Let`s ride a houseboat in Tokyo! | Official reservation site
2023.05.17
Have you prepared for your trip to Asakusa? If not, let’s take a look at a perfect day here in this beautiful area.
Being one of a few places that can preserve the old tradition and the tranquil atmosphere of old Tokyo, Asakusa is a beloved spot.
However, it is not uncommon that visitors to get lost, both physically and metaphorically, in the sea of options in this wonderful destination. Hence, this guide is written.
Supported by not only the research we have conducted but also our love for Asakusa, we believe the Asakusa you are about to see in this article is a lovely one.
Kaminarimon gate – A long-lasting symbol of Asakusa
Getting out of the Asakusa station, it is not too difficult for you to already hear the sounds of waves of people around the Senso-ji Temple.
Turn to the right and take a little stroll, you will encounter one of the most prominent symbols in Asakusa, the Kaminarimon. Decorated by a giant Chochin – a traditional type of Japanese lantern – and two statues of the Shinto gods Fujin and Raijin, the gate carries a grandiose, yet welcoming appearance.
A short street but easier to be lost in than you might think
Usually, there would be many people, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying what is behind the gate.
Right there, carefully hidden behind the Kaminarimon is the Nakamise street, which leads straight to the Senso-ji Temple’s sanctum. Along the street, you will be surprised by the sheer number of shops selling all different types of items; from fans, yukata, and samurai swords to Ningyo Yaki, or rice crackers… it’s almost impossible to try everything here in one visit.
Even under the rain, Senso-Ji Temple still keeps its magnificent
Despite the appeal of the Nakamise, don’t forget to enter the Senso-ji Temple.
Completed in 645 as a dedication to the goddess of mercy in the Buddhist tradition – the Bodhisattva Kannon, Senso-ji Temple is the city’s oldest religious building.
Unfortunately, the original main hall was destroyed during World War II and was rebuilt soon after during the post-war period. Since then, Senso-ji Temple has not failed in attracting visitors from every corner of the world.
After visiting the temple, wandering around the surrounding streets to feel the contrasting vibrant ambience is a great option. There are not many places where you can experience the combination of energetic modern Japan and its traditional customs as in the streets of Asakusa.
Hope you still have a belly to eat after the wandering. No less appealing than Japanese culture is its culinary world. Let us take you to some hidden gems in Asakusa that are well-appreciated by the locals.
Experience the traditional flavour in a cosy atmosphere
Asakusa Okonomiyaki Sometaro is a casual and cosy restaurant that specializes in okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake that typically includes cabbage, meat or seafood, and other ingredients.
At Sometaro, the okonomiyaki is cooked on a hot griddle right at your table, giving you a fun and interactive dining experience. You can choose from a variety of toppings, including sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes, to customize your okonomiyaki to your liking. In addition to the traditional okonomiyaki, Sometaro also offers other Japanese dishes such as yakisoba and takoyaki.
The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere with retro decor, and it’s located on a narrow street near the Kaminarimon Gate, which is one of the main entrances to the Sensoji Temple.
Address: 2 Chome-2-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035
Look no further for your tempura craving
Aoi Marushin is a cosy and traditional Japanese restaurant that has been serving tempura since 1946.
The restaurant prides itself on using only the highest quality ingredients and preparing each piece with care. The menu has numerous options for you to choose from. Plus, they always new “menu of the month”. English and Chinese menus are also available
With wooden tables and counters and traditional Japanese décor, the ambience inside the restaurant is rustic and appealing. The staff is nice and inviting, and the restaurant is an excellent place to reenergize for the journey ahead.
Address: 1 Chome-4-4 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
Where bento boxes are not just a normal daily food
Delica Paku Paku is a bento shop in Asakusa that offers a wide variety of delicious Japanese tastes.
Their bento boxes are made with high-quality ingredients, such as fresh grilled meats and seafood, tempura, and many different side dishes. They have a salad bar where customers can make their own salad and choose from a variety of dressings.
Not stopping there, Delica Paku Paku have something special waiting for you. For around 500-600 yen, you can get a huge onigiri that can weigh up to 1 kilogram. We are sure you will be full after that.
Even though there is no place to seat, it can be considered the perfect option for those who want to keep pacing around Asakusa. If you are the same as us, we suggest you come here, grab an onigiri, and continue your exploration.
Now, being refreshed after a wonderful, let’s continue our trip.
Asakusa’s culture centre: A vibrant hub of tradition and art.
While you are in the area, be sure to stop by the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center.
Not too far from the Senso-ji Temple, this building offers a wide range of services and experiences. In 8 floors, 5 of which are used for providing services such as foreign currency exchange, a travel information corner… and 3 top floors for the experience.
Once in a while, there would be traditional events hosted on the 6th floor. The 7th floor is more stable with its dedication to exhibitions revealing the historical and cultural aspects of Asakusa.
Understandably, what you are most interested in would be the 8th floor. Walking out of the elevator, the space suddenly expands in all directions with a panoramic view of the city. From the wide-open streets of Asakusa on one side to the imposing Tokyo Skytree on another.
If you fall in love with the view and don’t want to leave just yet, there is a small coffee shop with delicious coffee and pastries to try.
To appreciate the profound influence of Hokusai on Japanese art.
After that, consider visiting the Sumida Hokusai Museum to view the creations of renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.
With more than 1,800 of Hokusai’s paintings, including the well-known “Great Wave off Kanagawa,” on display, it’s no exaggeration to say that Sumida Hokusai Museum is a paradise for art lovers.
Immersing in the peaceful atmosphere draping the district
When the light starts turning yellow as the day rolls into dusk, meandering alongside the Sumida River is outright magical. If you are tired, take a sit and let the winds carry it away.
To complete a day in Asakusa, especially after walking around, why don’t you come to enjoy a time with us, on a Yakatabune trip?
When talking about the Sumida River, most people think of an important waterway, functioning as a transit centre and providing water to the city’s population. And it is true. However, with the assistance of Yakatabune, the Sumida River becomes more than that.
An artistic environment to end a cultural journey
Getting on a Yakatabune, which slowly flows alongside the water, should you be exposed to a unique standpoint that you can’t find anywhere in Asakusa, in the heart of this historical district.
Here, with the banquet of traditional Japanese food such as tempura, sashimi, chawanmushi, and monjayaki…leisurely you detach from the bustling world of Tokyo, and shift toward a covert treasure of Japan – the subtle charming of the Edo era. It has always been there waiting for the ones who look closely enough.
Or it can totally be the opposite if that’s what you prefer.
Gather some friends and get on the boat, and have the boat for yourself. No strangers, no restrictions, just expressing yourself and having fun with people you love. To add some spice to the night, make sure you choose one from a list of provided performances such as taiko drum, traditional dance shows, tuna cutting, or even ninja performances.
A night like this won’t fail to be remarkable in your memories. Where else there is an atmosphere as Japanesque with all the barriers lifted?
As the world progresses, it becomes increasingly rare to encounter cultural aspects of things, and Japan is also not an exception.
Even though this is just 1 way of experiencing this magnificent area of Tokyo, it is the pathway to traditional Japan that you are looking for.
