Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo | Tourist Spots
16 THINGS TO DO IN ASAKUSA, TOKYO | TOURIST SPOTS
Asakusa is a traditional district in the city of Tokyo, Japan, and home to many internationally-known scenic views. In spite of the massive damage from World War II, the area was rebuilt and preserved. When you, fortunately, have the chance to experience the Japanese culture in Asakusa, here are the top 15 things that you shouldn’t miss!
( Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo | Tourist Spots )
16 TOURIST SPOTS | THINGS TO DO IN ASAKUSA, TOKYO
Here’s our recommended Tokyo Japan Travel Guide
1. Explore Tokyo’s Oldest Temple – Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Dori
One of the most famous temples in Japan, Sensoji was built in the year 645, which makes the 1373-year-old temple the oldest in Japan. It’s also renowned for its entrance gate called Kaminarimon where you can find a dramatically-large red lantern.
There’s also one great reason for visiting the area. Here you can find the oldest shopping street in Japan called Nakamise Dori, which is located right in front of Kaminarimon and leads to the temple’s main hall.
2. Enjoy Japan’s Oldest Amusement Park – Hanayashiki
Founded in 1853, Hanayashiki is one of Japan’s oldest amusement parks. It is located near Sensoji Temple.
Hanayashiki consists of around 25 attractions, such as roller coasters, a merry-go-round, and a haunted house.
Nishi Sando Shopping Street ( Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo | Tourist Spots )
3. Shop in A Place Like Ukiyo-e(a genre of Japanese art) Painting – Nishi Sando Shopping Street
Just a short walk from Sensoji Temple you will find a fantastic structure. Nishi Sando is a covered shopping street that has the same appearance as the Ukiyo-e paintings of the Edo period.
The floors are covered in natural Japanese cypress flooring. Although the area is not that huge, it has every kind of shop that sells souvenirs, regional ramen, and samurai swords.
4. Enjoy the View at Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center
Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center is an eight-story center located right across from Kaminarimon. This is a perfect place to go if you need Wi-Fi, see some limited-time exhibits related to Asakusa, find a place to eat, or seek guidance while sightseeing.
But one of the main reasons why you shouldn’t miss this place is the view from their eighth-floor observatory. Though it’s not high enough, this is the only place in the area where you can have a clear and full view of Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon, and Tokyo Skytree — all at once!
5. Souvenir Hunting in Asakusa
Most tourists and Japanese visit Asakusa to shop for souvenirs. There are literally hundreds of stores that are selling thousands of different items to choose from! They sell simple postcards, green tea snacks, all the way to antique kimonos and authentic samurai swords, and other originally-made Japanese handicrafts.
6. Discover Asakusa from a Different Angle in Sumida River Cruise
The Sumida River flows through Asakusa, which gives you an excellent opportunity to cruise with a touch of Japanese tradition! It’s a great chance to see this historic part of Tokyo from a different twist.
Asakusa Shrine ( Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo | Tourist Spots )
7. A Shrine Beside a Temple – Asakusa Shrine
On the right side of Sensoji Temple, there you can find a tall shrine gate and a long pathway that leads to Asakusa Shrine. It may be hard to believe at first, but Japan’s native religions, Shinto, and imported Buddhism are unified.
The two people who founded Sensoji Temple are enshrined in the Asakusa Shrine. It is a peaceful and sacred place in the city and is said to offer blessings regarding familial happiness, safe travels, and everything that your heart desires. You can also find here the unique all-black omamori charm which reminds you that everything will be alright.
8. Shop, Dine, and Relax at Asakusa’s Underground Shopping Center
Asakusa’s Underground Shopping Center is not that popular even to the Japanese locals. It was opened in 1955. Here you can find various great and affordable Japanese restaurants, bars, and shops.
Tokyo Skytree ( Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo | Tourist Spots )
9. Get a Perfect Photo of Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s Tallest Tower!
There are several places where you can take pictures of the Skytree in Asakusa or try different poses. But how about taking a picture in one of the best angles of the Tokyo Skytree?
10. Improve Your Luck at the Shichifukujin Pilgrimage
Shichifukujin means “Seven Lucky Gods.” It refers to the seven deities whose names are Daikokuten, Ebisu, Bishamonten, Fukurokuju, Hotei, Jurojin, and Benzaiten. They’re believed to grant good fortune in different fields, like health, business, creativity, etc.
11. Visit Asahi Super Dry Hall
The Asahi Super Dry Hall is one of the offices of the Asahi Beer Company, and is also known as a landmark in the Asakusa area. There are many people taking photos of the strange gold object that you can see in the top of the building.
Rickshaw Ride ( Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo | Tourist Spots )
12. Take a Rickshaw Ride and Get to Know Asakusa More!
One of the top rickshaw tour companies in Asakusa, Jidaiya, is an ideal option for those who want to see it. Although it’s a bit expensive, it is still a good deal since it offers you a complete view of all the places in the city.
13. See and Feel Japanese History Yourself! Visit the Textile Culture and Ukiyo-e Art Museum
There are a large number of museums in the world, but the Textile Culture and Ukiyo-e Art Museum (located outside the Nitenmon Gate of Sensoji Temple) displays different textiles and goods that were collected by the famous Japanese folklorist Chuzaburou Tanaka around the year 800s.
Don Quijote ( Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo | Tourist Spots )
14. Shop at Asakusa Don Quijote
15. A Temple Decorated with Daikon Radishes – Matsuchiyama Shoden
A well-known and quite hidden Buddhist temple in Asakusa, the Matsuchiyama Shoden is said to be a temple of thanksgiving that grants blessings of the fulfillment of love, harmony, business prosperity, and others. Here you can also find daikon radish, a distinctive and unusual symbol. This temple is kind of hard to find than other temples in Asakusa. But here, there’s a charming pond with carp fish swimming in the water.
16. Discover the Nightlife – Asakusa Barhopping Tour
Of course, no travel is complete without experiencing the nightlife. Sign up for bar hopping tours available in the area, such as “Magical Trip.”
Tours introduce you to try the unique local drinks, make some monjayaki, and indulge in the favorite izakaya food in Asakusa.
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