Enjoying Exquisite Shaved Ice in Asakusa! Top 6 Local Favorites Part 2

3. Recommended Times to Enjoy Shaved Ice in Asakusa and Tips to Avoid Crowds

3.1 Morning to Early Afternoon is the Recommended Time to Visit

Shaved ice shops in Asakusa are popular among tourists and locals alike, regardless of the season. Therefore, to enjoy shaved ice leisurely without the crowds, ‘from morning until about 1 PM’ is recommended. Especially right after opening, there’s a higher chance that seats are available, and you can often enter without having to wait in line.

After lunchtime, from 2 PM onwards, the number of visitors increases due to cafe use and tourists returning from sightseeing, especially during the summer months from July to September, when lines can form. It’s not uncommon to wait for more than 30 minutes at popular shops. If you want to visit during a cooler time of day and minimize waiting time, the morning is recommended.

Moreover, more shaved ice shops are operating year-round, and weekdays from autumn to spring tend to be relatively less crowded. Visiting off-season can still offer a full experience of exquisite shaved ice.

3.2 Tips to Avoid Crowds on Weekends and Holidays

Asakusa is bustling with people from both Japan and abroad on weekends and holidays. Especially around Nakamise Street and the Thunder Gate, which are tourist spots, popular shaved ice shops also reach their peak of congestion, so please be cautious.

If you plan to enjoy shaved ice in Asakusa on weekends or holidays, it’s advisable to have multiple shops in mind. If the first shop is too crowded, you can quickly switch to another shop, avoiding long waits in the heat.

Also, checking SNS and Google Maps for reviews and crowd status in advance can help you understand the real-time crowd situation and make your shop visits more efficient.

Season	Day of the Week	Crowd Level	Recommended Action
July to September	Weekends and Holidays	Very Crowded	Arrive before opening or target weekday mornings
July to September	Weekdays	Somewhat Crowded	Visiting from morning to 1 PM is ideal
October to June	Weekends and Holidays	Moderately Crowded	Securing an early time should be fine
October to June	Weekdays	Relatively Empty	Free to visit with easy seating

3.3 Checking for Reservations and Ticket Systems is Also Important

Recently, due to the shaved ice boom, some shops have introduced reservation systems or ticket systems. Especially in small, hidden gem shops or those quietly situated in residential areas, preparation can significantly affect the quality of the experience.

Whether reservations are possible can be most reliably checked by consulting the official website or SNS (Instagram, X, etc.) for the latest information. ‘Distribution of tickets for the next day from noon the day before’ or ‘First-come, first-served on the day only’ are examples of rules that vary by shop, so planned actions are required.

Even if you plan to stop by while sightseeing, if the shop allows phone inquiries about availability, it’s also recommended to call in advance. To fully enjoy the charms of Asakusa within a limited stay, a prior check is essential.

4. Tourist Spots to Enjoy Alongside Asakusa’s Shaved Ice

4.1 Visiting Sensoji Temple and Snacking Along Nakamise Street

After enjoying shaved ice in Asakusa, visiting ‘Sensoji Temple’, one of Tokyo’s leading tourist attractions, is recommended. Just beyond the Thunder Gate, you can snack on traditional Japanese sweets like rice crackers, ningyo-yaki, and fried manju along Nakamise Street, which has an authentic Asakusa atmosphere. With a variety of wind chimes, fans, and traditional Japanese goods for souvenirs, the colorful scene is popular among foreign tourists as well. The ambiance of Asakusa will soothingly permeate your body cooled by shaved ice.

4.2 Strolling Along the Sumida River and Viewing the Skytree

The Sumida River, located a short distance from Asakusa Station, offers a location filled with scenic beauty and a refreshing atmosphere. Along the river, there are cherry blossoms and wisteria trellises, making it an especially recommended walking course from spring to early summer. From the Sumida River Terrace, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Tokyo Skytree, making it a perfect spot for taking photos. At dusk, the illuminated Skytree and the gentle river breeze provide a soothing end to your walk.

