Asakusa Travel Guide | What to do in Asakusa | Rough Guides

Asakusa (浅草) is best known as the site of Tokyo’s most venerable Buddhist temple, Sensō-ji, whose towering worship hall is filled with a continual throng of petitioners and holiday-makers.

Food in Tokyo: A culinary journey through Japan's capital city

The Imperial Palace and around

Tokyo Travel Guide

Stalls before the temple cater to the crowds, peddling trinkets and keepsakes as they have done for centuries; old-fashioned craftshops display exquisite hair combs, paper fans and calligraphy brushes; and all around is the inevitable array of restaurants, drinking places and fast-food stands. It’s the infectious carnival atmosphere that makes Asakusa so appealing. The biggest festival here is the Sanja Matsuri, but there are numerous smaller celebrations; ask at the information centre in front of Sensō-ji’s main gate if there’s anything on.

Though you can easily reach Asakusa by subway, a more pleasant way of getting here – or away – is by river. The ferry terminal is under Azuma-bashi, opposite Philippe Starck’s eye-catching Flamme d’Or Building.

Discover more places in Japan

Travel Guide Egypt - Philae Temple in Aswan

Travel Guide Egypt

Travel Guide Ethiopia - Women from the Hamer tribe

Travel Guide Ethiopia

In the distance is the Riyadha Mosque in Lamu, Kenya © Shutterstock

Travel Guide Kenya

cap-malhereux-mauritius-shutterstock_532127002

Travel Guide Mauritius

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Japan

written by
Rough Guides Editors

updated 08.04.2024

Ready to travel and discover
Japan?

Get support from our local experts for
stress-free planning & worry-free travels

Plan my trip ⤍