Asakusa is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood in Tokyo, full of historical sites, traditional shops, and food stalls offering delicious Japanese cuisine – all of which make it one of the most popular tourist destinations.
If you’re looking for some top-notch things to do while visiting Asakusa then look no further.
In this article we will reveal the best activities that this amazing district has to offer; from taking an excursion boat ride along the Sumida River to exploring iconic temples like Sensoji Temple.
Whether you want culture or fun shopping opportunities there’s something here waiting for everyone.
So read on as we share our favorite experiences in beautiful Asakusa—the heart of old Japan located within modernity.
Sensō-ji
Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Asakusa District of Tokyo.
It was built over 1300 years ago and is considered one of the most famous temples in Japan, as well as being a major tourist attraction.
The majestic Hozomon gate stands at its entrance with two large red lanterns hanging above it—a symbol that can often be seen used to represent Sensō-ji itself.
Inside are numerous shrines and statues dedicated to various gods, including those for prosperity, happiness, fertility, love, and luck; visitors will also find shops selling souvenirs such as decorative paper fans covered with intricate designs inspired by Edo period architecture or traditional ningyo dolls made from clay or wood treated with natural dyes like safflower petals.
Thus Sensō-ji proves why it remains an important beacon of faith representing Japanese culture through both past and present alike.
Kaminarimon Gate
Kaminarimon Gate, also known as the Thunder Gate is a famous landmark in Tokyo.
It stands majestically at the entrance to Sensoji Temple and is one of Asakusa’s most popular attractions.
Visitors flock to this gate not just for its beauty but also due to it being admired by many generations before them.
The gate itself consists of two pillars topped with large red lanterns on either side and an impressive 3m high statue called “Raijin-sama”, god of thunder that guards Kaminari passageway inside.
At night these lanterns make for quite a sight – especially during festivals when they are lit up like bright stars.
Nakamise-dori Street
Nakamise-dori Street is a vibrant and lively street located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan.
It stretches from Kaminarimon gate to Sensoji temple and has been around since 1688.
The shopping street captures the charm of old town Tokugawa period with its traditional Japanese stores selling souvenirs, snacks, apparel and handicrafts like folding fans or lucky charms known as omamori.
Along this 250 meter long stretch there are also cafes serving delicious matcha tea treats such as dango which can be enjoyed while admiring colorful rickshaws parading along Nakamise-dori Street .
Tourists often flock here for an unforgettable experience making this historical area come alive again.
Kappabashi Street
Kappabashi Street in Asakusa is known as Tokyo’s restaurant supply district and offers an array of culinary wonders.
Visit this street to find restaurants, utensils stores, kitchenware shops, and any cooking-related item you can think about.
From traditional Japanese knives for sushi preparation to detailed food samples that may look too real than actual; from plastic fruit display stands for supermarkets to iced fish tanks made out of polyester resin – Kappabashi has it all.
This market will surely leave you captivated with its wide range of items on sale.
Night Tour Of Asakusa
Experience the night of bustling Asakusa through a tour.
With its ancient houses, food stalls, and temples lit up in neon lights; it is like walking back in time.
The warm breeze hides behind traditional geisha performances as you stroll around this enchanting city.
Visit Sensoji temple where sky lanterns carry your wishes away to the heavens and enjoy some delicious snacks from local shops for an amazing experience.
Japanese Cooking class in Asakusa
Attend a Japanese cooking class in Asakusa to learn the art of delicious, traditional cuisine.
From crafting sushi rolls and tasting matcha tea to preparing yakitori skewers on an authentic charcoal grill, you will be immersed in unique flavors and aromas.
With guidance from friendly local chefs, master this amazing food culture with fun instruction and delightful recipes that can easily be recreated back at home.
Asakusa Rokuku Street
Asakusa Rokkuus Street is a vibrant and iconic street in Tokyo.
It’s known for its shopping, restaurants and traditional buildings like the Senso-ji Temple with its beautiful red entrance gate.
You can find souvenir shops lined up along the streetside filled with interesting items from Japan that make great gifts.
Here you will also see some of Tokyo’s most renowned traditional food stalls serving delicious dishes such as tako yaki or fried noodles which are must-try when visiting this lively spot.
Konica Minolta Planetarium TENKU
Konica Minolta Planetarium TENKU is a captivating experience that takes viewers on an incredible journey.
It provides a 360-degree immersive visual and audio adventure offering both 3D digital technology as well as full dome video projection to create stunning galactic shows like no other.
