How to Plan Your Asakusa Cultural Street Food Walking Tour

Are you planning to visit Japan? Then, you must add the Asakusa Cultural Street Food Walking Tour to your itinerary. This 3-hour guided walking tour is the perfect way to experience Japanese customs and traditions while enjoying some delicious street food. In this guide, we will help you plan your tour and make sure you get the most out of your experience.

Experience

The Asakusa Cultural Street Food Walking Tour is an all-inclusive tour of Asakusa where you can discover Japanese culture and try some of the best street food in the area. During the 3-hour walking tour, you will explore the famous Senso-ji temple, the Nakamise shopping street, and Kappabashi, which is known for its kitchenware shops.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Asakusa Cultural Street Food Walking Tour:

• Experience a traditional rickshaw ride
• Visit the Senso-ji temple
• Explore Nakamise Street and try some of the best street food in Asakusa
• Learn about Japanese customs and traditions from your guide

Tour Description

The tour starts with a ride in a rickshaw, a traditional Japanese mode of transportation. You will ride through the streets of Asakusa and get a fascinating view of the area from a unique perspective. After your rickshaw ride, you will visit the Senso-ji temple, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo. Your guide will tell you about the history of the temple and show you the best spots for photos. You can also burn incense and say a prayer if you like. Next, you will explore Nakamise Street, a 300-year-old shopping street that leads to the temple. This street is famous for its souvenir shops and street food vendors. It is a great place to try some traditional Japanese snacks such as Monjyayaki, a savory pancake cooked on a hot plate. Finally, you will visit Kappabashi, which is known for its kitchenware shops. You can buy some unique kitchen tools here, and your guide will explain the history of the area and its connection to cooking.

Booking

If you are interested in booking the Asakusa Cultural Street Food Walking Tour, you can do so through the GetYourGuide website. The tour costs ¥9,800 per person and includes all activities, street food samples, and an English-speaking guide. Book the tour here

Tips for the Tour

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your tour:

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking involved
• Come hungry and be prepared to try lots of delicious street food
• Bring a camera to capture all the sights and sounds of Asakusa
• Listen carefully to your guide, as they will give you a lot of interesting information about the area

Book Your Tour Now

The Asakusa Cultural Street Food Walking Tour is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Japan. It is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture, try some delicious food, and see some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo. With this guide, you should have everything you need to plan your tour and make it a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asakusa, Tokyo

Asakusa is a popular district located in the center of Tokyo, Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to Asakusa, you might have some questions to help you make the most of your experience. Here are some frequently asked questions about Asakusa:

1. What is the history of Asakusa?

Asakusa was historically the center of Tokyo’s “low city,” where common people lived and worked, as opposed to the upper-class residents of the “high city” around the Imperial Palace. Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, has been around since the 7th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. Asakusa was also a popular entertainment district during the Edo period (1603-1868), where visitors could enjoy kabuki theater, geisha performances, and other forms of traditional entertainment.

2. What are some popular attractions in Asakusa?

Sensoji Temple is the most famous attraction in Asakusa. It’s a Buddhist temple that features a large gate (Kaminarimon) with a giant red lantern and a long shopping street (Nakamise-dori) leading up to the temple. Visitors can buy souvenirs, snacks, and traditional Japanese goods along the way. Other popular attractions in Asakusa include: – Tokyo Skytree: a large tower with observation decks offering panoramic views of Tokyo. – Asakusa Shrine: a Shinto shrine located adjacent to Sensoji Temple. – Rokku Entertainment District: a historic area featuring traditional theaters, geisha houses, and restaurants.

3. What is the best way to get to Asakusa?

Asakusa is located in central Tokyo and is easily accessible by public transportation. The most convenient way to get to Asakusa is via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, which stops at Asakusa Station. The Toei Asakusa Line also stops at Asakusa Station. If you’re coming from Narita Airport, the most convenient way to get to Asakusa is via the Skyliner express train, which goes directly to Ueno Station, where you can transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

4. What is the best time to visit Asakusa?

Asakusa is a popular destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re interested in. If you want to experience the traditional side of Asakusa, the best time to visit is during one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Sanja Matsuri in May or the Asakusa Samba Carnival in August. If you prefer fewer crowds and milder weather, consider visiting in the fall (September-November) or spring (March-May).

