Top Things to do and places to visit in Asakusa and around

The heart of Tokyo and Old Japan, Asakusa, is one of the leading tourist spot in Tokyo. A must visit in Asakusa is the oldest Temple in the whole of Tokyo, Sensoji. Sensoji can be found the an incredible shitamach (old downtown area) that has the traditional atmosphere of old Edo were one can easily stroll around the whole day, shopping and eating from the little food stands and shops. Consider taking a traditional rickshaw ride tour and enjoy exploring the area in classic Japanese style!

Find out more about this busy and energetic part of Tokyo, here are is a list of the top things to do and places to visit in Asakusa and around.

Asakusa

Asakusa is visited by more than half of all tourists from foreign countries. You’ll be able to see the Sensoji Temple which is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and also the outer gate called the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). The street leading from the gate to the inner precinct of the temple is lined with old shops. Many of them offer services in English.

Tokyo Tower

3 million people visit Tokyo Tower annually. More than half of Tokyo Tower’s revenue is because of its popularity as a tourist spot. It is a sightseeing spot which tourists find irresistable.

Tokyo Skytree

In 2012, the Tokyo Skytree took the place of the Tokyo Tower, which had been Tokyo’s main radio tower since 1958. The Tokyo Skytree has received recognition by the Guinness Book of World Records because of its height. Tokyo Skytree is a radio tower, but it is also incredibly popular for the view from its observatory.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple. Surrounding the main temple is a 5-story pagoda, as well as various shops along Nakamise-dori street leading up to the temple. The famous Sanja Festival, which spreads its way through the temple grounds, and the Hozuki Festival are held annually at Sensoji Temple.

Asakusa Samba Carnival

Top teams gathering from all over Japan take part in a genuine samba dance contest competing for top scores. Enjoy this samba carnival which is said to be the largest of its kind in the northern hemisphere.

Kappabashi

Kappabashi is the street located between Ueno and Asakusa with shops dealing in cookware. With over 100 years of history, customers from all over Japan, whether they be amateur cooks or professional chefs, come to the street. And even in recent years, it has become a hit with the overseas tourists as well.

Kamata Hakensha

On Kappabashi Street which is famous for kitchen goods, there is Kamata Hakensha, a shop which specializes in cutlery. With a large stock of over 800 kinds of products, the store is popular for its service in engraving and sharpening.

Tokyo Solamachi

The commercial complex of Tokyo Solamachi opened in May 2012 together with Tokyo Sky Tree. Its 312 shops always provide the latest information while retaining the traditional culture of shitamachi (downtown).

Sanja Matsuri (Sanja Festival)

Asakusa’s Sanja Festival boasting 700 years of history. Mikoshi (portable shrines) and floats are pulled through the streets while loud shouts accompany them, and during the festival’s 3 days, 1.5 million people come out to celebrate.

Tokyo Water Bus

There are many tourist spots along the Arakawa and Sumida Rivers. Moving by train is fine, but how about going by water bus while viewing the scenery from the river?

Ryogoku

Encountering the many wrestlers during a sumo tournament in Tokyo feels like you’ve slipped back in time to the Edo Era. You can see their lifestyle and eat like them through the many haberdasheries for these king-sized men and restaurants with their huge portions.

Asakusa Hanayashiki

An amusement park that has been loved for decades with Japan’s oldest existing roller coaster. An atmospheric place that has melted into the streets of Asakusa.

Sky Duck

Get on the Sky Duck amphibious bus for a tour of Tokyo Sky Tree and other famous sites. Look forward to the thrill of heading straight into the river once you get on.

Tokyo Marathon

In 2013, the Tokyo Marathon was added into the World Marathon Majors as one of the world’s important marathons. The exhilarating feeling of running through some of Tokyo’s landmarks is exceptional.