Konichiwa: it’s time to fly back to Asia, specifically to our beloved vacation destination, Japan. Once in Japan, you cannot miss the capital, Tokyo. Earlier, we wrote a blog about the best attractions, hotels, and to-dos in Tokyo; now we shine a light on the old and traditional district of Asakusa. The vast metropolis of Tokyo (hello 40 million residents!) is divided into various neighborhoods, making the city surprisingly diverse. One of these neighborhoods is Asakusa.
Associations related to Asakusa? These include: old meets new, the famous Sensoji Temple, geishas, Tokyo Skytree, a lively atmosphere, World War II history, and street food. In short: visiting Asakusa allows you to check off important sights while also savoring the delightful ambiance. While strolling through the district, you’ll see a picture-worthy scene at almost every street corner. Asakusa is absolutely stunning. God, we love Tokyo. Here are 7 tips for the Asakusa district.
Coolest District in Tokyo: Asakusa
→ Handy: Find your flight tickets to Japan.
→ For accommodation: consider APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae, Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, or Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel.
First Things First: How to Get to Tokyo and Specifically to Asakusa
After about 11 hours of flying from the Netherlands, you land in Tokyo. Lucky us: there are direct flights from Amsterdam to Tokyo every day. Most likely, you will land at Narita Airport – where most intercontinental flights arrive – and from there it’s about 60 kilometers to downtown Tokyo.
By Train from the Airport to Asakusa
In Japan, it seems as though the word efficient was invented. From the airport, you hop on the super-fast train (Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner) and about 50 minutes later, you’re at your destination. The cost is roughly 3100 yen. Asakusa is one of the most important, popular districts in Tokyo, and reaching it via public transport is a breeze. You can hop on almost any subway line — such as Ginza or Asakusa — to get to the area. The fastest route from Tokyo Station? Take the JR Yamanote line towards Kanda Station, then transfer to the Ginza subway to Asakusa, and voila: it’s that easy! The journey from Tokyo Station to Asakusa takes about 15 minutes and the fare (with regular subway tickets) is around 300 yen per person.
→ Tip: Want to save money? Walk through various other neighborhoods to Asakusa: this way, you will see what most tourists don’t. Those everyday scenes just outside the beaten path are, in our opinion, worth their weight in gold. Since Tokyo is incredibly efficient in everything – from speedy subway lines to ordering in a restaurant before stepping inside – you may feel inclined to keep up with the fast pace. Slowing down and taking a leisurely stroll through the city can feel so refreshing at times.
Where to Stay in Asakusa? 3 Great Places!
Tokyo is vast and is rightfully one of the largest, most important metropolises in the world. The Asakusa district is an excellent base for exploring the city, giving you plenty of time to spend in the area itself. The charm of Asakusa? It’s surprisingly diverse. The district is also lively at night, as locals love to head out here. From cozy, small bars to larger clubs: Asakusa has it all. Here are three accommodation tips for Asakusa. Side note: Japan — and thus also Tokyo — is not a cheap country, especially not compared to Southeast Asian prices. So prepare to dig a little deeper into your pockets when it comes to accommodations.
1. APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae: We kick off with a budget tip. We have often utilized APA hotels. Small rooms, yes, but they are also spotlessly clean and centrally located. This one also has its own onsen (hot spring), allowing you to unwind after a day of exploring Tokyo. You pay around 100 euros per night for a double room.
2. Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu: Staying in a ryokan should definitely be on your list when visiting Japan (you understand us, right?). These traditional accommodations offer a genuine glimpse into Japanese culture. Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu is located in a prime spot, near Sensoji Temple and the bustling life of Asakusa — a win-win. Of course, the ryokan has a good onsen. You pay about 200 euros per night for a traditional double room.
3. Asakusa Kokono Club hotel: A room with a private balcony (a rarity in Japan) overlooking the city of Tokyo. What more could a vacationer want? This small, modern hotel is well-equipped and centrally located in the Asakusa district. You pay around 200 euros per night for a double room.
9 Attractions and Must-Dos in Tokyo Asakusa
And then it’s time to set off! Below are the coolest attractions and to-dos for Asakusa:
Senso-Ji Temple
Senso-Ji is the oldest, most famous, and, in our humble opinion, the most beautiful temple in Tokyo, located in the heart of Asakusa. It is, of course, very busy at the temple, so try to go as early as possible in the morning. This way, you will also have that beautiful morning light for your pictures. Don’t forget to make a wish once you’re inside and explore the complex, which includes more than just the ‘main temple’. Altars, pagodas, and beautifully landscaped gardens await you here. We visited in autumn, and the beautifully colored trees against the backdrop of Senso-Ji Temple make for stunning photos. Good news: entrance is free.
