Top 14 Things To Do in Asakusa Japan 🇯🇵 2026 Travel Guide

Summary

This video shares an unforgettable two-month experience in Asakusa, Tokyo, featuring top 14 must-dos, sights, and foods. Highlights include visiting the iconic Senso-ji Temple, experiencing sumo wrestling up close, enjoying traditional Japanese snacks like melon pan and Imo Pippi, and exploring cultural gems like Kappabashi Street and the Tokyo Skytree. The video also recommends booking activities through KLOOK for a seamless travel experience. Whether it’s exploring local street food or immersing in Japanese traditions, this guide offers practical tips and vibrant insights to make the most of your Asakusa visit.

Takeaways

• 😀 Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street: The oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, offering a mix of history, vibrant street food, and traditional experiences like fortune-telling and incense offerings.
• 😀 Renting a kimono in Asakusa: A must-do experience where visitors can rent kimonos for the entire day, walk around the area, enjoy food, and take photos without feeling rushed.
• 😀 Maruzen Matcha: A top spot for authentic matcha, especially their Uji Matcha ice cream and Mount Blanc dessert, run by a passionate owner who truly understands the art of matcha.
• 😀 Street food in Asakusa: Popular snacks like melon pan, imo pippi (sweet potato crème brûlée), and ningoyaki, with some of the best flavors and textures you'll find in Tokyo.
• 😀 Asakusa Sumo Club: A must-visit for sumo fans, offering a chance to see live sumo wrestling, learn about sumo culture, and even try wrestling against a sumo wrestler yourself.
• 😀 Hoppy Street: A lively street filled with izakayas, perfect for experiencing the local Tokyo drinking culture, enjoying highballs and small plates like sashimi and grilled meats.
• 😀 Kappabashi Street: A unique shopping destination for kitchenware and food-related souvenirs, including gorgeous pottery, chopsticks, and lifelike fake food displays.
• 😀 Free viewpoint at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center: A hidden gem offering panoramic views of the Senso-ji area, making it a great spot to get oriented before exploring.
• 😀 Fluffy pancakes at Benitsuru: A popular spot for fluffy Japanese pancakes, offering a unique breakfast experience that requires early reservations due to high demand.
• 😀 Tokyo Skytree: A must-see landmark with breathtaking views of Tokyo from 350m to 450m high. It's especially beautiful at sunset, with views of the city and Mount Fuji on clear days.

Q & A

What makes Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa special?

Senso-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, dating back to the 7th century. It's considered the heart of Asakusa and is home to the iconic Kaminarimon gate, known for its massive red lantern. The area is also known for its traditional shopping street, Nakamise, which leads up to the temple.

What types of street food can you find around Nakamise Shopping Street?

You can find a variety of traditional Japanese snacks like Daifuku (mochi with sweet red bean paste and fresh fruit), Kibidango (sweet rice dumplings coated in roasted soybean powder), and Ningoyaki (small sponge cakes filled with red bean paste).

Why is renting a kimono in Asakusa a recommended experience?

Asakusa offers a great place to rent a kimono because of its cultural atmosphere. The rental service is very organized, allowing you to explore the area in traditional attire for the entire day, making the experience more immersive.

What is special about Maruzen in Asakusa?

Maruzen is renowned for serving high-quality, authentic matcha. The Uji Matcha with ice cream and mochi is a standout, and the owner’s passion for matcha ensures a genuine experience for visitors.

What is Melon Pan, and where is the best place to try it in Asakusa?

Melon Pan is a sweet bread with a crunchy, sugary exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Kagetsudo is the most famous spot in Asakusa for melon pan, where it’s baked fresh throughout the day.

What makes Imo Pippi's sweet potato creme brulee unique?

Imo Pippi’s sweet potato creme brulee uses slow-cooked Japanese sweet potatoes and is topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. The balance of flavors makes it a highly praised dessert in Asakusa.

What is the Asakusa Sumo Club experience like?

The Asakusa Sumo Club offers an immersive experience where visitors watch sumo wrestling live, learn about sumo traditions, and try sumo wrestler food. There's also a chance to participate by stepping into the ring and challenging a sumo wrestler.

What is Hoppy Street known for in Asakusa?

Hoppy Street is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with izakayas (casual Japanese pubs) lining the narrow street. Visitors can enjoy drinks like highballs and order small plates such as grilled meats, sashimi, and edamame while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

What can visitors find at Kappabashi Street in Asakusa?

Kappabashi Street is a shopping district known for kitchenware. Visitors can find everything from Japanese pottery to fake food displays, making it a unique spot for souvenirs, cooking tools, and decorative items.

What are the benefits of visiting the free viewpoint at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center?

The free viewpoint on the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center offers a fantastic bird’s-eye view of the Senso-ji area, giving visitors a great perspective of the temple and the surrounding streets before exploring.

What makes the fluffy pancakes at Benitsuru worth the early morning wait?

Benitsuru’s fluffy pancakes are known for their thickness and airy texture. The pancakes are made fresh in front of you, and watching the chefs carefully prepare each one adds to the unique dining experience. Despite the long lines, they’re considered some of the best pancakes in Japan.

What is the Tokyo Skytree experience like for visitors?

The Tokyo Skytree offers stunning views from its observation decks, with the highest deck at 450 meters. The experience includes high-speed lifts, themed events like Toy Story, and breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo, including Mount Fuji on clear days.

What are the highlights of the Hello Kitty Sanrio store in Asakusa?

The Hello Kitty Sanrio store in Asakusa is filled with merchandise from popular Sanrio characters, including plushies, stationery, and souvenirs. It's a fun, colorful store and a great stop for fans of Sanrio characters, especially those looking for unique Japan-themed gifts.