Asakusa (浅草) is one of Tokyo’s most well-known neighborhoods outside of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara. Some of the major points of interest in the neighborhood include the famous Senso-ji temple and Kappabashi Street.
Although visits to Senso-ji temple and Kappabashi street will keep you busy during your trip to the neighborhood, the area has a lot more to offer and is worth exploring beyond the popular tourist attractions.
Visit the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
In addition to providing information about the neighborhood and the culture of Asakusa, the Asakusa Culture Tourism Information Center also has stunning views on its top floor looking out over the Sumida River and Senso-ji Temple.
One great thing about the viewpoint at the information center is that many people who visit the area are unaware of it, which means that there is ample room to move around and take capture amazing photographs.
Views from the top of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Practical Information
Address: 2–18–9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo [across from Senso-ji]
Hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 20:00
Languages: English, Chinese and Korean
Cost: FREE
Explore Senso-ji Temple
If Asakusa has a local celebrity, Senso-ji (浅草寺) Temple would be it. Built in the year 645, Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple.
As you approach the temple, you will pass through the famous Kaminarimon gate, walk down the busy Nakamise street where friendly vendors sell Japanese souvenirs, and you will arrive at the stunningly beautiful Senso-ji.
If you are looking to buy souvenirs in Japan but you are not sure what to get, here is a nice list put together by Time Out Japan called 15 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Japan.
Here are some tips by the Japan National Tourism Organization on what to do when visiting temples and shrines in Japan. Make to also experience the Omikuji culture when visiting Senso-ji temple.
Practical Information
Address: 2–18–9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo [across from Senso-ji]
Hours: Main hall: 06:00 to 17:00 (from 06:30 from Oct. to March); Temple Grounds: Always Open
Cost: FREE
Eat the World’s Tiniest Sushi at Sushiya no Nohachi
Chef Hironori Ikeno at Sushiya no Nohachi
The Japanese are very creative people when it comes to many things, and this rule even applies to food. As I learned during my sushi making class with Shino, Japanese food is not only about the taste of the food, but also about the presentation.
When I heard about a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant named Sushiya No Nohachi (すし屋の野八) that offered the world’s tiniest sushi, I knew that I had to try it out. I ordered a sushi roll along with a sampler of different kinds of sushi and Chef Hironori prepared a small plate of miniature sushi for me.
Address: 1–3–7 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: (Monday-Saturday) 17:00 -2:00. Closed on Sundays
Cost: Menu items vary
Go Kitchen Shopping on Kappabashi Street
Kappabashi Street (かっぱ橋道具街, also referred to as Kappabashi-dori) is the place to go to buy anything kitchen related. Need new pots and pans? The street has that. Need a special whisk? Kappabashi has got that too. Kappabashi has you covered with all kitchen-related items.
My good friends over at 2 Food Trippers wrote a great in-depth article about Shopping on Tokyo’s Kappabashi Street.
Location: Located on the western edge of the Asakusa neighborhood
Hours: Most shops open (Monday-Saturday) 09:00–17:00. 70% of shops closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
Wander around the Neighborhood
My favorite thing to do in any city around the world is to walk around aimlessly and to get lost. Asakusa is a beautiful and photogenic neighborhood to wander around in.
Originally published at www.culturalxplorer.com on May 29, 2015.