trains to Nikko. The station building also houses a Matsuya department store that spans eight floors.
Asakusa Underground Street
Hours depend on the individual shops
The Asakusa Underground Street (Asakusa Chikagai) is one of the oldest underground shopping streets in Japan. The short passageway connects Tobu Asakusa Station to the Shin Nakamise Shopping Street and contains about 20 shops and restaurants. The arcade looks like it has remained unchanged in decades, and visitors may feel like they walked into a throwback alleyway.
Other attractions
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Hours: 9:00 to 20:00 (observation deck until 22:00) Closed: No closing days
The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center was newly opened in 2012, adding diversity to the streets of Asakusa with its interesting architectural design. The eight story building offers a tourist information desk in multiple languages, free Wi-Fi connectivity, a cafe, and an observation deck which provides good views looking onto Sensoji Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Street.
Tokyo Water Bus operates sightseeing ships from Asakusa Pier via Hama Rikyu Garden to Hinode Pier, where you can transfer to a ship to Odaiba. There are some direct cruises to Odaiba.
Sumida Park
Hours: Always open Admission: Free
This riverside park stretches along both sides of Sumida River for several hundred meters. In spring it becomes a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, while on the last Saturday of July it becomes the site of the Sumida River Fireworks.
Rokku Entertainment District
Opening hours depend on the individual businesses
Rokku used to be Tokyo's leading entertainment district before the war, hosting Japan's first cinema and more. However, the district has not regained its former popularity after the war. Today, Rokku offers attractions such as rakugo theaters, cinemas and pachinko parlors.
Hanayashiki Amusement Park
Hours: Varies by day; typically 10:00 to 18:00 Closed on some Tuesdays Admission: 1000 yen plus separate fees for rides
Originally opened as a flower park, Hanayashiki has a history of more than 150 years. Located just a few steps from Sensoji, the miniature amusement park offers numerous attractions, including a small Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel and Space Shot.
Asahi Beer Tower
Restaurants open 11:30 to 15:00 and 17:30 to 22:00
The Asahi Beer Tower and Asahi Super Dry Hall with its characteristic Flamme d'Or were completed in 1989 and host the headquarters of Asahi Breweries. Furthermore, several restaurants can be found in the complex. Behind both the Beer Tower and the Super Dry Hall is the Asahi Craftmanship Brewery. The restaurant and brewery offers diners decently priced lunches as well as Asahi craft beer on tap.
Taikokan (Drum Museum)
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 Closed: Mondays (except national holidays) and Tuesdays Admission: 500 yen
Drums from around the world, including Japanese taiko drums, are exhibited in this small museum. Visitors can play several of the drums. The museum is located in a floor above the Miyamoto Unosuke Nishi Asakusa store, which sells Japanese drums and festival goods.
Dining
Kamiya Bar
Hours: 11:00 to 22:00 (last order at 21:30) Closed: Tuesdays
Kamiya Bar is one of Japan's oldest bars, with a history reaching back to 1880. It was founded by Kamiya Denbe, one of the first wine producers in Japan, who also invented denki bran, a type of brandy concoction, which is still served at the Kamiya Bar. The bar has three stories, and the one on street level is the most popular. There is also a window store that sells souvenir bottles of denki bran.
Umezono
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 on weekends) Closed on Some Wednesdays
Umezono is a traditional Japanese sweets shop that started in 1854. Their menu contains classics like anmitsu and oshiruko in addition to seasonal favorites like shaved ice (kakigori). The shop also has a window store that sells yokan, dorayaki and other desserts to go.
Suzukien Nanaya Gelato
Hours: 11:00 to 17:00 Closed: Irregular closures
Asakusa Suzukien Nanaya Gelato is a collaboration between Suzukien, a green tea speciality shop, and Nanaya Gelato, a gelato shop. The store claims to have the richest and most intense green tea (matcha) gelato in the world. The popular shop offers over a dozen gelato flavors including multiple matcha ones.
Asakusa Kagetsudo
Hours: 11:00 until sold out (from 10:00 on weekends and national holidays)
Asakusa Kagetsudo is a melon-pan store and restaurant that has been in business since 1945. Melon-pan is a sweet baked bread with a top that resembles the outer layer of a cantaloupe melon. Kagetsudo is most famous for their jumbo melon-pan which is best eaten warm, but also sells variations of their melon-pan that come with ice cream fillings. Japanese desserts, as well as savoury foods like soba noodles are also sold at the restaurant.
Tempura
Hours depend on shops; typically 11:30 to 20:00
There are a number of tempura shops in Asakusa, offering delicious deep fried seafood and vegetables. The area flourished in the Edo Period as a tempura location thanks to the availability of seafood products from nearby Tokyo Bay. The more well-known tempura restaurants include Daikokuya, San Sada and Owariya.
