Asakusa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Asakusa
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
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,139 reviews)
"Amenities aplenty around the hotel. Train and subway is also nearby. However, breakfast only starts at 7am. Selection for the whole week remains very similar"

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2024

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
Richmond Hotel Asakusa
Richmond Hotel Asakusa
3 out of 5
2-7-10 Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and in-room massages. Popular attractions Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (289 reviews)
"A great central location with ease to train stations including to Narita airport."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 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
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (723 reviews)
"The property was what I expected. The Onsen was very nice and well maintained. There was a closet, but no drawers - problem for a longer stay. Good location near Asakusa Sensoji temple and all the restaurants in that area."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2024

Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs
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! (475 reviews)
"We had a great stay - good location."

Reviewed on 4 Nov. 2024

Tosei Hotel Cocone Asakusa
OTHER SPACE Asakusa
OTHER SPACE Asakusa
3 out of 5
3-chome-4-10 Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is AU$136 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
AU$136
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (381 reviews)
"Stayed for 16 nights in a Superior Double room, two people. Can't fault the experience, staff were great, as was having a mini Konbini inside the hotel. Lovely reception/chill out area and a fantastic view from the roof which very few people seemed to use (Perfect place to enjoy an evening beer). ..."

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024

OTHER SPACE Asakusa
Smile Hotel Asakusa
Smile Hotel Asakusa
3 out of 5
6-35-8 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$161 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$161
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (572 reviews)
"The property was in a nice quiet area. I didn't like the hotel smelled a bit to tobacco."

Reviewed on 9 Oct. 2024

Smile Hotel 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

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 Sensoji Temple and Hanayashiki Amusement Park.

Taito
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Sumida

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Sumida. If sightseeing is on the list, Tokyo Skytree is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Ryogoku Station or Honjo-azumabashi Station to see more of the area.

Sumida
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Ueno

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 Ameyoko Shopping District.

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
Akihabara Electric Town showing signage, street scenes and a city

Chiyoda

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

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

Asakusa Travel Guide

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