Best View: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Want to admire the temple from above? Take the elevator to the top of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. You’ll find a large terrace accessible to the public where you can enjoy fantastic views for free. Would you rather have a drink? That’s possible too! Upstairs, you can order a cappuccino or something delicious and enjoy it while taking in the view. A solid recommendation to do this!
Free Guided Walking Tour
As previously mentioned in several articles about Japan, Japan — and especially Tokyo — is anything but a cheap travel destination. The good news? There are plenty of free attractions and activities! A must-see example is the free walking tour through the Asakusa district. This tour (Google ‘Asakusa district 2-hour free walking tour’) takes you to famous attractions, providing background information and history about the area. A must, indeed!
Shop ‘Til You Drop on Chef’s Street
Famous, renowned, and notorious (in a good way)! You can’t visit Asakusa without stopping by this street. From absolutely gorgeous dishes to good knives and fresh matcha: everything kitchen-related can be found in this street. A haven! You can surprise the folks back home with a Japanese dinner upon your return.
→ Tip: Love knick-knacks, especially Japanese ones? Then you must not miss the giant Don Quijote store in Asakusa; it’s similar to Action, and you’ll find literally everything!
Tokyo Skytree
To be honest, we found this just okay, but – a worthy point of note – the view (hello 634 meters) over Tokyo is stunning. The tallest tower in the world is a sight you cannot miss when in Tokyo. As with many paid attractions in Tokyo, it’s best to buy tickets in advance through platforms like Klook to save considerable waiting time. We went just before sunset, which we felt was perfect: you can still see the city’s charm, complemented by the neon lights that begin to twinkle. To take the fast elevator to the top costs 2820 yen, while the normal elevator costs 3000 yen. It’s worth checking the weather beforehand: on clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji. Just a tad bit special, indeed.
Eat, Eat, Eat: Taste the Best During a Street Food Tour
Ah, the Japanese cuisine. Refined, flavorful, and full of traditions. If you want to immerse yourself in the food culture right away, we recommend doing a food tour immediately upon arrival. And yes, this can also be done in Asakusa. With a guide, you will stroll through Asakusa in two hours, stopping at various delightful restaurants. You’ll enjoy dishes like sushi, gyoza, and yakitori. In short: delicious. You’ll pay roughly 120 euros per person.
Go-Karting Through Asakusa
If you want to explore Asakusa in a unique way, join the Go-Kart Tour and race through the streets of this old and special Tokyo district. You’ll pay around 80 euros per person for this. What do you get in return? A self-chosen costume of a superhero or cartoon character (sadly not a Mario outfit; that’s now prohibited), a guide, and a go-kart. Go, go, go!
Asakusa Batting Stadium
Want to move a bit? Need to relieve some stress or aggression? Then this is the place to go. Among the locals, you can hit endless balls at the Asakusa Batting Stadium! We found it quite challenging to hit the balls, but after a few tries, you may get the hang of it, and otherwise, it’s incredibly fun to watch the advanced players in action! You’ll also find fun arcade games in the central hall. The address is: 1 Chome-27-5 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan.
Planning Your Visit to Asakusa
Tokyo is, we assert confidently, the coolest and most unique city we have ever visited, and the Asakusa district is undoubtedly a must-visit if you are spending a few days in Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the old meets new vibe of this district and enjoy it! With a capital G! Oh, and if you want to plan your visit right away, book a night at one of these hotels:
→ For accommodation: consider APA Hotel Asakusa, Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, or Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel.
Do you want to read more about Japan?
Check out:
Vacationing in the most beautiful city in Japan: Kyoto
Backpacking in Japan: Handy tips & route
Amanohashidate: the sandbank in the surprising coastal town of Miyazu in Japan
The ideal travel itinerary for Japan over more than two weeks!
What to do in Kamakura in Japan? The cutest coastal town ‘nearby’ Tokyo
Kawaguchiko: the best place to discover Mount Fuji
Want to go to Japan?
Handy links:
Flight tickets to Japan
Fun hotels in Tokyo
Travel to Japan with TUI
Djoser travel to Japan
→ Check out all our articles on Japan
Leave a Reply