Tokyo: Asakusa History Walking & Local Food Culture

Asakusa , Japan

Tokyo: Asakusa History Walking & Local Food Culture

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(155 reviews)

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About this experience

Step into the heart of Tokyo’s past with a local guide. Visit Senso-ji — Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 628 — and stroll through streets where locals have enjoyed traditional treats for generations.

Highlights:
・Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple
・Recommend local street food
・Pro chef knife shop
・Samurai sword & ninja gear store

Available options

Tokyo: Asakusa History Walking & Local Food Culture

What's included

Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The tour begins at Kaminarimon, the outer gate of Sensoji Temple. Here, your guide will explain the gate’s real name, its history, and the meaning behind its famous features.
This is where you’ll hear some surprising facts before entering the temple grounds.

Enjoy shopping for Tokyo souvenirs and indulging in street food.

Stop 3

You can draw a fortune, purify your hands with water, enjoy the incense smoke, and offer a traditional prayer.
This temple is known as Tokyo’s oldest and most sacred place of Buddhist worship.

This area features a goshuin (temple seal) desk, a pond with koi fish, and rows of Jizo statues with a well-known story. It’s also known as a popular photo spot.

Stop by a local sweets shop specializing in rich matcha flavors. You can try unique desserts like matcha soft serve, matcha truffles, and other seasonal treats.

Walk through a local shopping street lined with snack stands, souvenir shops, and traditional storefronts. You’ll find famous melon bread, street food, and small hidden gems along the way.

Observe locals enjoying daytime drinks. Explore shops that evoke the Edo period, such as sword stores and kimono shops, many of which still thrive in Asakusa today.

Explore a lively street styled after old Edo, with playful storefronts and retro vibes. Look out for unique vending machines, and enjoy street foods like menchi-katsu (fried minced meat cutlets) and skewers.

Finish the tour at a local supermarket where you can browse everyday Japanese groceries and pick up some unique souvenirs.

If you’re interested, we can also introduce a local knife shop where you may get to see traditional sharpening in action. Japanese knives are world-renowned for their precision and craftsmanship, making them a favorite among chefs.

What's not included

Meals are not included in the tour price. If you find street food that interests you, you can purchase it along the way as we continue the tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

11 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

144 reviews

5★

143

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

There will be a guide holding a sign that says "Contents Like".

About Asakusa

Asakusa is one of Tokyo's most colorful and traditional districts, famous for its historic temples, vibrant streets, and rich cultural heritage. This area offers a glimpse into old Edo-era Tokyo, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic Japanese experiences.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple complex includes the main hall, a five-story pagoda, and various shops and stalls.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture/Observation Deck 2-3 hours ¥2,100-¥3,100 (depending on the deck)

Sumida River Cruise

A relaxing cruise along the Sumida River offers stunning views of Tokyo's skyline, including the Tokyo Skytree and Rainbow Bridge.

Scenic/Boat Tour 1 hour ¥1,000-¥1,500 (depending on the route)

Edo-Tokyo Museum

This museum showcases the history and culture of Edo-era Tokyo through life-sized replicas, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

Museum 1-2 hours ¥600 (adults), ¥300 (children)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, often served with dipping sauce.

Main Dish Contains gluten (soy sauce in the dipping sauce).

Unagi (Grilled Eel)

Grilled eel glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce, served over rice.

Main Dish Contains fish and soy.

Melon Pan

A sweet bread roll with a crispy cookie-like crust, resembling a melon.

Dessert Contains wheat and dairy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby mountains Sumo wrestling matches in Ryogoku Onsen (hot spring) visits Sumida River Cruise Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies Boat tours on Sumida River Swimming at nearby beaches

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

Japan Standard Time (JST, GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Asakusa is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing services.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km from Asakusa
Haneda Airport • 20 km from Asakusa

By train

Asakusa Station

By bus

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Ueno Station

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is efficient, clean, and covers most of Tokyo. Asakusa Station is a major hub.

Taxis

Available • Apps: DiDi, JapanTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Asakusa Sumida Ueno

Day trips

Nikko

120 km from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning shrines, temples, and natural beauty. The area offers a mix of cultural and outdoor activities.

Kamakura

50 km from Tokyo • Full day

Kamakura is a historic city known for its temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It offers a mix of cultural and outdoor activities.

Hakone

80 km from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a popular onsen (hot spring) town known for its scenic views, hot springs, and cultural attractions. It offers a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Sanja Matsuri • Third weekend of May Asakusa Shinto Festival • Mid-June

Pro tips

Visit Senso-ji Temple early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Try traditional snacks and sweets at the stalls along Nakamise Shopping Street, such as senbei (rice crackers) and ningyo-yaki (sweet bean paste cakes).
Take a Sumida River Cruise for stunning views of Tokyo's skyline, including the Tokyo Skytree and Rainbow Bridge.
Explore the lesser-known temples and shrines in Asakusa, such as Asakusa Shrine and Tokyo Daijingu, for a more authentic and less crowded experience.
Experience a traditional tea ceremony to learn about the art and history of matcha (green tea) preparation.