2019-11-29
7 Best Things to Do in Tokyo’s Asakusa Neighborhood
- Advice
Asakusa is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo, and it's not hard to see why. The culture, the food, the scenery—everything about Asakusa is uniquely Tokyo, the city where the old meets the new. But what are some of the best activities to squeeze in while you're there? Having been to Japan 10 times in the past several years, let me tell you the 7 Best Things to Do in Asakusa for an unforgettable trip to this traditional district in Tokyo.
1. Stay in a Ryokan
"Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa" | Photo Source: Asiatravelbug
Most tourists head to Asakusa for just a few hours, but why not stay in this charming district at least overnight for a more immersive cultural experience? Behind the temples in Asakusa you’ll find charming traditional Japanese inns called ryokan. While there are fewer ryokan in Tokyo compared to Kyoto, there are plenty in Asakusa. I highly recommend them if you want to have a uniquely Japanese experience. Soak in a delightfully warm public bath and watch the steam rise into the air before heading in and bedding down in a traditional futon bed, ready to dream about the fun day you'll have in the morning!
2. Wander Around Sensoji Temple
"Sensoji Temple in Asakusa" | Photo Source: Asiatravelbug
An absolute must-see in Asakusa is Sensoji Temple. While Tokyo is positively loaded with temples, Sensoji is one of the oldest and most important to the history of the city. A word of warning though—Sensoji can be swarmed with a lot of tourists during the day, so if you wish to wander around Sensoji peacefully, a visit during night time is highly recommended.
3. Check Your Luck with Omikuji Fortune Papers
"Omikuji Fortune Telling at Sensoji Temple" | Photo Source: Asiatravelbug
This one can actually be done at Sensoji Temple, so you might as well kill two birds with one stone. Even if you don't believe in the mysticism of fortune-telling, it's still an experience and a half. For only 100 yen, you can get a sneak peek into your destiny by drawing out a numbered fortune stick and finding its corresponding Omikuji fortune paper. Good luck!
"Omikuji Fortune Papers" | Photo Source: Asiatravelbug
4. Ride a Rickshaw
"Man Riding Japanese Rickshaw" | Photo Source: Asiatravelbug
You might find yourself in need of a break from the constant walking. Flag down a rickshaw for a quick, fun ride through the streets of Asakusa. Rickshaws are sort of a combination between a bicycle and a taxi, and they're powered entirely by locals who know the surrounding area like the backs of their hands. The drivers also serve as tour guides and you can hire a rickshaw for varying degrees of time for an authentic tour of the city.
Rickshaws aren't in common use anymore, but they are an effective tourist attraction in Asakusa. The rides are usually around fifty dollars per person, depending on the time allotted, but you’re guaranteed to have a fun and unique experience!
5. Partake in a Tea Ceremony
"Japanese Tea Ceremony" | Photo Source: Asiatravelbug
If you've ever been curious about traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, wonder no longer. Now you can try it out yourself in Asakusa! You'll not only get to experience fragrant, graceful tea blends, but you'll also get to sample some authentic Japanese sweets while you're at it.
6. Try Out an Izakaya
"Crowded Street with Izakayas" | Photo Source: Asiatravelbug
If a tea ceremony is too quiet for your liking, you will probably enjoy trying out izakayas in Asakusa. Izakayas are local Japanese-style drinking places which serve a myriad of food from yakisoba noodles to yakitori. Most of the izakayas in Asakusa are frequented by locals, so it's a good place to observe how local Japanese people unwind after work or during weekends.
7. Enjoy Cherry Blossoms by the Sumida River
"Cherry Blossoms on the Banks of the Sumida River" | Photo Source: Asiatravelbug
Heading to Asakusa in late March to early April? You’re in luck! Make sure to visit Sumida River if you’re in Asakusa during that time of the year. During the cherry blossom season, you'll find yourself surrounded by 640 cherry blossom trees by the Sumida river bank. And don’t forget your picnic mat! Bring drinks and picnic food so you can enjoy the beautiful springtime like a local under the cherry blossom trees.
Tiffy, a.k.a.