Asakusa in 12 ideas
Asakusa is the district in Taito, Tokyo, around the Buddhist temple Senso-ji. The temple, the neighbouring shrine and the shopping street are free to visit. Several other sights in the list charge a fee, and they are marked as such.
The list is a selection, not a ranking. Most of it sits within walking distance of the temple, and a few ideas, such as the water bus, take you further out. Prices are for 2026 and can change.
Temple, shrine, street and market
1. Senso-ji with its gates and pagoda
A Buddhist temple, free to visit. The grounds are open around the clock. The main hall is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to September and from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October to March. See the opening hours and the history.
2. Asakusa Shrine
A Shinto shrine right next to the temple, also free. It is a separate institution from Senso-ji. The shrine office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and until 4:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. It hosts the May festival described on our Sanja Matsuri page.
3. Nakamise-dori
The roughly 250 m street between Kaminarimon and the inner gate, lined with souvenir and snack shops. Opening times differ by shop. Buy a snack and eat it where the shop tells you to, not while walking. More on the Nakamise-dori page.
4. Kappabashi Kitchenware Town
A street of shops selling kitchen tools, tableware and realistic food models. You can walk there from Asakusa, and it also lies between Asakusa and Ueno. There are no set opening hours for the whole street, so check individual shops.
Our picks: Asakusa
On foot, by rickshaw or after dark around Senso-ji.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Senso-ji at night with izakaya stops
A local guide, an evening walk past Senso-ji and Nakamise, two drinks and street-food tastings, with a maximum of five guests. Getting there, extra food and drinks and tips cost extra.
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Asakusa by rickshaw with a local guide
A rickshaw ride with a local guide, from 30 minutes to about three hours depending on the option. Tips, snacks and drinks are extra.
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Two-hour walk through Asakusa and Senso-ji
Two hours with a guide through Asakusa, Senso-ji and Nakamise. Tips are not included.
Check availability →Asakusa tours and day trips
Guided walks, food tours and other ways to see Asakusa, with live prices and availability.
By the river and after dark
5. Sumida Park on the Taito side
Riverside paths with a view of the Skytree. Cherry blossom time is seasonal and can bring large crowds.
6. Hoppy-dori
A street of traditional izakaya, Japanese pubs, with outdoor seating. There is no shared entry fee or common opening schedule, so each place sets its own hours.
7. Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
The building stands opposite Kaminarimon. Its free viewing terrace on the 8th floor is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the information desk from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is open daily in general, but maintenance closures are possible.
8. Sumida water bus
TOKYO CRUISE boats leave from Asakusa. A one-way ticket costs JPY 1,000 to Hinode (about 40 minutes), JPY 1,180 to Hama-rikyu including entry to the garden (about 35 minutes) and JPY 2,000 to Odaiba (50 to 65 minutes, depending on the ship). Children pay JPY 500, JPY 470 and JPY 1,000 for the same trips. Reserve the Odaiba boat, and note that you cannot board at Hama-rikyu at the moment. Weather can change sailings, and these are one-way fares, not a round trip.
Rides, side streets and the tower
Paid and free ideas for a longer stay.
9. Hanayashiki
An amusement park with its own admission. Entry without rides costs JPY 1,600 for adults from junior high school age to 64, JPY 800 for children from 5 years up to primary school age and for seniors from 65, and is free for ages 0 to 4. A pass with entry plus rides is JPY 4,600 for adults and JPY 3,400 for children and seniors. It opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. depending on season and weather, and the last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
10. Denboin-dori
A side street crossing Nakamise-dori, about 200 m long, with local shops. The street is public. The Denboin garden next to it is a different matter and is normally closed.
11. A rickshaw ride
A paid ride through the streets near the gate, priced per vehicle and duration. See the rickshaw page for the fares from JPY 4,000.
12. Tokyo Skytree as a neighbour
The tower has viewing levels at 350 m and 450 m. The operator gives about 20 minutes on foot from the tower to Senso-ji. It is not part of the temple. Prices and tickets are on the Tokyo Skytree page.
How to combine them
Three ways to build a day.
Half a day
Ideas 1, 2 and 3 fit into a morning. Add the terrace of the Information Center (7) for a view over the roofs.
A full day
Start with the temple, walk to Kappabashi (4) at midday and return along Sumida Park (5) in the afternoon. Finish with an evening in Hoppy-dori (6).
With children
Hanayashiki (9) and the water bus (8) are the two ideas built for a family day. A kimono for the day is another option, see the kimono rental page.
If you have a second day in Tokyo, another part of the city has its own guide: see the best views in Shibuya.
Things to do in Asakusa: frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Asakusa besides the temple?
The Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise-dori, Kappabashi, Sumida Park, Hoppy-dori, the viewing terrace of the Information Center, a water bus ride, Hanayashiki, Denboin-dori, a rickshaw ride and the Skytree are listed above.
How much time do I need in Asakusa?
A morning covers the temple, the shrine and Nakamise-dori. A full day also fits Kappabashi, Sumida Park and an evening in Hoppy-dori.
Which sights in Asakusa are free?
Senso-ji, the Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise-dori, Sumida Park and the viewing terrace on the 8th floor of the Information Center are free. Hanayashiki, the water bus, the rickshaw and the Skytree charge a fee.
Can I walk from Asakusa to the Skytree?
Yes. The operator of the Skytree gives about 20 minutes on foot between the tower and Senso-ji.
Where does the water bus go from Asakusa?
To Hinode, Hama-rikyu and Odaiba, on TOKYO CRUISE boats. Fares are one way, from JPY 1,000 to JPY 2,000. Boarding at Hama-rikyu is not possible at the moment.