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Warm from the Inside Out! A Winter Asakusa Gourmet Trip Featuring Delicious Food Stalls & Lunch Highlights

During a cold winter stroll in Asakusa, you probably want to warm your body with something delicious. In this article, we have carefully selected and introduced exquisite gourmet foods that you can only enjoy in winter in Asakusa, satisfying both your mind and body. From the must-try hot food stalls on Nakamise Street to relaxing, warm lunches inside long-established shops, we cover all the information to make your winter Asakusa gourmet trip the best ever. Use this feature as a guide and enjoy a memorable winter gourmet journey in Asakusa.

1. Things to Know Before Your Winter Gourmet Trip in Asakusa

1.1 The Unique Charm and Ways to Enjoy Asakusa in Winter

Winter in Asakusa is a a special season where you can feel the traditional downtown atmosphere more deeply amidst the crisp air. The air is clear, and the view of Tokyo Skytree from Senso-ji Temple grounds offers a beauty not seen in other seasons. As the sun sets, the temple grounds and the five-storied pagoda are illuminated, creating a magical scenery to enjoy.

At year-end, the area is lively with New Year’s fairs like the “Hagoita Market,” and after the New Year, it is bustling with visitors for Hatsumode. Additionally, dressing in warm kimono and strolling through the historic streets is a winter-only way to enjoy Asakusa. When exploring, make sure to dress warmly with shawls, haori, and thermal innerwear to ensure a comfortable gourmet trip.

1.2 Manners and Cautions for Food Stalls

Food stalls in Asakusa are one of the highlights of the trip, but since the area is crowded with tourists, it’s important to be considerate of others and follow proper manners. Especially on Nakamise Street, there are calls to refrain from eating while walking. Keep these points in mind to enjoy your experience pleasantly.

Manners PointsDetails
Eating LocationRefrain from eating while walking; instead, eat near the shop where you purchased or in designated eat-in spaces. Avoid stopping in front of other shops or in places that block the passage.
Trash DisposalDispose of containers and skewers in the trash bins of the shop where you bought them or take them home. To keep the town beautiful, never litter.
Consideration During CrowdsBe especially careful not to suddenly stop or block the path in crowded areas like Nakamise Street. Be mindful of the flow of people around you and enjoy safely.

Following these manners helps preserve Asakusa’s beautiful streets and culture, ensuring everyone can enjoy comfortably. Follow the rules and create wonderful memories of your gourmet experience.

2. [Food Stall Edition] Delicious Warm Gourmet Foods to Enjoy in Winter in Asakusa

We introduce exquisite food stall gourmet foods that will warm your body during your winter stroll in Asakusa. From steaming classic sweets to perfect snacks for a quick bite, and warm drinks that soothe both body and mind, enjoy our carefully selected specialties.

2.1 Must-Try Hot Gourmet Foods on Nakamise Street

Nakamise Street leading to Senso-ji Temple is a treasure trove of food stalls. Among many shops, we introduce two long-loved specialties perfect for the cold season.

〇 Asakusa Kokonoe’s Fried Manju

The bustling shop on Nakamise Street is “Asakusa Kokonoe,” a specialty shop for fried manju. The manju fried fresh in front of you features a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Besides the classic red bean paste and crushed bean varieties, there are also matcha, sweet potato, and custard flavors, offering new tastes with each visit. Enjoy the hot, freshly fried manju made with premium sesame oil to warm your core.

LocationInfo
1-7-12 Kaminarimon, Taito City, TokyoLive frying, wide flavor selection

〇 Asakusa Kibi Dango Azuma’s Kibi Dango

At “Asakusa Kibi Dango Azuma,” you can enjoy freshly made kibi dango that recreate the flavors of the Edo period. The small, cute dumplings coated generously with kinako (roasted soybean flour) have a simple, nostalgic taste. Warm kibi dango made to order is especially delicious in winter’s cold. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the live demonstration while savoring this comforting sweet.

LocationInfo
1-18-1 Asakusa, Taito City, TokyoLive demonstration, offers amazake in winter

2.2 Perfect Snacks for When You’re Slightly Hungry! Salty Food Stalls

For a quick snack between sweets or when you’re a little hungry, salty foods are also part of Asakusa’s charm. We introduce two popular items with irresistible aroma of freshly fried goodness.

〇 Asakusa Menchi’s Original Round Menchi Katsu

“Asakusa Menchi” is known as a new local specialty with a long line of visitors every day. Using carefully selected Kōza pork, their menchi katsu has a juicy filling and crispy coating. The juicy meat juice overflows from the crispy breading, and it’s delicious even without any condiments. Enjoy it hot for the best experience, and be prepared to be impressed by its flavor.

LocationInfo
2-3-3 Kaminarimon, Taito City, TokyoJuicy menchi katsu overflowing with meat juice

〇 Toyofuku’s Black Wagyu Beef Curry Bread

“Toyofuku”’s curry bread is a luxurious, authentic dish made with black Wagyu beef. The spicy curry and meltingly tender beef are wrapped in chewy bread dough. The curry, simmered for 8 hours, boasts a rich depth of flavor. Enjoy it hot and freshly fried for a satisfying experience that warms both body and soul.

LocationInfo
2-3-4 Asakusa, Taito City, TokyoLuxurious curry bread with black Wagyu beef

2.3 Warming Drinks to Heat You from the Inside in Winter

How about some delicious drinks to warm your fingertips after exploring? From enjoying with taiyaki and amazake to authentic matcha latte, find a comforting cup that suits you.

