5 Ways to Enjoy the Night in Asakusa | Illumination, Houseboat Dinner, Hidden Izakaya

Beyond the daytime bustle, Asakusa reveals a tranquil and serene side at night. This article introduces five superb ways to enjoy an evening away from the crowds, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated experience. From enchanting illuminations to hidden izakayas known only to locals and special bars, you’ll discover the lesser-known charms of Asakusa after dark. Read on to find your perfect plan for a memorable night.

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1. The Charms of a Nighttime Stroll: Asakusa’s Different Face

During the day, Asakusa is a vibrant hub of activity, with people crowding Kaminarimon and Nakamise-dori Street. But as the sun sets and the lanterns are lit, the city transforms, taking on a completely different, more subdued and mature character. The temple grounds become peacefully quiet, a stark contrast to the daytime hustle, and magnificent buildings are bathed in a soft orange glow. Hidden gems tucked away in the backstreets also come to life. These elements combine to create a truly special experience, unique to a nighttime stroll in Asakusa.

You can truly feel the elegant, traditional culture that has continued since the Edo period in the quiet hours after the tourists have left.

Time of Day	Main Atmosphere	Recommended Activities
Day	Lively and bustling	Eating along Nakamise-dori, visiting temples and shrines
Night	Peaceful and magical	Viewing illuminations, dining at a hidden gem, enjoying nightscapes

This article offers a curated guide to enjoying Asakusa’s nightlife, for a more discerning, adult audience. Escape the noise and have an unforgettable time in the enchanting nighttime streets of Asakusa.

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2. Method 1: Quietly Enjoy the Magical Illuminations of Senso-ji Temple

The best way to start a quiet evening in Asakusa is with a stroll around Senso-ji Temple, beautifully lit up after the daytime crowds have dispersed. The majestic main hall and pagoda, glowing in the darkness, create an atmosphere of tranquility and fantasy that calms the mind. Why not begin your evening by discovering this hidden charm of Asakusa?

2.1 The Beautiful View of the Five-Story Pagoda and Hozomon Gate

Senso-ji Temple’s illuminations take place every day from sunset until around 11:00 PM. The sights you won’t want to miss are the Hozomon Gate and the Five-Story Pagoda. The gate, lit by a soft glow, is breathtakingly imposing, with the shadows of the Nio guardians adding to its dramatic presence. Beyond it, the Five-Story Pagoda shines brilliantly red against the night sky, making it an iconic symbol of Asakusa after dark. The sky’s color changes with the season and time, offering a new view with every visit. You can check the detailed schedule on the official Senso-ji Temple website.

2.2 Best Times and Photo Spots to Avoid Crowds

To fully enjoy this magical scenery in peace, timing and location are key. The best time to go is after 9:00 PM, once the temple is closed and the crowds have thinned. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy your walk and take photos. Here are a few recommended spots:

Time of Day	Recommended Spot	Features
After 9:00 PM	In front of Hozomon Gate	You can capture both the Five-Story Pagoda and the gate in a single frame. With fewer people, it’s easier to set up a tripod for photos.
After 10:00 PM	View from Denpoin-dori Street	Offers a picturesque composition of the glowing Five-Story Pagoda rising above the traditional cityscape. The streetlights also make for a nice accent.
Anytime	The West Approach to Senso-ji	A relatively quiet area where you can peacefully admire the pagoda from the western side of the temple grounds. It’s a perfect hidden spot to just take a moment and relax.

While you can’t enter the main hall to pray, taking a leisurely stroll through the temple grounds and admiring the intricate details of the illuminated buildings is a truly special experience, completely different from a daytime visit.

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3. Method 2: Have a Drink at a Hidden Izakaya Known to Locals

When you think of Asakusa’s nightlife, the bustling Hoppy Dori might come to mind. But just a short walk away from the noise, in the narrow backstreets and the “Kannon-ura” area behind Senso-ji Temple, you’ll find a trove of hidden, adult-friendly izakayas cherished by locals. Here, we introduce some of the best spots where you can enjoy food and drinks in a calm, intimate setting, far from the tourist crowds.

3.1 Discover Hidden Gems in the Kannon-ura Area

The area behind Senso-ji, past Kototoi-dori Street, is known as “Kannon-ura.” This neighborhood retains the strong character of its past as a red-light district, with a peaceful streetscape. It’s a place where you’ll find elegant restaurants and traditional teahouses, and many of the best spots for a quiet evening are hidden here.

A Japanese Restaurant with a Great Selection of Sake

For a night dedicated to enjoying sake, we recommend a Japanese restaurant that offers a carefully curated selection of fine sake paired with delicious appetizers. The master’s dedication to their craft will make your trip even more memorable.

• Sake no Mise Mokkiri in the Kannon-ura area is one such place, where you can enjoy rare local sake from all over Japan. Their seasonal sake selection and meticulously prepared Japanese dishes attract many sake lovers. Take a seat at the cozy counter and ask the owner for a recommendation.

Restaurant	Features
Sake no Mise Mokkiri	Enjoy a wide selection of local sake and seasonal Japanese cuisine in a calm atmosphere.

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