Unagi
Hours depend on shops; typically 11:30 to 13:30 and 17:30 to 19:30
There are also a handful of established unagi-ya (freshwater eel restaurants) in the area with histories of at least a hundred years. Unagi, or freshwater eel, is relatively expensive with prices starting at 2000 yen for lunch and more for dinner. Well known unagi-ya in Asakusa include Irokawa, Hatsuogawa and Maekawa.
Getting there and around
Asakusa is served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line, Tsukuba Express and Tobu Railway. It can also be accessed by the Tokyo Water Bus.
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 140 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 170 yen).
From Shinjuku Station
Take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (10 minutes, 170 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 170 yen).
Featuring 4-star accommodation, MIMARU TOKYO ASAKUSA STATION is located in Tokyo, 200 metres from Komagatado and 500 metres from Hozomon Gate. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 300 metres from World Bags and Luggage Museum, 400 metres from Asakusa Public Hall and 600 metres from Drum Museum. The property is non-smoking and is set 200 metres from Asakusa Station. The units come with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at the hotel also have free WiFi, while some rooms come with a river view. At MIMARU TOKYO ASAKUSA STATION all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Sumida Riverside Hall, Nitenmon Gate and Chiisanagarasunohonno Museum. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from MIMARU TOKYO ASAKUSA STATION.
Featuring 4-star accommodation, KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi is set in Tokyo, 200 metres from Kinryu Park and 400 metres from Sogenji Temple. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is 300 metres from Kappabashi-dori Shopping Street, and within 6.8 km of the city centre. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. At the hotel all rooms include a private bathroom with a bath. Popular points of interest near KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi include Akiba Shrine, Asakusa ROX Shopping Center and Matsuba Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from the accommodation.
Attractively located in the centre of Tokyo, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace. Well situated in the Taito district, this ryokan offers a bar, as well as a hot tub. The property is non-smoking and is situated 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine. At the ryokan, all rooms are equipped with a wardrobe. Rooms are equipped with a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. Guests at cyashitsu ryokan asakusa can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from cyashitsu ryokan asakusa.
Boasting a garden, a terrace as well as a restaurant, Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel is set in the centre of Tokyo, 70 metres from Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Some units at the property feature a balcony with a city view. An American, Asian or vegetarian breakfast is available every morning at the property. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Kinryu Park, Asakusa ROX Shopping Center and Drum Museum. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel.
Located 100 metres from Asakusa Station, Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo offers 2-star accommodation in Tokyo and features a shared lounge, a terrace and a bar. The property is situated 600 metres from Chiisanagarasunohonno Museum, 300 metres from World Bags and Luggage Museum and 800 metres from Drum Museum. The property is non-smoking and is set 200 metres from Komagatado. With a shared bathroom equipped with a bidet and a hairdryer, rooms at the hostel also offer free WiFi, while certain rooms include a river view. Popular points of interest near Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo include Hozomon Gate, Sumida Riverside Hall and Asakusa Public Hall. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
Well situated in Tokyo, Asakusa Tobu Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. The property is non-smoking and is set 400 metres from Hozomon Gate. The units at the hotel come with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. At Asakusa Tobu Hotel every room includes bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Asakusa Tobu Hotel include Nitenmon Gate, Asakusa Station and Komagatado. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from the hotel.
Situated in Tokyo, Minn Asakusa features 3-star accommodation with private balconies. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The property is 300 metres from Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument, and within 7.4 km of the city centre. The rooms are fitted with a fridge, microwave, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and free toiletries, all rooms at the hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms also boast a terrace. At Minn Asakusa the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nitenmon Gate, Hozomon Gate and Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from Minn Asakusa.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, KAIKA TOKYO by THE SHARE HOTELS is situated in Tokyo, 700 metres from Chiisanagarasunohonno Museum and 600 metres from Asakusa Station. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is set 100 metres from Tokyo Origami Museum. All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. At KAIKA TOKYO by THE SHARE HOTELS all rooms include bed linen and towels. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes ? la carte, continental and vegan options. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Sumida Riverside Hall, Komagatado and Kuramae Jinja Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from KAIKA TOKYO by THE SHARE HOTELS.
Situated conveniently in the centre of Tokyo, Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring offers buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Attractively situated in the Taito district, this hotel features a restaurant, as well as a sauna and a hot spring bath. Private parking is available on site. Speaking Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always at hand to help. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center, Asakusa Public Hall and Asakusa ROX Shopping Center. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring.
800 metres from Sensoji Temple, Hotel Gracery Asakusa provides a 4-star accommodation in the Taito district of Tokyo. The property is located 1.7 km from Tokyo Skytree and 1.8 km from Edo Tokyo Museum. The property is 2 km from Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium and 5 km from Marunouchi Building. All units in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. The rooms come with a private bathroom with a bath. At Hotel Gracery Asakusa the rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Staff speak English and Japanese at the reception. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 30 km from Hotel Gracery Asakusa.