4.3 Retro Experiences in the Asakusa Rokku Area

Just a step further, you’ll reach the Asakusa Rokku area, where entertainment and culture flourished from the late Meiji period to the early Showa period. Here, you can find the Asakusa Engei Hall and Asakusa Toyo-kan, historic theaters where the scent of popular culture and performances like rakugo and manzai comedy are still present. Recently, cafes and shops that cherish a retro feel have increased, allowing you to enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere. This area, somewhat nostalgic yet feeling new, tells the profound story of Asakusa along with cold shaved ice.

4.4 A Moment to Return to Childhood at Hanayashiki

Behind Sensoji Temple lies ‘Hanayashiki’, Japan’s oldest amusement park. Its compact space is filled with retro attractions that excite even adults with their unique charm. As a place to visit after a refreshing shaved ice, the playful Hanayashiki fits perfectly. It is beloved by a wide range of ages, from young couples to families with small children, making your Asakusa sightseeing an even more enjoyable memory.

4.5 Experiencing Matchmaking and Maneki-neko at Imado Shrine

Located on the east side of Asakusa, Imado Shrine is known as the birthplace of the Maneki-neko and has recently gained attention as a shrine with benefits for matchmaking. Cute Maneki-neko statues are enshrined throughout the grounds, making it an irresistible power spot for cat lovers. Visiting here feels like a small trip after enjoying shaved ice. The access along the river also offers a scenic walking route.

4.6 Touching the Showa Era Atmosphere on Hoppy Street

Just a short walk west of the Thunder Gate, Hoppy Street retains the atmosphere of the post-war black market, an area dense with nostalgic public bars. The lively voices during the day and the smells of yakitori and stewed dishes stimulate the appetite. After enjoying sweet shaved ice, this area offers a taste of Asakusa’s deep side. With a beer or Hoppy in hand, meeting the friendly locals of Asakusa will surely become a memorable part of your trip.

4.7 Experiencing the Changing Seasons at Sumida Park

Sumida Park, along the Sumida River, is famous for its cherry blossoms, but it’s also an urban oasis where you can enjoy the natural beauty of each season. Sitting on a bench and gazing at the Skytree while holding shaved ice is a moment that makes you forget time. Especially in the evening, the light reflecting on the river creates a travel-worthy scene. It’s also an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll while chatting.

4.8 Souvenir Shopping at Thunder Crackers and Japanese Goods Shops

When visiting Asakusa, don’t forget to shop for souvenirs at traditional Japanese confectionery shops and goods stores. Along Nakamise Street and Denpoin Street, you’ll find Thunder Crackers, sweet potato yokan, Japanese tea, and hand towels, items overflowing with Japanese charm. Recently, shops incorporating modern Asakusa styles and Showa retro stationery stores have also appeared, making even window shopping an enjoyable time. It’s the perfect walking course after cooling down with shaved ice.

4.9 List of Nearby Tourist Spots: Distance, Recommendation Level, Estimated Time Required

Spot Name	Distance from Asakusa Station	Recommendation Level	Estimated Time Required
Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Street	3-minute walk	★★★★★	60 minutes
Sumida River Terrace & Skytree View	10-minute walk	★★★★☆	40 minutes
Asakusa Rokku	7-minute walk	★★★★☆	30 to 60 minutes
Hanayashiki	5-minute walk	★★★☆☆	30 to 90 minutes
Imado Shrine	20-minute walk	★★★☆☆	30 minutes
Hoppy Street	3-minute walk	★★★★☆	20 to 60 minutes
Sumida Park	8-minute walk	★★★★☆	20 to 40 minutes
Japanese Goods & Souvenir Shops	Scattered around	★★★★★	30 to 60 minutes

5. Summary

Asakusa is home to a variety of unique shaved ice shops where you can enjoy history and atmosphere. From long-established Japanese confectionery shops to fruit parlors and internationally diverse cafes, each visit brings new discoveries. Targeting the time from morning to early afternoon allows you to enjoy the flavors leisurely while avoiding crowds. Combine it with sightseeing to enjoy Asakusa’s shaved ice year-round.