5. What is the food like in Asakusa?

Asakusa is known for its street food and traditional Japanese snacks. One must-try food in Asakusa is the “senbei,” a type of Japanese rice cracker that comes in various flavors like soy sauce, seaweed, and shrimp. Other popular snacks include “manju,” small cakes filled with sweet bean paste, and “taiyaki,” fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet fillings like custard or red bean paste. Asakusa also has many restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine, including sushi, tempura, and soba noodles.

6. What is the nightlife like in Asakusa?

Asakusa is not known for its nightlife scene, but there are still plenty of bars and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) to choose from. One popular spot is Hoppy Street, a narrow alley lined with outdoor bars serving cheap drinks and snacks. Asakusa also has many restaurants that stay open late serving traditional Japanese cuisine, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and ramen.

7. What are some cultural customs and etiquette to be aware of in Asakusa?

Asakusa is a traditional district, so it’s important to be respectful of Japanese customs and etiquette. When visiting temples, it’s customary to bow before entering the main hall and to cleanse your hands and mouth with water before praying. It’s also considered impolite to eat or drink while walking outside, so be sure to finish your snacks before exploring the area. Finally, it’s important to be mindful of noise levels and to avoid littering or smoking in public areas. In conclusion, Asakusa is a must-visit location in Tokyo for those interested in experiencing traditional Japanese culture and cuisine. Be sure to plan your trip in advance and take note of these frequently asked questions for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Asakusa

Asakusa, situated in the Taito ward of Tokyo, is a popular destination for tourists seeking a taste of Japan’s rich culture and heritage. The area is known for its traditional temples, bustling shopping streets, and delicious street food. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the most of your time in Asakusa.

Getting to Asakusa

Asakusa is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Subway Asakusa Line, or the Tobu Skytree Line to reach Asakusa station.

Things to Do in Asakusa

1. Visit the Sensoji Temple

Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is a must-visit destination in Asakusa. The temple is one of the oldest in Japan, dating back to the year 628. As you enter the temple grounds, you will pass through the Kaminarimon gate, which features a towering red lantern. Walk down Nakamise-dori, a 250-meter shopping street lined with vendors selling souvenirs and delicious local snacks, before reaching the main hall of the temple.

2. Take a Stroll in the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center

The Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center is located just across the street from the Sensoji Temple. The building has a unique design that blends traditional and modern architectural styles. Visitors can take the elevator to the top floor for a stunning view of the Tokyo skyline, or stop by the Asakusa Information Center to get detailed information on Asakusa’s attractions.

3. Watch a Traditional Japanese Performance

Asakusa is home to a number of theatres where you can watch traditional Japanese performances such as kabuki, rakugo, and taiko drumming. One of the most popular theatres is the Asakusa Engei Hall, which stages daily performances of rakugo, a type of comedic storytelling.

4. Explore the Sumida River

The Sumida River runs through Asakusa and is a great place to take a relaxing boat ride. You can board a riverboat from Asakusa Pier and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise down the river. The Sumida River also offers a great view of Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan.

5. Try Local Street Food

Asakusa is known for its delicious street food, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular choices include: – Melonpan (sweet bread) – Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) – Taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste) – Imagawayaki (pancakes filled with sweet bean paste) You can find food stalls selling these delicacies on Nakamise-dori and in the surrounding streets.

Where to Stay in Asakusa

Asakusa has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Here are some recommendations:

Budget Option:

Khaosan Tokyo Origami is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. The hostel is located just a 5-minute walk from the Asakusa station and offers both dormitory and private rooms.

Mid-Range Option:

Asakusa Central Hotel is a comfortable hotel located just a 3-minute walk from the Sensoji Temple. The hotel offers a variety of room types and has a restaurant on-site.

Luxury Option:

The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic is a 4-star hotel that offers luxurious rooms and stunning views of the Tokyo skyline. The hotel is located just a 2-minute walk from the Kaminarimon gate of the Sensoji Temple.

Final Thoughts

Asakusa is a great destination for anyone interested in Japan’s rich culture and heritage. From the Sensoji Temple to the delicious street food, there is something for everyone in Asakusa. Make sure to plan your visit in advance and take advantage of the convenient public transportation options available to get around.