A Traveler’s Guide to Asakusa: Culture, History, and Flavors

If you want to explore Japanese culture up close, there’s no better place to tour than Asakusa District, Tokyo. From ancient temples to vibrant shopping streets, there’s plenty to see and do in the area. Let’s dive into the different ways travelers can explore Japan’s cultural heritage in Asakusa.

Introduction to Asakusa: A Window into Traditional Tokyo

Asakusa is a district located in Tokyo’s Taito ward. The district is considered a major part of the shitamachi (low city) in Tokyo, which consists of the areas east of central Tokyo. Every year, Asakusa sees more tourists than most of the regions in the city. This is because of its reputation as a hub for historical and cultural experiences. The district still has the atmosphere of old Japan, featuring temples, kimono-clad inhabitants, and local crafts. Asakusa is also a great place for tourists because of its cheap accommodation and quiet environment.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), Asakusa was an entertainment hub. This role continued well past the 19th century, even after Edo was renamed “Tokyo.” It only became a metropolitan district in the middle of the 20th century. Currently, the main attractions of Asakusa are its Buddhist temples, including the famous temple Sensō-ji. The district is also known for its shopping streets, extensive tours, and seasonal festivals. 

A Stroll Through History: The Significance of Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and a major landmark in Asakusa. It’s located in the center of the district. Senso-ji is one of the most popular attractions in Asakusa, and it’s not just because it's so old. The temple represents the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon, and houses the symbol of Asakusa.

Also called the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Senso-ji was built in 645. No other temple in Japan’s capital city is older. According to legend, in 628, two fishermen siblings discovered a Kannon statue in the Sumida River. They tried to return it to the river several times, but it always came back to shore. The village chief realized the statue’s significance and converted his small house into a temple in which the statue was enshrined.

Over the centuries, more structures have been added to the temple. The Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” was built in 941. It’s massive and serves as the entrance to Senso-ji. If you visit the temple today, you will see the latest version of the gate, which was rebuilt in 1960 after a fire destroyed the previous one. The Kaminarimon is generally recognized as the symbol of Asakusa and Tokyo. The gate opens into a 250-meter shopping street known as Nakamise. This street has been around since the 17th century. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, but today, it remains quite active with over 80 shops.

At the end of the street lies the second-most famous gate in the temple, the Hozomon, or "Treasure House Gate.” It’s a two-story inner gate originally built in 942. The first story houses two iconic statues, three ancient lanterns, and two giant straw sandals. The second story is home to Senso-ji’s treasures.

Nakamise Street: A Shopper’s Paradise for Souvenirs and Snacks

Nakamise Shopping Street is a major stop for visitors in Asakusa. Spanning a length of over 250 meters, it connects the Kaminarimon outer gate to the Hozomon inner gate in Senso-ji Temple. There are 89 shops lined on either side of the street. These shops sell all kinds of items, including traditional crafts, snacks, sweets, souvenirs, and delicious street food.

The word “Nakamise” is a term used when referring to shopping streets located on temple or shrine grounds. The Nakamise street in Asakusa is one of the oldest in Tokyo and is extremely popular among tourists and locals.

Sometime in 1688-1735, neighbors of the Senso-ji were granted permission to erect shops in the street leading to the main temple. This was the birth of the Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa. It provided food, drinks, and souvenirs to weary pilgrims who were visiting the temple. Today, most of the shops are made of concrete structures. However, they still maintain the traditional appearance of old Tokyo shops, thanks to the bright decorations, hanging lanterns, and tiled roofs.

Asakusa’s Cultural Heritage: Traditional Arts and Performances

Asakusa does a fantastic job of preserving Japanese cultural heritage through traditional arts. Taiko drumming is popular in the area, especially during the many festivals that take place throughout the year. There is a Drum Museum (Taikokan) in the district where visitors can view a showcase of drums from different regions of the world, including Japan’s taiko drums.

Kabuki theater is also a big deal in Asakusa. In case you don’t know about kabuki, this is a unique form of Japanese drama that features music, dance, mime, and exaggerated body movements. One of the best places to enjoy this traditional art is Asakusa Public Hall, the venue for the annual Kabuki performance (Shinshun Asakusa Kabuki) every new year. It boasts over a thousand seats.

In 2012, the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center was opened. This eight-story architectural wonder lies not too far from Senso-ji. It offers vital tourist information about Tokyo’s cultural history and a great view of Senso-ji, its lively shopping street, and other parts of the area.

