5 Best of The Best Places To Visit in Asakusa, Tokyo

You’re a thrill seeker, a globetrotter, a veteran traveler, and you’ve just landed in Tokyo. Now what? Past the ultra-modern facade of this famed East Asia city lies a number of beautiful, cultural, and certainly memorable cache of hidden gems. But where do you unearth such life-enriching treasure, you ask?

Well, the answer is easy: it’s waiting for you in one of Tokyo’s most beautiful, blossoming and historical neighborhoods: Asakusa. Asakusa holds a prime position in nearly every Tokyo guidebook, and for good reason! Not only does this old-school neighborhood (dating back to the Edo period) feature landmarks like the city’s oldest temple and some of the best street eats around, but many also say that just walking its hallowed, neon-free mom and pop style streets is a cultural experience in itself. Sound intriguing? If so, look no further, because we’ve got the best of the best of Asakusa must-dos coming your way.

# Senso-ji

Topping our list of must-see sites is Asakusa’s commanding Senso-ji temple and its adjoining complexes. Senso-ji, also called Asakusa Kannon Temple after its neighborhood and foundation myth, is thirdly known as Tokyo’s Eiffel Tower by some, due to its historical and cultural significance (though possibly not due to its worldwide fame, for which Paris’ tower is unrivaled). Tokyo is hardly lacking in temples, but few can so robustly claim to be the oldest and most significant in the city’s history. In fact, Senso-ji temple actually outdates the city itself, with nearly a millennia and a half of history contained in its grandiose grounds. Though the modern facade and most of the buildings were reconstructed in the wake of World War II (including its entrance point, the stately Kaminarimon Gate), the site itself goes back to the 7th century.

Highlights of a temple tour include a picture with its large dragon fountain and/or cleansing oneself with its waters. Others opt for a round of inhaling the dense smoke from the nearby incense pot. However, the temple is quite popular so that perfect, crowd-free photo may prove a challenge.

# Get your grub on with Japanese food at Nakamise Dori

After your sojourn to Senso-ji, you may find your stomach rumbling. If that’s the case, hang a quick turn out the Kaminarimon Gate and you’ll find yourself on Nakamise Dori pedestrian shopping street, also known as one of Japan’s premiere “street eat” extravaganzas! This 250-meter long road is famous for its narrow, alley-like atmosphere as well as being jam-packed with nearly 100 separate shops, stalls and food stands. Though the vibe may seem new-age touristy, the history of the ramble goes all the way back to Edo pilgrim guides of the 18th century. So, if the idea of feasting “tabearuki” (aka walk-and-eat) style appeals to you, know that you’re not the first and certainly won’t be the last to pick up some of these world-class treats.

# Savor the Very Best in Melonpan

In Asakusa you’ll find many things. But perhaps most importantly, you’ll be in the absolute optimal place to treat yourself to the world’s best melonpan!

Despite the misleading name, there is no melon in traditional melonpan. The misnomer refers rather to the large, voluminous shape of the sweet bun, as opposed to it’s filling. Traditional melonpan fillings are more akin to chocolate chips, matcha, or even ice cream. And though melonpan is sold under different names all over the world (and in fact, in several Japanese convenience store chains), you haven’t really lived until you’ve tried traditional melonpan from Kagetsudo. This small shop, which now boasts six locations in and around Asakusa, is one of the first makers of melonpan, and continues to create these delicious buns in the old style: with the perfect balance of butter and milkiness, and beautiful, melts-in-your-mouth crystalized sugar. Though melon buns from Kagetsudo run a little bit on the pricey side, at 220 yen for one, we promise, the investment is worth every cent.

# Get your fortune told at Senso-ji

So, you’ve found yourself at Senso-ji temple for a round of sightseeing, street eating, or giving alms to the Buddhist monks? But after all your temple scouting is said and done, how are you going to spend the rest of the day in the Senso-ji complex? After taking a beautiful walk around the grounds you might be interested in having a little good-natured peek into the future. Many people around the world take stock in getting their fortune told by the ancient mystics of a variety of cultures, so why should Japan be an exception?

The truth is, whether or not you believe in mysticism, getting your fortune told on Omikuji paper at Senso-ji is both fun and affordable. For the low low cost of 100 yen, you are given the chance to pick your own fortune out of a box located by the temple gates. If you pick a good one? Consider it an extra souvenir! And a bad one? Well, in that case, tie it to a nearby tree so evil spirits cannot follow you home. No harm, no foul. Just a little bit of mystical fun.

# Ride on a Rickshaw

Nobody who visits Asakusa will tell you that it’s not walkable. But even so, the time might come where you need a little respite from a day of running around, temple-cruising and seeing sights. In that case, cue the rickshaw: your impromptu ride around the village for the afternoon. Asakusa, being the most historical neighborhood in the city, is actually the only place where you can hire an authentic rickshaw tour, aka a guide to squire you around the city on a make-shift bicycle taxi. Rickshaws were invented in the 19th century, as a precursor to taxis, and though they are not commonly used in Japan today, there are vestiges of the old-timey vehicles throughout Asia, including those waiting to whisk you around Asakusa.

Though thirty minute rickshaw tours through Asakusa are standard, and cost about $50 per person, longer and shorter rides are also available, allowing you to enjoy the neighborhood with your feet up to your heart’s content.