Bucket-list attractions with superlatives like Tokyo’s oldest temple (Sensō-Ji, founded in 645 CE), the capital’s tallest tower (Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 metres) and Japan’s only site-specific sumo stadium (Ryōgoku Kokugikan) are the three main reasons to visit Asakusa and its surrounding neighbourhoods. 

 

This Asakusa guide gives you the lowdown on these amazing sites, as well as 97 other establishments that will knock your socks off. 

 

Seeking traditional kaiseki (a multi-course Japanese banquet) accompanied by a genteel geisha performance? We’ve got just the restaurant for you. 

 

Or perhaps you’re yearning for a cheap chow down on freshly made sushi at the world’s largest kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi restaurant) followed by the thickest (and strongest) matcha latte in the galaxy. Let’s lead you there.

 

We’ll also tell you where to study be a stealthy shinobi (ninja), how to replicate your favourite Japanese dishes into a wax model and where to watch sumo in training!

 

Please note the suburb of Asakusa is serviced by four train stations all called Asakusa Station. The station and exit numbers in this chapter refer to the ‘Ginza Line’ Asakusa Station which is located near the Sumida River.