A Ride Through Time: The Famous Rickshaw Tours of Asakusa

There are two main ways to explore Asakusa thoroughly. The first and most basic way is to walk around the different landmarks. However, a more exciting method is to explore the district on a traditional rickshaw. This opportunity comes courtesy of rickshaw tour agencies available in the district.

The rickshaw, or jinrikisha, was introduced to Tokyo in the 19th century and quickly became a popular means of transportation in Asakusa. Today, it offers a more relaxing way to explore the district’s temples, buildings, and shops. The cost of a rickshaw tour depends on its duration, distance, and number of participants. It’s a unique way to gain firsthand insights into the area’s history.

Sumida River and the Tokyo Skytree Connection

Asakusa is situated on the banks of the famous Sumida River. Tourists can enjoy a number of activities along the riverbank. Feel free to embark on a boat cruise from Asakusa Pier to explore other parts of Tokyo.

Sumida Park is one of the biggest recreational spots in Asakusa, and it’s located by the riverside. Its two main annual events are cherry blossom festivals in spring and the Sumida River Fireworks on the last Saturday of July.

You can get a good view of Tokyo Skytree from Asakusa’s side of the Sumida River. Standing at 634 meters, it is the tallest tower in Japan. If you would like to visit the tower, Azuma-bashi Bridge stretches across the river and connects Sensoji temple area in Asakusa with Tokyo Sky-tree.

Seasonal Festivals in Asakusa: A Celebration of Tradition

Festivals bring the typically serene district of Asakusa to life with traditional performances and rituals. The following are some of the best ones:

• Sanja Matsuri (Mid-May): The Sanja Festival is the biggest cultural event in the district. It’s typically held for three days in mid-May, especially over the third weekend of the month. The festival features a procession of 100+ portable shrines (mikoshi) paraded on the streets of Asakusa. The parade starts in Asakusa Shrine and continues well past Senso-ji grounds.

• Asakusa Samba Carnival (Mid-September): This is a colorful parade that takes place next to Asakusa Station. It features floats, costumes, dancing, and music. The dancers at the parade are especially fun to watch. This event is family-friendly.

• Hagoita-Ichi Fair (December 17-19): This is a three-day annual event that has been a part of Sensoji for centuries. During the fair, people can buy hagoita, an ornamental bat that’s believed to bring good luck. Participants can also enjoy local street food. The fair takes place on temple grounds. 

Asakusa’s Culinary Scene: Traditional Flavors and Hidden Gems

The district’s culinary scene consists of both common dishes and unique cuisine. Here are some popular dining options:

• Tempura: Tokyo Bay has gifted Asakusa with abundant seafood, making it the go-to area for tempura. This deep-fried dish is often made with seafood and vegetables. Visit Owariya, Daikokuya, or San Sada to find some of the best tempura.

• Unagi: Many restaurants in the area are famous for their unagi (freshwater eel). Although it can be expensive, unagi has been a major part of Asakusa dining for centuries. You can enjoy it at Hatsuogawa or Maekawa.

• Melonpan: This sweet baked bun is a specialty dish sold in Asakusa Kagetsudo. The fluffy dish has a crispy dough coating. Despite its name, it does not contain melon. However, its appearance and texture resemble the fruit.

• Traditional Japanese desserts: Head over to Umezono for traditional snacks and desserts like yokan, kakigori (shaved ice), and dorayaki.

How to Get to Asakusa: Navigating the Historic Neighborhood

The district has two railway stations, and both of them are named Asakusa Station. The one to the east is only served by the Tsukuba Express, while the station down south is served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line. An alternative way to reach the city is the Tokyo Water Bus.

If you’re coming from the famous Tokyo Station, follow the JR Yamanote Line, stop at Kanda Station, and transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line heading to Asakusa Station (southern). If you’re taking your trip from Shinjuku Station, use the JR Chuo Line, stop at Kanda Station, and transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line heading to Asakusa Station (southern). Both trips should take less than 20 minutes, although the second option is slightly faster.

Conclusion: Why Asakusa Should Be on Your Tokyo Travel List

Every tourist in Tokyo should stop by Asakusa. It perfectly blends history, culture, and vibrant energy, creating an ideal atmosphere for resting travelers.

Did you know that you can explore Japanese culture at home? Get a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription today, and we’ll send you a box of traditional Japanese sweets, snacks, and exclusive items. You can expect over 20 unique goodies in every box!