Thorough Guide to Popular and Latest Recommended Spots for Foreign Tourists in Asakusa

3. Hidden & Latest Popular Spots in Asakusa That Foreigners Want to Know

The charm of Asakusa isn’t limited to its well-known landmarks. Here, we introduce the latest spots where you can experience Asakusa more deeply, stepping beyond the usual tourist routes, as well as hidden gems recommended for seasoned travelers.

3.1 Free Observation Terrace at Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center

The “Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center,” located right across from Kaminarimon, is a sightseeing information center designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Its distinctive exterior, made extensively of wood, is a sight in itself. Inside, multilingual tourist information and brochures are available, making it an excellent resource for travel info.

The main attraction of this building is the free observation terrace on the 8th floor. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lively Nakamise Street, the majestic main hall of Senso-ji, and the modern Tokyo Skytree—an exquisite blend of old and new Tokyo. The facility also has a cafe, making it a popular spot to relax during your stroll.

Item	Details
Location	📍2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo
Opening Hours	9:00–22:00 (Information counter open until 20:00)
Closed Days	Open year-round

3.2 Experience Japan’s Food Culture at Kappabashi Kitchenware District

Located between Asakusa and Ueno, “Kappabashi Kitchenware District” is a wholesale area dealing in professional-grade cooking utensils and tableware. Over 170 specialty stores line the approximately 800-meter street, allowing visitors to deeply experience Japan’s rich culinary culture just by walking around.

Recently, food samples that look almost identical to real dishes have become especially popular among foreign tourists. Samples of sushi, tempura, ramen, and other iconic Japanese dishes are highly appreciated as souvenirs. High-quality Japanese knives and beautiful tableware are also gaining attention for their functionality and design.

📍Kappabashi Kitchenware District

3.3 New Gourmet Spot Merging Food and Festivals: Asakusa Yokochō

Opened in July 2022, “Asakusa Yokochō” is a new gourmet spot themed around “food and festivals.” Stepping inside, you’ll find a lively space reminiscent of a festival. Seven restaurants serving Japanese flavors like sushi, yakitori, and eel are gathered here, perfect for street food tasting.

The unique feature of this facility is that you can enjoy Japanese festival culture while dining. On weekends, performances such as Yosakoi and Awa Odori are held, allowing visitors to experience Japan’s vibrant culture. There’s also a kimono rental shop, so you can enjoy the festival atmosphere in traditional attire.

📍Asakusa Yokochō

4. Creating Memories: Popular Experience Spots in Asakusa for Foreigners

To deepen your connection with Asakusa’s charm, it’s not enough to just sightsee—you should also immerse yourself in cultural experiences. Here, we introduce popular activities that create unforgettable memories beyond just sightseeing.

4.1 Walking the Town in Kimono Rental

Wearing a traditional kimono and strolling through the historic streets of Asakusa is highly attractive to foreign tourists. The colorful kimonos look stunning against the majestic architecture of Senso-ji and the nostalgic atmosphere of the downtown area. It’s popular to take picturesque photos from any angle. Even if you visit empty-handed, you can rely on staff for dressing and hairstyling, making it easy to experience Japan’s traditional beauty.

4.2 Elegant Asakusa Tour by Rickshaw

Riding in a rickshaw pulled skillfully by a “shafu” (driver) allows you to comfortably explore the lively streets of Asakusa. The view from a higher perspective is refreshing, and you can discover narrow alleys and hidden spots that are hard to see on foot. Enjoy conversations with the rickshaw puller and learn more about Asakusa’s history and culture. They are also happy to take photos, making your trip’s memories even more vivid.

4.3 Authentic Food Sample Making Experience

Creating food samples, a unique craft born from Japan’s food culture, makes for an unforgettable memory. Making realistic tempura or parfaits by hand is a fun time filled with surprise and creativity. The finished pieces can be taken home as one-of-a-kind souvenirs, reminding you of Japan’s fun even after your trip.

