8 Best Things to Do in Asakusa, Tokyo | A Visual Guide & Map to Asakusa (2024)

Konnichiwa / こんにちは / Hello!

Asakusa is an old-fashioned district in Tokyo, Japan and home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, making it a popular tourist area. Asakusa was once known as being the shadier part of town as Tokyo’s entertainment district, but this changed after most of the area was destroyed during WWII. While Asakusa was rebuilt, the entertainment part of it didn’t return.

You won’t find flashy neon signs everywhere in Asakusa like you would in districts such as Shinjuku, Akihabara, or Shibuya.There aren’t many tall buildings in Asakusa and most shops are independently owned, giving this area a completely different vibe from most of Tokyo. Exploring the small side streets of Asakusa offers a more traditional feel of Tokyo, and will almost feel as if you time traveled back to the Edo period (1603 – 1868).

With plenty of things to do, Asakusa is a must-visit neighborhood in Tokyo.You could easily spend a whole day exploring Asakusa and its surrounding areas! Here are 8 things to do in Asakusa, with a few additional things to do in its surrounding area. Map included at the end, so keep scrolling!

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1. Get a free view of Asakusa

The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (yeah, it’s a mouthful)is a perfect first stop when visiting Asakusa. The 8th floor observation deck offers a FREE view of Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree across the Sumida River. WiFi and outlets are also available if you need to check-in or recharge for the day.

ASAKUSA CULTURE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
Address:2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito 111-0034, Tokyo, Japan
Hours:Open Daily 9AM – 8PM

2. Ride on a Rickshaw

Asakusa is the only place in Tokyo, Japan where you take a traditional rickshaw ride. A 30-minute ride typically costs about $50 for one person or $80 for two people. Though a bit pricey, it’s a unique way to see Asakusa. You can find the rickshaws in front of Kaminarimon.

3. Pass through Kaminarimon

Kaminarimon or “thunder gate” is the outer of two gates that lead to Sensoji Temple. With it’s massive lantern and towering statues, Kaminarimon is hard to miss. Be sure to pass through the gate to truly feel its grand size.

KAMINARIMON
Address:2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo, Japan
Hours:Open 24 Hours

4. Take a stroll down Nakamise Dori

Nakamise Dori is a pedestrian shopping street that spans from Kaminarimon to Sensoji Temple. Nakamise Dori is lined with independent vendors selling all sorts of traditional Japanese items and snacks. This is a great place to buy souvenirs and try Japanese street snacks. If you buy any street snacks, do not walk and eat, there are little designated areas to eat your food.

NAKAMISE DORI
Address:1-36-3 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo, Japan
Hours:Open Daily 10AM – 5PM (most stores)

5. Get your fortune told at Sensoji Temple

Sensojiis considered Tokyo’s oldest temple, dating back to the 7th century though the current buildings were all reconstructed after WWII. Sensoji is also Tokyo’s most popular temple, so don’t be surprised if it’s packed when you visit. For just 100 yen (approximately $1 USD), you can get your fortune told at the temple. You can also make a prayer or burn an incense as well. The temple grounds are quite big and open 24 hours so try to check it out at night when no one is there.

SENSOJI
Address:2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo, Japan
Hours:Open 24 Hours (temple grounds)

6. Check out Japan’s oldest amusem*nt park

Hanayashiki Amusem*nt Park first opened in 1853 as a flower park (hana = flower in Japanese). It is considered to be Japan’s oldest amusem*nt parkin operation today.Hanayashiki is great place to spend your afternoon and is just a short walk from Sensoji Temple.

HANAYASHIKI
Address:2-28-1 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo, Japan
Hours:Open Daily 10AM – 6PM

7. Try the strongest matcha gelato in the world

Suzukien is famous for their matcha gelato, which they claim is the most intense in the world and is available in 7 different intensity levels. People typically pair a scoop of matcha with a scoop of a more subtle flavor like strawberry or vanilla. If you’re a fan of matcha, you have to try this place out.

SUZUKIEN
Address:3-4-3 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo, Japan
Hours:Open Daily 10AM – 5PM

Ekimise is a shopping complex in Asakusa with everything from department stores to independent vendors. If you find yourself at Ekimise,make sure to visit Seria, a 100 yen shop that sells aesthetically pleasing ceramics and home decor for less than a $1 USD.

EKIMISE
Address:1-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito 111-0033, Tokyo, Japan
Hours:Open Daily 10AM – 8PM

Do you need a place to stay in Asakusa?

We had the chance to stay at WIRED Hotel in Asakusa for three nights at the end of our month-long trip around Japan and can’t recommend it enough! WIRED Hotel offers a variety of rooms from shared bunk rooms to dream worthy suites. Perfect for honestly, everyone. It is located just a short 5 minute walk from Sensoji Temple and close to many of the locations mentioned in this guide.

WIRED HOTEL
Address:2-16-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Check in: 3PM
Check out: 11AM
Phone number: +81 3-5830-7931
For more information, visit the official website.

Check out our full review here: WIRED Hotel Review

Which of these things would you do in Asakusa?

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