This guide covers the top 20 things to do in Asakusa for 2025, from local street food and hidden shops to temple etiquette. Start at the Tourist Information Center's observation deck for panoramic views of Tokyo Skytree and Nakamise Street. Explore Nakamise for traditional snacks like Kaminari Okoshi and Kibi Dango, then discover unique items at a 100-year-old knife shop (Honke Kanesou) and a kimono gift shop (Tatsumiya). Savor local delights like Melon Pan (Kagetsudo Kaminarimon) and Monjayaki (Monja Tsukushi) on Hoppy Street, and learn temple etiquette at Senso-ji. Don't miss the retro underground arcade and scenic views along the Sumida River.
Panoramic view of Asakusa from the observation deck, including Nakamise Street
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Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center (Observation Deck) [01:26]
Exterior of Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center
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The Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center offers panoramic views before heading to Kaminarimon.
Panoramic Views: From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Asakusa, the Sumida River, and the iconic Tokyo Sky Tree.
Tokyo Skytree and Sumida River from the observation deck
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The area by the Sumida River is particularly beautiful during springtime with cherry blossoms.
Strategic Location: The deck provides a great vantage point to see Nakamise Street, the main road leading to Senso-ji Temple.
Nearby Landmark: The golden "P" sculpture, part of the Asahi Beer headquarters, is visible.
Speaker pointing to the Asahi Beer building
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Craftsman sharpening a knife at Honke Kanesou
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Honke Kanesou is a highly recommended traditional knife store with over 100 years of history.
Quality Craftsmanship: Known for its high-quality Japanese knives.
Close-up of a high-quality Japanese knife
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Community Spirit: The shop embodies Asakusa's community spirit, where neighbors know each other and traditions thrive, with photos of past customers adorning the walls.
Wall adorned with photos of customers at Honke Kanesou
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Local Prices: Prices are kept local, not inflated for tourists.
Map showing location of Asakusa Tatsumiya
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Tatsumiya is a cherished kimono gift shop with over 80 years of history in Asakusa.
Kind Staff: Known for its incredibly kind and welcoming staff.
Popular Souvenir: Their best-selling item is the kimono tenugui (a type of traditional Japanese towel/fabric), which makes for a stylish souvenir, along with other kimono-patterned goods.
Shop owner showcasing a kimono tenugui fabric
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Kimono-patterned thermos as a souvenir
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Observing proper etiquette is important when visiting Senso-ji Temple.
Purification:
Incense: Visitors can gather smoke from the incense cauldron, believed to have healing powers, and direct it towards themselves.
Water Station: Before entering the main hall, one should purify themselves at the water station by rinsing the left hand, then the right, and optionally the mouth.
Woman demonstrating the water purification ritual
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No Sitting: It is considered improper to sit on the stairs or ground within the sacred temple area once past the main gate.
Tourists sitting on the stone fence outside Senso-ji temple, illustrating improper etiquette
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Photography Restrictions: Taking photos or videos of the statues inside the main hall is generally not allowed; it's advisable to check specific rules for each shrine or temple.
Eating Technique: To eat, make a small pancake-like portion on the griddle and let it slightly burn for a crunchy texture before scooping with a small spatula.
Woman demonstrating how to eat Monjayaki with a small spatula
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Map showing the location of Asakusa Underground Mall
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Beneath the lively streets of Asakusa lies a hidden retro underground arcade, providing a glimpse into Japan's past.
Historic Ambience: This underground area dates back to 1954 and is connected to the Ginza Line, one of Tokyo's oldest subway lines.
Entrance to the Retro Underground Arcade
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Showa Era Charm: It's filled with tiny bars, restaurants, and shops that have remained largely unchanged for decades, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of Japan's Showa era.
Nostalgic interior of the Retro Underground Arcade
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