Must-Do Things in Asakusa: The Ultimate Travel Guide

What to Do in Asakusa: Top Attractions, Eats & Cultural Gems

Asakusa is one of those places in Tokyo that feels like a time capsule wrapped in street food and neon. Yes, you’ve probably heard of Sensoji Temple, and yes, it’s every bit as beautiful as the travel blogs say. But if you want to explore Asakusa like a local—without getting swept away by a crowd of matching tour hats—then grab your comfy shoes, empty your stomach, and let’s do this right.

📍 Start Here: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

Before you rush off to Sensoji with your camera blazing, here’s a little local secret: head to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center first.

Here’s why:

• Best bathroom in Asakusa, hands down. Seriously. Spotless, quiet, and not a squat toilet in sight.
• The 8th-floor viewing deck gives you a killer panoramic view of the whole neighborhood—Tokyo Skytree, Nakamise Street, the temple... the whole shebang. And it’s free! Morning visits = fewer people and golden lighting.

👘 Kimono Rental – Dress Up Edo Style

‍Start your Asakusa adventure by slipping into something a little more… traditional. There are plenty of kimono rental shops near the station where they’ll deck you out in a furisode (those gorgeous long-sleeved kimonos), or a light yukata in summer. They’ll even do your hair, so you’re all set for the most aesthetic photo ops ever.

‍Local tip: Book ahead during cherry blossom or autumn season—they get snapped up fast, just like your next Instagram post will.

🛕 Sensoji Temple – Tokyo's OG Spiritual Powerhouse

‍No trip to Asakusa is complete without visiting Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple. Built way back in 645 (yes, seriously), this place is the heartbeat of the neighborhood and a total must-see. The massive Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) welcomes you with that iconic giant red lantern—it’s basically Asakusa’s cover photo.

Walk through Nakamise-dori, past all the snack stalls and souvenir shops, and you’ll reach the temple grounds. Breathe in the incense at the jokoro (that giant bronze burner), wave the smoke over your head (because why not get smarter and luckier?), then rinse your hands at the omizuya before heading to the main hall.

Toss in a 5-yen coin (it’s lucky!), close your eyes, and make a wish—bonus points if it’s about getting more travel days or another round of matcha ice cream.

Local tip: Sensoji looks incredible at night. Fewer crowds, soft lighting, and a peaceful vibe that hits different.

🧠 Want to Get Smarter? Light Some Incense

Right in front of the temple is a giant incense burner called the jokoro. Locals wave the smoke over their heads because it’s said to make you smarter (and sometimes heal parts of your body). No guarantees, but hey—free wisdom smoke.

After your little brain boost, head to the omizuya (water pavilion) to wash your hands and rinse your mouth before heading into the temple to pray.

Important tip: When visiting a temple, don’t clap—that’s for shrines. Just toss in a coin (a 5 yen piece is considered lucky), put your hands together, bow, and send out your wish to the universe. Or just enjoy the peace.

⚡ Kaminari Mon – Thunder Gate Drama

Once you’ve soaked up the view and emptied your bladder in luxury, make your way to Kaminari Mon, the “Thunder Gate.” You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the massive red lantern and 800 people trying to take the same selfie.

This gate is the official entrance to Sensoji Temple and the start of Nakamise Shopping Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan.

Local tip: Go before 10am to beat the crowds and catch the shops as they open. Trust me, it’s a completely different vibe when it’s quiet.

🛍️ Nakamise Street – Souvenirs, Snacks & Chaos (The Good Kind)

Nakamise is your go-to for quirky souvenirs, traditional crafts, and—you guessed it—snacks galore. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Ningyo-yaki: tiny doll-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste. Warm, sweet, and dangerously easy to eat five without realizing.
• Uchiwa fans and yukata accessories: Real-deal Japanese craftsmanship.
• Random but awesome stuff: Hello Kitty chopsticks, samurai socks, Dragon Ball wind chimes... don’t ask, just buy.

Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s the good kind of touristy.
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Local tip: Go early or after sunset for fewer crowds and better photos. Pro tip: Look up and spot that 700 kg lantern above your head—yep, that’s a heavy photo moment.

🍞 Snack Break: The Melonpan That Changed My Life

Okay, time to eat again. Head over to Kagetsudo, just near the entrance to Nishisando Shopping Arcade.

Order the melonpan (a sweet bun that looks like a melon but doesn’t taste like one). The outside is crispy, the inside is fluffy, and if you add vanilla ice cream, it becomes a dessert sent from the Japanese bakery gods.

Local tip: This place gets busy. But if there’s a line, wait. Worth every second.

🍡 Kibi Dango – Sticky, Sweet, and Seriously Addictive

‍Small, chewy, and coated in roasted kinako (soybean flour), these mini kibi dango skewers are warm, nutty, and the perfect Asakusa street snack. You get five per order, which means you can share—or not.

‍Local tip: They’re messy, so maybe don’t wear white… or do, if you like living dangerously. Either way, eat them hot!

🎎 Nishisando Shopping Arcade – Quirky Finds & Kimono Dreams

Now that your sugar levels are back up, wander through Nishisando. It’s a covered street lined with shops selling:

• Traditional kimonos
• Samurai-themed souvenirs
• Adorably weird trinkets that make no sense but bring you joy

It’s a great place to grab something different from the usual tourist fare.

🍺 Hoppy Street – Pub-Hopping, Japanese Style

A few minutes from Nishisando is Hoppy Street, a local favorite for food, drinks, and good vibes. It’s named after a low-alcohol beer alternative, but you’ll find plenty of actual beer here too.

Order the gyusujinikomi (beef tendon stew). It’s rich, tender, and pairs perfectly with an icy glass of Asahi.

Local tip: Don’t just sit at one place. Do a little bar hopping (“hashigo-zake” style) to soak up different vibes and flavors. It’s basically a pub crawl with more miso.

🍵 Suzukien – Matcha Ice Cream With a Kick

‍If matcha is your thing, Suzukien Asakusa is the spot. They serve seven levels of matcha intensity, and level seven? It's a matcha punch in the taste buds—in a good way. Creamy, earthy, and totally worth the hype.‍

Local tip: New to matcha? Start with level one. They also have hojicha, black sesame, and weekend-only matcha scones that crumble like a dream.

🥞 Final Sweet Stop: Dorayaki Heaven at Kameju

Just across from Kaminari Mon is Kameju, home of the fluffiest dorayaki (sweet bean pancakes) in Tokyo. If you’ve ever seen Doraemon, this is his snack of choice. And now, probably yours too.

The lines can get intense, but I’ve had luck mid-afternoon. They offer both red and white bean filling, and the pancakes themselves are soft, thick, and a little sticky—in the best way.

Bonus: The shop also sells other seasonal sweets you won’t find anywhere else.

🌸 Until Next Time, Asakusa

Whether you’re into temples, traditional crafts, or eating your way down side streets, Asakusa is a perfect mix of old-school Tokyo and modern charm. And when you explore it like a local, it hits different—in the best way.

Next time you’re in Tokyo, ditch the checklist and take a chill walk through Asakusa. Go early, eat often, and don't forget to wave the smart-smoke over your head. Because hey, you deserve to leave Asakusa just a little wiser (and way more full).