Asakusa’s Recommended Events & Festivals in September

3. Recommended Spots to Visit in Summer

Asakusa is full of energy in the summer, but the intense heat can be a challenge. Here are some recommended spots, from cool indoor facilities to places perfect for an evening stroll, so you can fully enjoy Asakusa’s summer charm.

3.1 Cool and Comfortable Indoor Facilities

Air-conditioned indoor facilities are essential for sightseeing on a hot day. These spots are perfect for taking a break from the heat.

• Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center: Located across from Kaminarimon Gate, this center is not only a tourist information hub but also a fantastic viewpoint. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, its 8th-floor observation terrace offers a free panoramic view of Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree. It’s a great place to take in the spectacular sights in air-conditioned comfort.

3.2 Enjoying the Summer Scenery Outdoors

As the daytime heat subsides in the evening, a stroll outside becomes much more pleasant. The breeze along the Sumida River and the views from the water offer a distinctly summer feeling.

• Sumida River Terrace: This riverside promenade is a favorite spot for locals. In the evening, you can enjoy the cool breeze coming off the water while admiring the beautifully lit Tokyo Skytree and Azuma-bashi Bridge. It’s a perfect way to escape the daytime crowds and spend a peaceful summer night.
• Yakatabune and Water Buses: The view from the Sumida River is completely different from the one on land, and being on the water feels cooler. A cruise on a yakatabune (traditional houseboat) or a water bus is an excellent option for summer sightseeing. You can choose a cruise based on your needs, with yakatabune being great for a leisurely dinner with beautiful night views, while water buses are a convenient way to travel while enjoying the scenery.

suijobus.co.jp

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4. Must-Try Gourmet Food in Summer

After a walk in the summer heat, nothing is better than a delicious meal to cool you down and re-energize you. Asakusa has a wide range of fantastic food, from chilled sweets to stamina-boosting eel. Here are some of the best places to eat in Asakusa during the summer.

4.1 Cool and Refreshing Sweets

When it comes to summer sweets in Japan, shaved ice and anmitsu are classics. Asakusa is home to many long-standing shops that stick to traditional methods. The light and fluffy shaved ice, or the homemade syrups, will make you forget about the heat with a single bite.

Shop Name	Specialty Sweets	Features
Asakusa Naniwaya	Shaved Ice	A popular shaved ice from a famous taiyaki shop. The homemade syrups with red bean paste and fresh fruit are exquisite.
Ume-zono Asakusa Main Store	Shaved Ice, Anmitsu	Founded in 1854, this long-established sweet shop is known for its traditional desserts, especially its Ujikintoki (matcha shaved ice) in summer.
Funawa Honten	Imoyokan Soft Serve	Enjoy the simple, gentle sweetness of Funawa’s famous sweet potato jelly in a soft serve cone.

4.2 Stamina-Boosting Eel Dishes

Eel has long been a popular summer food in Japan, believed to help combat summer fatigue. Asakusa is home to many famous eel restaurants, where skilled chefs prepare delicious dishes. The combination of a long-standing family sauce and plump, grilled eel is truly superb. It’s the perfect treat to regain your energy and beat the summer heat.

Shop Name	Features
Asakusa Unatetsu	Known for its fragrant charcoal-grilled eel. You can enjoy eel in various styles, including hitsumabushi.
Irokawa	A historic restaurant founded in 1861. Its refined, light sauce brings out the full flavor of the eel.
Hatsunaka	Known for its “Jiyaki” style, where the eel is grilled without being steamed. This results in a fragrant and firm texture. tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131102/13003702/↗

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