Asakusa is one of the most traditional and historic districts in all of Tokyo.
This area is filled with eye-catching sculptures, and as you walk through it, you’ll recognize many details you’ve likely seen in movies and anime.
In short, it’s one of the must-visit spots when you arrive in Tokyo.
History of Asakusa and How It Is Today
The Asakusa district, once known as Shitamachi, is one of the capital’s iconic districts.
It is the oldest district in Tokyo, but during the bombings in World War II, it was almost completely destroyed. As a result, much of it was rebuilt, especially the areas surrounding the Sensoji Temple.
While this area still has many temples and shrines, it has gradually made room for more lively places like restaurants and shops where you can find all kinds of items.
TIP: If you’d like to learn even more about the history, fun facts, and key sites in this district, we recommend taking this free 3-hour tour led by a Spanish-speaking guide.
What to See in Asakusa
Asakusa has many reasons to be a must-see stop on your trip.
For locals, it serves as a living reminder of what the country has endured over the decades and the resilience with which it has rebuilt.
For visitors, it’s a lively and engaging way to learn about history while enjoying beautiful sights, friendly people, delicious food, and unique shopping.
Here, you’ll find impressive temples and shrines, captivating parks and gardens, and a river you can explore.
For those interested in experiencing Tokyo from a different perspective, the Tokyo Tower admission ticket offers spectacular views of Asakusa and beyond, making it an ideal start or perfect end to your day of exploration.
Below, you’ll find some of the main highlights in Asakusa to help you plan your visit just the way you like.
Sensoji Temple
The oldest temple in all of Tokyo is Sensoji, and it’s also the most important historically and culturally.
Just visiting this temple alone makes the trip to Asakusa worthwhile.
Nakamise Dori street (lined with vendor stalls on both sides) is the pathway that leads to the temple after you pass through the Kaminarimon gate.
Once you’re through, you’ll enter Sensoji and can capture one of the best photos in the city.
Inside, you’ll find the main hall, which was rebuilt after World War II bombings, as well as Sensoji’s 55-meter-high pagoda.
Besides temples, Asakusa offers various museums, lively festivals throughout the year, and rickshaw tours, giving visitors a full immersion into Tokyo’s traditional charm mixed with modern attractions.
After exploring the historic Sensoji Temple, an excellent way to continue your Tokyo adventure is with the Tokyo: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket, allowing you to discover more wonders of the city at your own pace.
Asakusa Shrine
The Asakusa Shrine, also called Sanja-sama, or the “Shrine of the Three Gods,” was built in 1649 to honor the founders of Sensoji—three fishermen, which is the inspiration for the name.
Originally, Asakusa Shrine was formally part of Sensoji Temple, but over 100 years ago, it earned the privilege of becoming an independent site.
Interestingly, this shrine was one of the very few structures that survived the World War II bombings intact.
One of the highlights here is the half-dog, half-lion statues known as Komainu, guarding the entrance of the shrine. These statues are common in Shinto shrines and traditionally feature an open-mouthed statue at the entrance.
Sumida Park
Sumida Park is the perfect place in Asakusa to relax and get to know the area in a fun, laid-back way.
Here, you’ll find the Sumida River, which you can explore on Suijo Basu or water buses, adding an exciting touch to the experience.
From the river, you’ll get views of the towering buildings in Shimbashi, Hama-Rikyu Gardens, and even the iconic Rainbow Bridge.
This route is a popular activity for locals, so it’s common for tourists to share the experience with them on each trip.
Nakamise Street
Nakamise Street is an attraction in itself—not just a street, but a 205-meter-long walkway (from Kaminarimon to Sensoji Temple) lined with many charming shops, many of which sell handcrafted items.
In total, there are over 100 shops and plenty of restaurants. The shops sell souvenirs, yukatas, toys, clothing, shoes, and more.
Shops close at 7:00 PM, but even after that, the street is worth a visit, as the shutters and doors feature captivating artwork and designs.
Tokyo Water Bus
Water Buses are one of the most popular means of transportation in the city. Besides being fast and efficient, they offer a fun way to travel on Tokyo’s rivers.
There are various service providers, some private and others government-run, so there’s a range of options (with prices to match).
The Asakusa Line features ferries with advanced designs meant to please every passenger. The trip lasts 50 minutes and costs €12.77 per person.
The Sumida River Line uses different types of ferries. Its journey lasts 35 minutes and costs €8 per person, which also includes entrance to the Hama Rikyu Garden.
Sumida Park
Whether you’re looking to explore cultural sites, take scenic river rides, or dive into local shopping, Asakusa offers an experience filled with the richness of Tokyo’s history and modern life combined.
Sumida Park is one of the best parks in all of Tokyo, not only for what it offers inside but also for everything surrounding it. With the charm of the Sumida River flowing along one side and the fresh, relaxing atmosphere from the trees around it, it’s a delightful place to visit.
Entrance to the park is free, allowing you to come and go as you please. It’s also located very close to Sensoji Temple, making it convenient to visit both attractions together.
The best time to visit the park is in spring, during the cherry blossom season. The blooming trees create a stunning visual display.
Hanayashiki Amusement Park
In Asakusa, you’ll find an amusement park where you can enjoy hours of fun.
At Hanayashiki Amusement Park, there are various rides for all ages.
You can enjoy roller coasters, haunted houses, mazes, and free-fall rides.
Admission is €8 for those over 16 and €4 for those under 16.
Some attractions are included with admission (though only a few), while others require an additional fee of €0.80.
There is an unlimited pass that includes all attractions, costing €18.33 for those over 16 and €16 for those under 16.
Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in all of Tokyo.
It was built to take over the broadcasting responsibilities of the Tokyo Tower, handling TV and radio signal transmissions for NHK and five other broadcasters.
With a height of 634 meters, it’s the tallest communications tower in the world.
The tower houses two observation decks, a large shopping center, and a spacious office area. If you’re looking for a perfect spot for panoramic photos, this is the place to be.
Where to eat and stay
The Asakusa district is ideal for satisfying your hunger and curiosity about local cuisine.
Here, you’ll find restaurants offering various types of food, primarily Japanese cuisine of high quality at affordable prices.
- If you love tempura or want to try it at its best, head to Daikokuya. However, it can be challenging to get a table during peak hours.
- Irogawa specializes in unagi, a delicacy you won’t forget once you try it.
- If you’re looking for variety, the Ekimise building is your best bet, with many restaurants offering different types of cuisine.
After a long day of exploring and a satisfying meal, you might consider staying overnight in the area. It’s a great idea if you choose the right hotel.
Here are a few recommendations, chosen not because there aren’t many options but because these are the best:
- The Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International offers a modern design and reasonably priced rooms.
- The Red Planet Asakusa Tokyo is similar, but with proportionally smaller rooms and lower prices.
- The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic is the area’s luxury option, worth the stay if you’re willing to pay for it.
How to get there
The best way to reach the Asakusa district is by taking the subway on the Asakusa or Ginza line.
If you’re staying nearby, you can even walk there. Tokyo Skytree is only 1.1 km away, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is 1.7 km away, and the Tokyo National Museum is 2 km away.