Asakusa
Tokyo's old downtown pace, built around one of the city's oldest temples.
TemplesHistoryRiver
Asakusa is where Tokyo shows its Edo-period layout instead of its skyline. Senso-ji temple sits at the end of Nakamise-dori, a covered shopping street selling snacks and souvenirs that's been serving temple visitors for centuries in one form or another. The neighbourhood is flatter, older, and slower than central Tokyo, and it pairs naturally with a river-boat ride toward Odaiba.
On the ground- Senso-ji TempleTokyo's oldest temple, entered through the huge red Kaminarimon gate and its paper lantern.
- Nakamise-doriThe approach street to the temple, lined with stalls selling rice crackers, yukata, and folk crafts.
- Tokyo SkytreeVisible from most of Asakusa and a short ride away, for a second observation deck option beyond Shibuya Sky.
- Sumida River cruiseA relaxed way to travel between Asakusa and Odaiba or Hamarikyu Gardens by water instead of rail.
Plan around this
- Getting there
- Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and the Tobu Skytree Line all serve Asakusa Station; it's also the northern terminus for several river-boat routes.
- Best time
- Early morning, before the tour groups arrive at Senso-ji — the temple grounds are open and calm before 8am.
- Local tip
- Nakamise-dori sellers mostly don't do photo requests of their stalls — ask before pointing a camera at a specific shopfront.
Eat here
- Menchi-katsu (fried minced-meat cutlet) stalls along Nakamise-dori
- Dozeu Iidaya for traditional loach hot pot, if you want something distinctly old Tokyo
- Kappabashi kitchen-supply street nearby for browsing (and buying) professional cookware
Platform 01
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