Japan Travel Guide: things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo

In my last post, I shared my experience of visiting the largest and the oldest entertainment district of Tokyo, where you can still watch Geisha Shows and traditional Japanese theatre.  Asakusa has changed a lot from its golden period, Edo Era. Today besides being the spiritual and entertainment hub of Tokyo it is also the Kitchen capital of Tokyo. There is a lot to be explored there. Make sure you don’t just scratch the surface. Here is a personally experienced travel guide on things to do in Asakusa Tokyo.

HOW TO GET THERE

Things to do in Asakusa: attend the 7-5-3 ceremony at a Shrine

Asakusa is served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line, Tsukuba Express and Tobu Railways. Buy a 24 hours unlimited rides Subway pass for 600 JPY.

1. From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 140 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 170 yen)
2. From Shinjuku Station: Take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (10 minutes, 170 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 170 yen)

WHAT TO DO

Things to do in Asakusa: visit the Buddhist shrine

1. Shrines: Visit the most famous and oldest Shrines of Tokyo like Sensōji Temple, Gojūnoto, Asakusa Jinja and Chingodo Shrine among many more. If possible club your tour with Sanja Matsuri festival (May) or Asakusa Samba Carnival (August)
2. Landmarks: See the aerial views of Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo Skytree, Asahi Beer Tower and Asahi Super Dry Hall with its characteristic Flamme d’Or (locally known as Golden poop) from the observation deck of Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
3. Shop: Buy your kitchenware stock and fake food samples from the Kappabashi-dori market. Buy knives engraved with your name at Kamata Hakanesha. You can also rent Kimonos here
4. Eat: Try Ningyouyaki, Melon bread, Fried manjuu, anmitsu, Shoba Noodles, Tempura bowl, and Ramen among other local delicacies
5. River Cruise: Walk 5 minutes from the temple to take the Sumida River Cruise departing from the Asakusa Pier every 30 to 60 minutes to Hinode Pier via Hama Rikyu Garden. A cruise ticket for 980 JPY will get you free entry to Hama Riku Garden where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese Teahouse experience
6. Geishas: Look out for 45 actively working geishas in Tokyo’s oldest geisha district
7. Animal cafes: Move over the cat cafes and Dog cafes, Tokyo has cafes dedicated to goats, turtles, snakes, rabbits, roosters, and owls. Do visit one in Asakusa

Things to do in Asakusa: Visit the Tea House at Hama Riku Garden, Tokyo

Things to do in Asakusa: visit the Fake Food Sample shops at Kappabashi-dori

WHERE TO STAY

Asakusa is perfect for budget travellers because of its old-world charm, downtown location, and relaxed atmosphere by Tokyo standards. Traditional Ryokans and hostels are easily available at economical price. I stayed at Oak Hostel Cabin. I loved my stay here. Conveniently located. Good staff. Equipped with all the facilities.

Things to do in Asakusa: Stay at Oak Hostel Cabin

WHERE TO GO NEXT

Within Tokyo:

1. Akihabara for electronics and otaku culture
2. Shinjuku for nightlife and going to Mt. Fuji 5 Lakes
3. Shibuya for fashion and culture and Hachiko Dog Statue
4. Harajuku for fashion and cosplay
5. Must visit speciality food streets

Outside Tokyo:

1. Kinugawa: a hot spring resort fallen on hard times
2. Nikko: with its national parks and opulent shrines
3. 5 lakes: for viewing and hiking Mt. Fuji

If you just have three days on hand, check out this Tokyo Travel Guide 

Mt Fuji, Kawaguchi Lake, Japan

Read More:

If you want to read some more really cool stories about Japan, don’t forget to read:

Japan: Land of the Rising Toilet Seat

When and where to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Offbeat Japan: Discovering the offbeat Autumn beauty of Hokkaido

Open Season is the best time to visit Japan

Get a peek into the forgotten side of Asakusa, Tokyo

My first Experience of Staying at a Capsule Hotel in Tokyo

A step-by-step guide for multi-visit Japan Visa

Have you been to Japan? I would love to know your thoughts.

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