Things to do in Asakusa- Tokyo Travel Diary

We had a whirlwind Tokyo trip. One day went into the Nikon Film and Photo Contest at Nikon HQ, and that was definitely the high point. The second day, we walked and walked. We were baffled, bedazzled, in awe. Came back to the hotel late and completely exhausted.

With just one day left, we chose to slow down. Instead of ticking boxes and chasing “must-see” lists, we decided to breathe. No Mt. Fuji. No running between neighbourhoods. We picked one place- Asakusa, and trusted the day to unfold. Honestly, it was the best call.

We strolled through Nakamise Street. We ate… a LOT. Sat on benches, watched people, and soaked in old Tokyo. At Senso-ji, we drew fortunes (mine was bad, so I tied it there; Anindya’s was regular). Both of us laughed at our fortunes. Life for us has always meant hard work and hustle, and we don’t complain. It’s what it is.

But this day felt like a pause button. A small, beautiful break in our usual pace. So here’s a crisp Asakusa travel itinerary, and you will see that in this photo story.

How We Reached Asakusa

We were staying near Osaki. We took the Yamanote Line to Ueno, changed platforms there, and from Ueno it was just 2 stops to Asakusa. Very easy to follow the signs. Tokyo metro is extremely organised.

Also, a tip: just follow the Europeans with daypacks. Asakusa is popular with tourists, and they somehow always know which exit leads to the “main street”.

On the way back, we took a direct train from Asakusa to Shibuya. It was a time saver and Shibuya was the last stop.

First Glimpse of Old Tokyo

The moment you walk out, you will see hand-pulled rickshaws. Fit, energetic young men pulling tourists around the lanes. It’s quite a sight.

But being from Kolkata, rickshaws didn’t feel new to me. This has been normal transport for us forever. So we skipped it. If you’re travelling from outside Kolkata (and don’t mind spending the money), try it once. It’s fun, a bit dramatic, and very touristy.

Price? Around ¥9,000 for two people. Definitely on the pricey side.

Walking Towards Senso-ji Temple

From the rickshaw point, lanes lead you straight toward Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple.

Things to do at the temple:

• Draw your fortune (it’s fun!)
• If you get bad fortune, tie it there and leave it
• Wash your hands at the purification fountain
• Spend time in the shrine
• Breathe in incense smoke. They say it’s good luck
• Sit quietly and just absorb the space

You can easily spend 1–2 hours here if you like watching people and clicking photos in silence, like we do.

Nakamise Shopping Street

On the way in and out, you pass through Nakamise Street. It’s a long and stunningly beautiful arcade full of food, souvenirs, and energy. If you are a shopper by nature, then beware of emptying your pockets by the time you leave this place.

We tried:

• Fresh mochi (so many varieties!)
• Ice cream: Japanese soft-serve is lovely
• Street snacks

You get ceramics, fans, chopsticks, sweets, cute charms, and lots of gifts here. Prices vary, but worth exploring. We ended up buying ceramic Japanese green tea pots and cups. We had spent a fortune the day before at Donki, Shinjuku, so we were extra careful about our budget.

Further down, you hit the restaurant area. You will see sushi, tempura, ramen, and lots of wagyu places clearly targeting Europeans and Americans. Expensive, so we skipped wagyu and had sushi instead. It was so delicious, better than the best sushi at even five-star restaurants in India.

If you want, you can rent kimonos and walk around. Many couples and young girls were doing that. We also spotted families in kimonos. They look pretty in photos.

And yes, you can see the Tokyo Skytree from spots around Asakusa, picture-perfect frames if you love photography.

Best Way to Enjoy Asakusa

My suggestion? Do the temple first (it closes around 5 PM), then eat and shop.

Just stroll. Sit. Observe. Take photos. Listen to the chants. Watch kids tug their parents towards ice-cream stands. See monks walk past tourists clicking selfies. It’s a fun mix.

When you’re done, hop on a train to Shibuya and continue your evening.

Final Thoughts

That day, we didn’t chase Tokyo. We let Tokyo happen to us. Even just one day of slow travel feels special. Asakusa gave us that peace. A small area with old-world charm in the middle of a busy, modern city.

Travel Tips for Asakusa (First-Timers)

• Go early. Mornings are calmer and the temple area feels more peaceful before the tour groups arrive.
• Do the temple first. Senso-ji closes around 5 PM, and it gets crowded later. Explore, then eat and shop.
• Carry cash. Most places take cards, but some street vendors and fortune stalls prefer yen coins/notes.
• Don’t rush Nakamise Street. Try snacks slowly. Fresh mochi, taiyaki, melon-pan ice cream. They are worth the calories.
• Follow purification etiquette. Wash hands at the fountain, don’t drink the water. And don’t step into the shrine without pausing.
• Try the omikuji (fortune sticks). It’s fun. Tie a bad fortune on the rack and leave it behind.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot from the temple grounds to small lanes and riverside.
• Picture spots. Kaminarimon gate, temple courtyard, incense area, and Tokyo Skytree views, all great frames.
• Respect kimono rentals. It’s popular, and people dress up for photos. Let them enjoy it, and don’t photobomb.
• Avoid weekends if you can. Weekdays feel easier and less rushed.
• Use public transport. Trains are the fastest, and stations are well-marked. The Asakusa line connects easily to other parts of Tokyo.

Simple travel moments that stayed with us

1. An afternoon spent at Swayanbhunath- Kathmandu, Nepal
2. 5 places you must visit in Kathmandu with your camera
3. Hot air balloon ride at Cappadoccia, Turkey
4. Photowalk through Mykonos, Greece
5. When we missed our train at Engelberg, Switzerland
6. A walk by Lake Geneve- Montreaux, Switzerland