Visitors can explore the cosmos from their seats, learning about stars and planets up close.
You’ll also see comets raining down around you, nebulae glowing in vivid colors, star clusters buzzing with activity – it’s truly out of this world.
Even more exciting are special events such as live music concerts or space quizzes where prizes await.
So join us at Konica Minolta Planetarium TENKU for an unforgettable cosmic exploration.
Sumida Park
Sumida Park is a delightful oasis in the heart of Tokyo.
Located along the Sumida River, it offers visitors an array of nature’s beauty and history that can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons.
In springtime, you can witness over 1,000 cherry blossom trees illuminated against the backdrop of vivid green grass fields—a sight you won’t soon forget.
The park also boasts many historical sites such as the Kiyosumi Teien Garden where traditional Japanese gardens provide a calming atmosphere to relax in.
Additionally, there are numerous monuments and statues scattered around which add to its unique charm – including one dedicated to Toyokuni Shrine which guards over two famous shrines nearby.
With so much for people from across Japan and beyond to discover, Sumida Park is definitely worth visiting.
Kimono Experience In Asakusa
Asakusa is an experience in itself, and one of the most unique experiences you can have there is to dress up in a traditional kimono.
From being greeted by your friendly tour guide at the shop entrance to soaking up picturesque views with stunning cherry blossoms draped around you, it’s definitely something that will make for some unforgettable memories.
With top-quality prints from vintage fabrics and custom tailoring options available as well, it would be great fun bringing out Japan’s timeless elegance through this beautiful garment.
Ride a Rickshaw Around Asakusa
Exploring Asakusa on a rickshaw is an incredible experience.
Take in the sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant neighborhood while your driver cycles you past iconic landmarks.
Stop to admire Sensoji Temple’s giant paper lantern before snacking on some traditional tempura or mochi at one of the small shops along Nakamise street.
Then enjoy refreshments from large beer gardens as well as historical Japanese drinks accompanied by karaoke singing.
And don’t forget about taking memorable photos with Tokyo Skytree in the background – it’s truly unforgettable.
Matcha Gelato at Suzukien Asakusa
Suzukien Asakusa in Asakusa is home to the heavenly Matcha Gelato.
You’ll be left speechless with its creamy texture and delicate green tea flavored sweetness.
Plus, you can get it topped off with a unique selection of ingredients like almond jelly or Japanese red beans for an extra special touch.
Asakusa Nishi-sandō Street
Asakusa Nishi-sandō Street is a vibrant, historic area of Tokyo.
With over 400 years of history, it offers an array of traditional Japanese attractions from festivals and temples to sumo wrestling events and unique stores selling wares like kimonos or handcrafted ceramics.
Visitors can also take part in activities such as visiting Sensoji Temple at sunset for breathtaking views across the city skyline or relaxing with friends on one of its many terrace bars looking out onto streets lined with cherry trees in bloom.
Asakusa Jinja
Asakusa Jinja is a majestic Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan.
It stands out amidst the bustle of downtown Tokyo with its vermillion buildings and huge gates decorated with paper lanterns.
The main hall enshrines three gods who protect Asakusa city: Sukuna-Bikona, Susano-o no Mikoto, and Inari Okami.
These deities are worshipped by many people for various purposes such as luck or protection from misfortune.
Every year during New Year celebrations there’s a traditional parade that takes part at this temple; it’s called Sanja Festival which includes thousands of mikoshi portable shrines followed by colorful floats to celebrate Japanese culture.
Hoppy Street
Hoppy Street in Asakusa is a delight for all who visit.
From its famous Oshiage-yokocho alley to the old-fashioned style restaurants, you can get a glimpse of Tokyo’s past and present on Hoppy Street.
The retro street lamps, traditional candy shops and colorful signage evoke nostalgia while modern cafes offer contemporary Japanese food items that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
O-mikuji at Senso-ji
The O-mikuji experience at Sensoji Temple is truly captivating.
As one draws near, the scent of incense fills the air and a sense of tranquility sets in.
Making your way to an ornate wooden box, you draw out a paper strip that holds your fortune for the day – from ‘Great Blessing’ to ‘Cursed’.
With luck on their side some will even come across rare fortunes such as ‘Marriage’ or ‘Birth of Baby’ adding more excitement with every pull.
Sanja Matsuri
Sanja Matsuri is an annual event in Tokyo, Japan.
