What to know
Asakusa (浅草) is the heart of Tokyo's shitamachi ("low city"), a district where the atmosphere of old Tokyo still lingers.
The main draw is Sensoji, a hugely popular Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century. The approach to the temple is via Nakamise, a historic shopping street lined with stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs for centuries.
Asakusa is easy to explore on foot. For a different perspective, consider a rickshaw (jinrikisha) tour. A 30-minute ride for two costs around 9,000 yen, with shorter and longer options available.
For centuries, Asakusa was Tokyo's premier entertainment district. During the Edo Period (1603–1867), when it lay outside the city limits, it hosted kabuki theaters and a large red-light district. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, modern entertainment like movie theaters arrived.
Much of Asakusa was destroyed in the 1945 air raids. While the area around the rebuilt Sensoji has regained popularity, the entertainment district has not fully recovered. The opening of the 634-meter Tokyo Skytree, a 20-minute walk across the Sumida River, has boosted tourism again.
Asakusa is served by the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines, Tsukuba Express, and Tobu Railway. It is also accessible via the Tokyo Water Bus.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Always open
- Closed
- Many shops are closed on Sundays and national holidays
- Admission
- Free
- English name
- Asakusa Nakamise
- Original name
- Asakusa
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.