〇 Juyuki-en’s Rich Matcha Latte

The tea specialty shop “Juyuki-en” is famous for its “world’s richest” matcha gelato, but in winter, they also serve warm drinks. Their authentic, rich matcha latte made with high-quality matcha offers a fragrant aroma, slight bitterness, and a smooth milkiness. Like their gelato, which allows you to choose the strength of the matcha, you can enjoy the high-quality flavor of real matcha. Indulge in a luxurious moment with genuine taste.

LocationInfo
3-4-3 Asakusa, Taito City, TokyoTraditional tea shop making authentic matcha drinks

3. [In-Store Lunch Edition] Enjoy Winter Asakusa Gourmet at Your Leisure

If you want to warm your cold body during your winter stroll in Asakusa, we recommend enjoying lunch inside a shop at a relaxed pace. From long-established traditional flavors to hearty meat dishes and comforting noodles, we introduce exquisite gourmet foods unique to Asakusa.

3.1 Savor Traditional Japanese Cuisine with Long-Established Taste

The long-standing shops that have walked with Asakusa’s history gently warm the hearts and bodies of visitors. Experience the skill of artisans inheriting tradition with our recommended exquisite Japanese lunch.

〇 Komagata Dozeu’s Dozeu Nabe

Founded in 1801, “Komagata Dozeu” is a shop that continues Edo’s culinary culture. Their signature dish, “Dozeu Nabe,” is a must-try in winter. The fat-rich dozeu (loach fish) is simmered in a sweet and spicy broth, topped with plenty of green onions, warming you from the inside out. Enjoy a stylish moment with hot sake in the Edo-style atmosphere of the shop.

Shop NameAddressAccess
Komagata Dozeu Main Store1-7-12 Kaminarimon, Taito City, TokyoAbout 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Toei Asakusa Line

〇 Daikokuya Tempura’s Tendon

Established in 1887, “Daikokuya Tempura” is a long-established shop known for its tempura fried in 100% sesame oil. Their specialty, “Ebi Tendon,” features four large shrimp tempura that almost cannot be covered by the lid of the bowl, creating a powerful visual impression. The secret thick, sweet, and spicy sauce soaks into the crispy batter, which has a unique moist texture rather than crunchiness, pairing perfectly with rice. When in Asakusa, you should definitely try this traditional flavor.

Shop NameAddressAccess
Daikokuya Tempura Main Store1-38-10 Asakusa, Taito City, TokyoAbout 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on various lines

3.2 Hearty Meat Lunches for Those Who Want a Filling Meal

For those looking to recharge with energy during the cold winter, hearty meat dishes are highly recommended. We introduce popular, irresistible lunch options for meat lovers in Asakusa.

〇 Asakusa Gyukatsu

At “Asakusa Gyukatsu,” you can enjoy rare-style beef cutlets fried to perfection and cook them to your preferred doneness on a hot stone plate right in front of you. The contrast between the crispy, thin coating and the juicy, tender beef flavor is irresistible. It’s recommended to enjoy it with wasabi soy sauce or salt for a light taste. When you bite into the hot, freshly cooked beef cutlet in a lively atmosphere, all your coldness will be blown away.

LocationInfo
2-17-10 Kaminarimon, Taito City, TokyoAbout 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station on various lines

〇 Mont Blanc Azumabashi Main Store’s Hamburger Steak

Established in 1979, “Mont Blanc” is famous for its handmade iron plate grilled hamburger steak. Made with 100% domestic beef, the juicy hamburger is served on a hot iron plate, staying warm until the last bite. The variety of sauces, including French-style demi-glace and spicy tomato with cheese, adds to its appeal. Enjoy a heartwarming Western-style lunch in a nostalgic atmosphere.

Shop NameAddressAccess
Mont Blanc Azumabashi Main Store2-2-5 Azumabashi, Sumida City, TokyoAbout 1-minute walk from Honjo-Azumabashi Station on Toei Oedo Line

3.3 Warming Noodle Dishes to Heat You from the Inside

Rich in umami, noodle dishes are perfect for warming your body in cold weather. We introduce Asakusa’s proud noodle specialties that fill the air with savory broth aroma.

〇 Yoroi-ya’s Japanese-style Ramen

“Yoroi-ya” is a ramen shop loved for many years in Asakusa, known as the birthplace of soy sauce ramen. Their triple broth, made with pork bones, chicken, dried sardines, and bonito flakes, offers a light yet deeply flavorful and gentle taste. The subtle aroma of yuzu adds a refreshing accent, making it enjoyable to the last sip. How about a warm bowl during your walk in Asakusa?

Shop NameAddressAccess
Yoroi-ya1-36-7 Asakusa, Taito City, TokyoAbout 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on various lines

〇 Namiki Yabusoba’s Warm Soba Noodles

Founded in Taisho 2 (1913), “Namiki Yabusoba” is a long-established Edo-style soba shop that split from “Kanda Yabuso.” Known for its sharp, spicy dipping sauce, many visitors seek out this traditional flavor. For cold days, warm soba such as “Kamo Nanban” (duck soba) or simple “Kake Soba” (hot broth soba) are highly recommended. The aroma of buckwheat and the warmth of the broth will seep into your body and soul.

Shop NameAddressAccess
Namiki Yabusoba2-11-9 Kaminarimon, Taito City, TokyoAbout 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station on various lines

4. Summary

Winter in Asakusa exudes Edo atmosphere amidst a crisp air, offering a unique and special ambiance. In this article, we introduced exquisite gourmet foods that warm you from the inside out during winter walks, divided into food stalls and in-store dining. From steaming fried manju to traditional dozeu hot pot, all are heartwarming delights. This winter, be sure to explore Asakusa’s warm gourmet offerings and enjoy a memorable time filled with warmth and flavor.

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