Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day in Asakusa
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most famous historical districts, home to the iconic Sensoji Temple, lively shopping streets, and traditional Japanese culture. In this guide, you’ll explore Asakusa’s rich history, visit a ninja museum, and enjoy a breathtaking view from Tokyo Skytree.
Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!
Take a Train to Asakusa Station
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (direct to Asakusa Station)
Toei Asakusa Line (connects from various points in Tokyo)
Tobu Skytree Line (for travelers coming from northern Tokyo)
After breakfast, take the most convenient train from your nearest station to Asakusa Station.
Visit Sensoji Temple
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Asakusa Station
Entrance Fee: Free
What to Do at Sensoji Temple:
Enter through Kaminarimon Gate, with its giant red lantern.
Visit the Main Hall and experience traditional customs.
Try omikuji (fortune slips) to see your fortune.
See the Five-Story Pagoda and enjoy the peaceful gardens.
Traveler’s Tip: Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid large crowds and enjoy a quieter temple visit.
Walk Through Nakamise Street
Right outside the temple, Nakamise Street is a lively shopping street with food, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.
What to Do at Nakamise Street:
✔ Try local snacks like rice crackers, sweet cakes, and melon bread.
✔ Shop for handmade crafts, kimonos, and fans.
✔ Visit stores selling matcha treats and Japanese sweets.
✔ Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you walk through this historic street.
Mid-Morning Coffee Break in Asakusa
Take a short break before your next adventure at one of these cozy cafés.
Recommended Cafés:
Suzukien Asakusa – Famous for its matcha ice cream, with different intensity levels.
Sekai Café (Vegan-Friendly) – Offers plant-based sweets and international dishes.
Coffee Tengoku – A classic Japanese-style café known for strong coffee.
Starbucks (Asakusa Nakamise) – Located inside a historic building, offering a modern yet traditional atmosphere.
Explore the Ninja Museum of Tokyo
A short walk from Sensoji Temple, the Ninja Museum of Tokyo is an exciting experience for history lovers and adventure seekers alike.
What to Do at the Ninja Museum:
✔ Discover the history of ninjas and their secret techniques.
✔ See authentic ninja weapons and tools used in the past.
✔ Try interactive ninja training experiences, including throwing shuriken (ninja stars).
✔ Watch a ninja performance (available on select days).
Lunch in Asakusa
After the museum, enjoy lunch at one of Asakusa’s famous restaurants.
Restaurant Options:
Asakusa Yutaka – Serves traditional tempura bowls.
Ichimatsu – A famous restaurant for unagi (grilled eel).
Ramen Yoroiya – A local ramen shop known for delicious soy sauce ramen.
Bon (Vegan-Friendly) – A fine-dining Buddhist vegetarian restaurant.
Walk Along Sumida River and Take a Boat Ride
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Asakusa
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the Sumida River, enjoying scenic views and local shops.. You can also take a Sumida River Cruise, which offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
What to Do Along Sumida River:
✔ Walk through Sumida Park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
✔ Take an optional river cruise for a unique view of Tokyo.
✔ Visit the Asahi Beer Hall, famous for its golden flame-shaped roof.
✔ Explore Ekimise Shopping Mall, a mix of modern and traditional stores.
Traveler’s Tip: If you prefer a short cruise, take a water bus to Hamarikyu Gardens for a scenic 30-minute ride.
Visit Tokyo Skytree and Sumida Aquarium
End the afternoon at Tokyo Skytree, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks.
What to Do at Tokyo Skytree:
✔ Go up to the Tembo Deck (350m) for breathtaking city views.
✔ For an even higher view, visit the Tembo Galleria (450m).
✔ Explore Tokyo Solamachi, a shopping complex at the base of the tower.
✔ Visit Sumida Aquarium, home to jellyfish, penguins, and interactive exhibits.
Traveler’s Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
Afternoon Coffee Break
After exploring Skytree, take a short break at a nearby café.
Café Options:
Riverside Cafe Cielo y Rio – Offers great coffee and a view of the river.
Blue Bottle Coffee – A stylish café with high-quality espresso.
Komeda’s Coffee – A popular Japanese café chain with thick toast and coffee.
T’s Café (Vegan-Friendly) – Specializes in plant-based sweets and matcha drinks.
Dinner in Asakusa or Tokyo Skytree Area
Before returning to your hotel, you can enjoy dinner in Tokyo Skytree Town or return to Asakusa for a more traditional atmosphere.
Dinner Options:
Asakusa Gyukatsu – Specializes in deep-fried beef cutlets.
Daikokuya Tempura – A famous spot for crispy tempura bowls.
Sometarō – A historical okonomiyaki (savory pancake) restaurant.
Nagi Shokudo (Vegan-Friendly) – Serves plant-based Japanese dishes.
Return to Your Hotel
Take the train back from Asakusa Station or Tokyo Skytree Station, depending on your location:
From Asakusa Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line to your destination.
From Tokyo Skytree Station: Take the Tobu Skytree Line or transfer to a major line at Oshiage Station.