Asakusa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Sensoji Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements
Follow the footsteps of centuries of worshippers along a street filled with traditional snack stalls and through the gates of one of Tokyo’s most popular temples.

Asakusa’s gentle charm contrasts against the typically hectic atmosphere of modern Tokyo. Many of the buildings you’ll see here are post-World War II reconstructions however, this district’s long history is still evident in its old-world pace. Visit the temple Sensō-ji, one of Asakusa’s most famous attractions, known for its distinctive red coloring and status as Tokyo’s oldest temple.

During the Edo Period, this area was considered to be outside Tokyo’s city limits, making it an ideal setting for a red light district. Note that after spending decades as one of Tokyo’s most popular entertainment areas, much of the original Asakusa was destroyed during World War II.

The traditional route to Sensō-ji is via Nakamise Street, an attraction in itself. Enter Nakamise Street through the imposing Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” notable for its enormous red paper lantern. Vendors on this famous shopping street have sold snacks and souvenirs to temple visitors for centuries. Here, find folding fans, yukata robes and other traditional souvenirs.

Sensō-ji, dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion, attracts more than 30 million visitors annually. Visit in the early morning to enjoy this spectacular temple without the distraction of crowds. The Buddhist temple is also quieter in the evening and looks particularly lovely when lit up after dark.

While you’re in Asakusa, sample Tokyo street food. Nakamise Street is famous for its ningyo-yaki, fried sponge cakes filled with red bean paste. Although these snacks are prepared all over Japan, on Nakamise Street they’re made in the shapes of well-known Asakusa attractions.

Save time to stroll through tranquil Sumida Park, which offers gorgeous views of the famous Tokyo Skytree across the Sumida River. Head to Asakusa Pier and take a sightseeing cruise down the river. The popular route that runs between Asakusa and Odaiba offers a beautiful perspective of the city.

Asakusa is easy to reach by both metro and train lines. Visit any time of day, but expect many shops to begin closing around dusk. Sensō-ji is open year-round and admission is free.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Asakusa Hotel Deals

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
3.5 out of 5
2-6-7 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
The price is NZ$184 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$184
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"Helpful and friendly staff, clean, quiet, great location."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
OTHER SPACE Asakusa
OTHER SPACE Asakusa
2 out of 5
3-chome-4-10 Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is NZ$184 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$184
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
"10/10 excellent sleeping quarters made my overall memorable. Everything was according to description, if I was to knit pick I’d say the sleeping mats/beds wouldn’t be as comfortable for someone older or with back problems being that the mattresses are thin"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

OTHER SPACE Asakusa
Richmond Hotel Asakusa
Richmond Hotel Asakusa
3 out of 5
2-7-10 Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is NZ$197 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$197
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (223 reviews)
"The property is nice and very clean"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Richmond Hotel Asakusa
Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
2-7-20, Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is NZ$407 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$407
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (538 reviews)
We loved it!
"Very clean. Great breakfast. The onsen was fantastic! I'd gladly stay here again if I come back to Asakusa."

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2024

Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
3.5 out of 5
2-96 Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$376 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
NZ$376
per night
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (306 reviews)
"Good location. 10th lounge is very nice and it serves some local tidbits with a great view of sky tree. Standard room size is ok"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Tosei Hotel Cocone Asakusa
Tosei Hotel Cocone Asakusa
3 out of 5
3-26-10 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (265 reviews)
"Very nice location and modern ammenities."

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024

Tosei Hotel Cocone Asakusa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Asakusa

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Taito

4.5/5(210 area reviews)

Travellers love Taito for its popular shops, and you can see more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Iriya Station or Tawaramachi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Sensō-ji Temple and Ueno Park.

Taito
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Ueno

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

Travellers choose Ueno for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ueno-okachimachi Station or Ueno-hirokoji Station and check out top sights like Ueno Park.

Ueno
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Akihabara

While you're in Akihabara, take in top sights like Akihabara Electric Town and jump on the metro at Suehirocho Station to see more of the city.

Akihabara
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Chiyoda

4.5/5(206 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chiyoda. Nippon Budokan is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Kudanshita Station or Takebashi Station to see more of Tokyo.

Chiyoda
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Chuo

4.5/5(211 area reviews)

Known for its popular shops and top seafood restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Chuo. Check out top attractions like Tokyo Bay and Roman Catholic Church of St. Joseph, and jump on the metro at Tsukiji Station or Shintomicho Station to see more of the city.

Chuo
Ginza featuring a city, skyline and street scenes

Ginza

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Ginza. Ginza Six is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Ginza Station or Higashi-ginza Station to see more of Tokyo.

Ginza

Asakusa Travel Guide

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