Type of Experience	Main Attractions	Recommended Enjoyment
Kimono Rental	Wear traditional Japanese clothing and stroll with a non-ordinary feeling. Great for photos.	Take commemorative photos with historic buildings like Senso-ji or Nakamise Street as backgrounds.
Rickshaw	Enjoy efficient and comfortable sightseeing while listening to the guide’s explanations.	Get guided to photo spots you might not find on your own and take special photos.
Food Sample Making	Experience Japan’s unique culture and create your own original souvenirs.	Compare your finished sample with real dishes and enjoy photographing the intricate details.

5. Popular Gourmet Spots in Asakusa for Foreigners

Asakusa is not only rich in historic sightseeing spots but also a treasure trove of food culture. From traditional Japanese cuisine to casual street food, the area offers a variety of flavors that attract many visitors. Here, we introduce some of Asakusa’s most popular gourmet spots loved by international tourists.

5.1 Classic to Latest Street Food

Centered around Nakamise Street, Asakusa is filled with tempting street foods. These easy-to-eat treats are perfect companions for walking around. From traditional Japanese sweets to trendy new desserts, the variety is one of the reasons for its popularity.

〇 Asakusa Menchi

Freshly fried, piping hot menchi-katsu (ground meat cutlet) is juicy and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a quick snack, best enjoyed right on the spot. On weekends, it’s so popular that lines often form.

〇 Jumbo Melon Pan

The Jumbo Melon Pan at “Asakusa Kagetsudo” is characterized by its face-sized, large size. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior make it unforgettable. There’s also a popular menu that sandwiches warm melon bread with cold ice cream.

〇 Matcha Sweets

Matcha-flavored sweets, a quintessential Japanese taste, are very popular among international visitors. Especially at “Juyuan,” you can taste the world’s richest matcha gelato. Its deep green color and authentic flavor make it a special memory of your trip. Visually stunning, it’s a perfect souvenir.

〇 Fried Manju

Fried manju at “Asakusa Kokonoe” in Nakamise Street is a local specialty, with various fillings like red bean, matcha, and custard wrapped in a thin batter and fried. The crispy outside and moist inside create a delightful texture.

Gourmet Name	Features
Asakusa Menchi	Juicy, flavorful ground meat cutlet.
Jumbo Melon Pan	Large, face-sized melon bread with crispy crust and fluffy interior.
Matcha Sweets	Rich-flavored gelato and crepes with deep matcha taste.
Fried Manju	Crispy outside, moist inside, with various fillings.

5.2 Authentic Japanese Cuisine: Tempura & Eel

Many long-established restaurants in Asakusa have preserved traditional Japanese flavors since the Edo period. For a more special dining experience, authentic Japanese cuisine at historic and reputable restaurants is highly recommended.

〇 Tempura

“Edo-style tempura” fried in sesame oil, known for its fragrant aroma, is one of Asakusa’s signature flavors. The famous “Daikokuya Tempura” offers tempura donburi topped with large shrimp tempura that overflows from the bowl, creating a visual impact. The tempura soaked in a sweet and savory secret sauce pairs perfectly with rice.

〇 Eel

Close to the Sumida River, Asakusa has many renowned eel restaurants. Established in 1861, “Irokawa” serves fluffy, tender kabayaki grilled with a secret sauce. The deep flavor created by traditional techniques and secret recipes makes for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Dishes	Representative Restaurants	Features
Tempura	Daikokuya Tempura, Tempura Nakasei	Fragrant Edo-style tempura fried in sesame oil
Eel	Irokawa, Komagata Maekawa	Grilled with a secret sauce passed down through generations

6. Summary

This article introduced popular spots in Asakusa loved by foreign tourists. The reason Asakusa attracts people worldwide is its harmonious blend of historic structures like Kaminarimon and Senso-ji with lively downtown streets such as Nakamise and Hoppy Street. Additionally, experiences like kimono walks and rickshaw rides, along with the latest street foods and authentic Japanese cuisine, showcase the old and new charms of Asakusa. Use this guide to create your own wonderful memories in Asakusa.