{"id":9779,"date":"2017-08-23T01:03:55","date_gmt":"2017-08-23T05:03:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mobal.com\/blog\/?p=9779"},"modified":"2025-06-19T11:49:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T15:49:56","slug":"top-tokyo-tips-asakusa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mobal.com\/blog\/japan-travel-guide\/top-tokyo-tips-asakusa\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Tokyo Tips: Asakusa"},"content":{"rendered":"

In yesteryear Asakusa was famous for being a rough and bawdy spot suited to both gangsters & Geisha. Today it\u2019s one of Tokyo\u2019s trendiest tourist spots and home to Tokyo\u2019s oldest and most visited temple-Sensoji.<\/p>\n

Sensoji Temple<\/h4>\n
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Gates of Thunder<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Long before Tokyo was but a twinkle in the eye the temple stood on the banks of the River Sumida. Famous for its massive gate of thunder and a set of \u201cdivine sandals\u201d Sensoji temple was established in 628. At least that\u2019s how legend records it as the temple serves to enshrine a statue of the goddess of mercy caught in a fisherman\u2019s net the same year.<\/p>\n

A Journey Back in Time<\/h4>\n

The temple complex is first entered through the main gate- Kaminarimon (gate of thunder). From that point the senses are assailed from all sides by an old-school shopping street. Small shops form a several lane highway of trinkets and titbits and make up one of the more exciting souvenir shopping experiences in Tokyo.<\/p>\n

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Trinket Town- Great Shopping<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Known as \u201cNakamise\u201d- this short walk makes up one of Tokyo\u2019s oldest shopping streets.<\/p>\n

30 Million to One<\/h4>\n

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Odds are you will not be alone on your visit to Sensoji Temple. Over 30 million visitors make the visit annually but the complex can be quiet early morning and after sunset- with the exception of New Year when it is thronged. The night lights tend to add to the atmosphere and a perfect time for uninterrupted selfies!<\/p>\n

Asakusa Overview<\/h4>\n

There are plenty of other things to do in the area besides visiting the temple.<\/p>\n

Tokyo Skytree<\/h5>\n

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The nearby Tokyo Skytree tower- the tallest structure in Japan- affords wonderful views of Tokyo from its observation decks but can cost anywhere from 2-4,000 yen. For a cheaper view try the 7th<\/sup> floor view from the Asakusa Culture Information Centre- a wonderfully designed building by architect Kengo Kuma- open all year and free with great birds-eye views of the below temple complex.<\/p>\n

Beer & Poo Walk<\/h5>\n

The Sumida River Walk is another attraction offering a relatively quiet river walk with riverside caf\u00e9 options. Of course you\u2019ll have plenty to spot on the walk including the infamous \u201cAsahi Super Dry Hall\u201d \u2013 a beer company with a difference they can\u2019t be all that proud of. The HQ of Asahi Beer is capped by the Philippe Starck designed \u201cAsahi Flame\u201d. The 360-tonne golden flame is meant to represent the burning heart of Asahi beer but it\u2019s not heartburn that comes to mind first. Commonly known as the \u201cGolden Turd\u201d (Kin no Unko\u201d) the whole building has come to be known as poo building. The fact that the adjacent golden brewery building actually does look like a mug of beer shows that there were clearly 2 different designers involved in this project. The results- beer and poo! Wonder which<\/p>\n

one is still in a job.<\/p>\n

Top Things To Do in Asakusa<\/h4>\n

Take a Rickshaw Tour<\/h5>\n
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Jinrikisha- Japanese Rickshaws<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sounds ultimately touristy- and it is! Perfect for 1 or 2 people or a couple with small kids. A personal, fun English-speaking guided tour on 2 x wheels. Rickshaw tours are available all over Japan but are best suited to the hustle and bustle of Asakusa.<\/p>\n

Pre-booking is not essential for Asakusa as they are everywhere around Sensoji Temple but to find out more check out:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/ebisuya.com\/en\/index.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Visit Kanji House<\/h5>\n