Asakusa in Tokyo is one of those places in this huge capital city where time slows down. As soon as you leave the underground station, the futuristic metropolis gives way to lanterns, wooden stalls and the smell of incense wafting around Sensō-ji Temple. It is here that you can feel the atmosphere of old Edo and see Japan as many travellers imagine it: traditional, calmer and very symbolic.
Asakusa in Tokyo has been the spiritual and social centre of the city for centuries. Today, it attracts both tourists and Tokyo residents who come here for a walk, prayer or matcha in one of the small cafés. Asakusa is the perfect place for your first encounter with Japanese culture, but also a great stop for those who want to see more than just modern Shibuya or Shinjuku.
In this article, I will show you Asakusa step by step: the most important attractions, less obvious corners, practical tips and ideas for peaceful sightseeing. Whether you have an hour or a whole day here, this district will stay in your memory for a long time.
ASAKUSA IN TOKYO – LOCATION OF THE DISTRICT
Asakusa is located in the north-eastern part of Tokyo, in the administrative district of Taitō. It is one of the best-connected parts of the city, making it easy to reach from both central Tokyo and directly from the airports.
The nearest underground station is Asakusa Station. The station is a few minutes’ walk from Sensō-ji Temple, making it an ideal starting point for sightseeing. It is a major transport hub served by several lines:
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line – direct connection to Ueno, Ginza and Shibuya, among others
- Toei Asakusa Line – a convenient line connecting Asakusa with Haneda Airport and southern Tokyo
- Tobu Skytree Line – quick access to Tokyo Skytree and the northern suburbs of the city
If you are travelling with luggage or want to avoid crowds, Tawaramachi or Kuramae are often more convenient than the crowded Asakusa Station, especially during rush hour.
ASAKUSA IN TOKYO – SENSŌ-JI TEMPLE
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most symbolic temple, as well as the heart of the Asakusa district. Its history dates back to the 7th century and is linked to the legend of the statue of the goddess Kannon, which, according to tradition, was fished out of the Sumida River. Since then, Sensō-ji has been an important place of Buddhist worship and one of the most visited sites in Japan. Although the temple attracts crowds of tourists, it remains a lively place of worship. It is the perfect place to see Japanese rituals, sacred architecture and feel the atmosphere of old Edo.
- LOCATION: SENSŌ-JI TEMPLE
- OPENING HOURS:
The temple grounds (garden, gates, pagoda) are open 24 hours a day and can be visited at any time. The main hall (Kannon-dō) is open to visitors from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between April and September, and from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between October and March (hours may vary slightly depending on the season). The busiest times are between 10:00 and 16:00. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon. In the evening, many of the buildings and the pagoda are beautifully illuminated (usually until around 23:00), providing great photo opportunities and a more peaceful stroll.
- TICKET PRICE: Admission to the temple grounds is FREE
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: SENSŌ-JI TEMPLE
KAMINARIMON – THUNDER GATE
A visit to Sensō-ji usually begins at Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of Tokyo. The central element of the gate is a huge red lantern, weighing several hundred kilograms, with a black sign meaning ‘thunder’. On either side of the gate stand statues of deities: Fūjin, the god of wind, and Raijin, the god of thunder.
NAKAMISE-DORI
Behind the gate lies Nakamise-dōri, a street several hundred metres long leading directly to the main hall of the temple. It is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, full of stalls selling traditional sweets, fans, yukatas, souvenirs and omamori protective amulets. The street is so crowded that it is difficult to walk through it.
HŌZŌMON – TREASURE GATE
At the end of Nakamise-dōri is Hōzōmon, or the Treasure Gate. It is more massive and monumental than Kaminarimon. On either side of it stand powerful statues of Niō guardians, protecting the temple from evil spirits. Behind the gate are stored precious sutras and religious artefacts, inaccessible to visitors but extremely important to the history of Sensō-ji.
FIVE-STOREY PAGODA
On the right side of the courtyard stands a five-storey pagoda, one of the tallest structures of its kind in Japan. Although the current pagoda is a reconstruction (like many of the temple buildings), it retains its classic proportions and symbolism. The pagoda is not open to visitors, but it is the most photogenic element of the temple.
MAIN HALL (KANNON-DŌ)
The most important building in the complex is Kannon-dō, the main hall of the temple. This is where Kannon, the goddess of mercy, is worshipped. The statue of the goddess is not on public display, as according to tradition it remains hidden. In front of the entrance, there is a censer where worshippers burn incense, believing that it brings health and prosperity. Inside, you can throw a coin, pray and observe local rituals.
