Asakusa

Select Month

start planning

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.

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.

Trip ideas for Japan

Crafted with by local experts

Japanese umbrella's
Crafted by Juliana

10 days

view trip ⤍
Asian Lanterns
Crafted by Juliana

10 days

view trip ⤍
Cherry blossoms in Japan
Crafted by Juliana

7 days

view trip ⤍
Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Crafted by Liz

10 days

view trip ⤍
Fushimi Inari Kyoto
Crafted by Liz

14 days

view trip ⤍
Kurashiki, Japan
Crafted by Liz

13 days

view trip ⤍
Cable car at Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Japan © Shutterstock
Crafted by Lenny

12 days

view trip ⤍
Hakusan Shirakawago White Road © Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism League
Crafted by Lenny

13 days

view trip ⤍
Himeji Castle, Japan
Crafted by Lenny

15 days

view trip ⤍
Osaka, Japan
Crafted by Lenny

9 days

view trip ⤍
Tokyo

5 days

view trip ⤍
Amami, Japan

8 days

view trip ⤍
Yakushima, Japan

6 days

view trip ⤍
Ogasawara Islands, Japan

6 days

view trip ⤍
Shiretoko, Japan

6 days

view trip ⤍
See all Japan trip ideas

For over 40 years, Rough Guides has been a trusted name in travel, offering expert-curated guides, inspiring articles, and tailor-made trips. Our passionate team of writers and local travel specialists provide in-depth insights into destinations worldwide, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. We help you travel smarter and experience the world authentically.