It features a grand procession of mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by locals and often accompanied with traditional music from the taiko drums.
After passing around town three times, people parade the shrine to visit different neighborhoods that have been reserved for this purpose throughout the day ending at midnight when it’s time for them to return home.
The festival began centuries ago as part of prayers dedicated to gods believed responsible for various disruptions taking place every year such as flooding or drought; though nowadays more entertainment elements are added like fireworks displays taken out near Asakusa Shrine during night-time festivities which definitely add important energy and warm atmosphere making it one experience not easily forgotten.
Asakusa Denboin-Dori
Asakusa Denboin-Dori is truly a unique and captivating experience.
It captures the spirit of old-world Japan with its traditional architecture, colorful lanterns lighting up dusky cobblestone streets, inviting shops selling artisanal crafts and delicious street food vendors offering tantalizing treats.
Visitors can also explore some of Tokyo’s most interesting cultural attractions such as Sensoji Temple or Asahi Beer Hall while soaking in the local charm that infuses this historic Hiroshima neighborhood with life.
Sumida River Cruise
Sumida River Cruise is an amazing experience.
The cruise takes you through the scenic banks of Sumida, Japan’s famous river.
On the way, enjoy stunning views of Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa Temple with its lanterns glowing in neon lights.
Listen to stories about bridges that showcase traditional Edo culture as well as modern architecture while sipping on a refreshing beverage offered onboard.
Witness some splendid works of street art like graffiti or murals along your journey too.
So take this opportunity for what it truly has been—an incredible adventure awaiting right here on the Sumida River Cruise.
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is a fascinating place to explore the ancient culture of Japan.
Visitors can learn about traditional art forms, purchase authentic souvenirs and even experience an interactive writing class with a calligraphy master.
It offers informative audio guides in multiple languages for culturally-minded travelers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in this historic city.
From sightseeing tours through local temples like Sensoji or Asahi Breweries beer gardens – there’s something here for everyone.
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is one of the tallest towers in the world and a popular tourist site.
The beauty of Tokyo Skytree lies not only within its awe-inspiring height but also because it offers spectacular views of both old and modern Tokyo from two observation decks – Tembo Gallery and Tembo Deck respectively – located at heights of 350m & 450 m above ground level.
In addition to enjoying an incredible view, visitors can explore shops selling souvenirs like miniature replicas or purchase some mouth-watering treats from restaurants onsite.
It has become an ideal venue for romantic dates or fun family outings with something suitable for all age groups.
Edo Taitō Traditional Crafts Museum
The Edo Taitō Traditional Crafts Museum is a captivating place to visit.
One can admire the wide array of traditional crafts made out of paper, gold leaf, lacquer, and metal works which showcase exquisite skills passed on through generations since in feudal times.
These masterpieces include art pieces such as Kokeshi dolls and Mino-yaki potteries that were highly praised by Kyoto’s aristocracy centuries ago.
It’s an interesting experience for everyone who seeks Japanese culture or intends to study it further.
How to get to Asakusa
To get to Asakusa by train, begin at Tokyo Station and take the JR Yamanote Line for 5 minutes.
Get off at Kanda station, then catch the Ginza Line bound for Asakusa.
It’s only 2 stops from there so you’ll be able to reach your destination in no time.
is Asakusa Worth Visiting On My Trip To Tokyo?
Asakusa, located in the Taito ward of Tokyo, is well worth a visit.
It has been an important cultural and historical center in Japan since ancient times.
Asakusa offers something for everyone; from its iconic Sensoji temple (the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo) to the vivid shopping street Nakamise-dori filled with traditional Japanese souvenirs and snacks – it’s not hard to see why this area is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.
In addition, you can explore lively nearby attractions such as Hanayashiki amusement park or take part in uniquely Japanese activities like rickshaw rides through winding alleys that evoke old Edo-era charm.
With all of these things combined into one vibrant district – no wonder Asakusa guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy Your Time In Asakusa
Asakusa is a remarkable destination that offers something to everyone.
Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, shopping opportunities, or the chance to relax and take in some of Tokyo’s most famous sights, there’s an activity here perfect for every traveler.
From temples and shrines to traditional markets and eateries – not forgetting stunning views from atop famous towers – it’s easy to see why Asakusa has been popular with locals as well as tourists alike throughout history.
With so much on offer this part of Japan should definitely be top of any travel itinerary; honestly, though don’t just take my word for it – come experience this vibrant area yourself.