YŌGŌDŌ
Yōgōdō is a lesser-known building within the Sensō-ji complex. Unlike the central part of the temple, this place is mainly visited by Tokyo residents and practising Buddhists.
ASAKUSA-JINJA
Right next to Sensō-ji is Asakusa-jinja, a Shinto shrine dedicated to three men associated with the legend of Sensō-ji’s founding. Although much quieter, it plays an important role during the Sanja Matsuri festival, one of the largest and most spectacular festivals in Tokyo.
OTHER STRUCTURES WITHIN THE TEMPLE PREMISES
There are many smaller sacred structures within Sensō-ji, such as chapels dedicated to guardian deities, stone lanterns and prayer altars. In various parts of the complex, you can see ema plaques with wishes written on them and places designated for purification rituals. The whole complex creates a peaceful, spiritual space conducive to reflection.
You can also draw omikuji, or traditional fortune slips, at the temple. Good fortunes are taken away with you, while bad ones are tied to special stands, symbolically leaving bad luck at the temple.
TEMPLE GATES
There are several gates within the Sensō-ji temple complex, marking the successive stages of transition from the secular to the sacred space. I have described the most famous ones above, but here are a few others. The gates do not only serve an architectural function. In Buddhist tradition, they symbolise the protection of the temple and spiritual purification before entering its most important parts.
ON THE STREETS OF THE ASAKUSA DISTRICT IN TOKYO
THE STREETS OF ASAKUSA
The streets of Asakusa have a unique, almost theatrical atmosphere that sets this district apart from modern Tokyo. Narrow alleys intertwine with busy streets, and traditional wooden facades neighbour small bars, craft shops and local eateries serving tempura, ramen and wagashi sweets.
ROOF ADVERTISEMENTS
A distinctive feature of the landscape are the original advertisements on roofs and building facades. Often styled in a retro fashion, with large figures, lanterns or hand-painted signs, they catch the eye and give the area a slightly nostalgic atmosphere of old Edo.
KIMONO RENTAL SHOPS
There are kimono rental shops in many places in this district. So, on the streets, we see lots of women, both Japanese and tourists, dressed in traditional kimonos or yukatas. It is so charming that you feel like you are travelling back in time.
CARRIAGES – JINRIKISHA
It is here that we encounter an unusual phenomenon for the first time. It turns out to be a popular attraction in Japan, namely horse-drawn carriages (jinrikisha) pulled by young men. Tourists can take a ride in them along the most important streets of the district, admiring the surroundings in a comfortable and traditional way.
VIEWS OF TOKYO SKYTREE FROM THE ASAKUSA DISTRICT
Asakusa offers some of the most distinctive views of Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest tower and a symbol of modern Tokyo. From many places in the district, especially around Nakamise-dōri, the courtyards of Sensō-ji Temple and the banks of the Sumida River, Skytree rises majestically above the roofs of traditional buildings and pagodas, creating a striking contrast between history and modernity.
OTHER INTERESTING PLACES IN THE ASAKUSA DISTRICT
In addition to the famous Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, Asakusa has many other attractions that are worth seeing while walking around the district:
- HANAYASHIKI – Japan’s oldest amusement park, operating since the mid-19th century. Here you will find retro carousels, roller coasters and atmospheric attractions that fit in perfectly with the historic atmosphere of Asakusa.
- SUMIDA PARK – A vast park on the Sumida River, great for walking, picnicking or relaxing with a view of the water and, during the cherry blossom season, beautiful hanami.
- ASAKUSA ENGEI HALL – A retro theatre offering traditional Japanese comedy performances (e.g. rakugo, manzai) that introduce visitors to the local entertainment culture.
- SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM ASAKUSA TOKYO – A place combining the history of samurai and ninja with interactive experiences. Visitors can try on samurai armour, see katana swords and try their hand at throwing shuriken.
ACCOMMODATION IN TOKYO
Choosing accommodation in Tokyo mainly depends on how you want to spend your time. The city offers everything, in every district. Public transport in the city is so fantastic that it doesn’t really matter where you book your accommodation. If you decide to book accommodation in Tokyo, we recommend using the portal Booking.com , which we have used and tested dozens of times, or Agoda,, which works great in Asia (it’s worth checking both platforms).
Through any link on this page you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
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