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Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street (Main Approach to Asakusa Temple)

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Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street (Main Approach to Asakusa Temple)

One of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, bustling with visitors to Asakusa Temple.

3.38 10

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Supervised by :  Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street

Located on the approach to Asakusa Temple, this shopping street consists of food and souvenir shops lining the approximately 250m stone-paved path from Asakusa Temple's main gate, the Kaminarimon Gate, to the "Treasure House Gate". Known as "Nakamise", about 90 stores are built across the approach, bustling daily with visitors to Asakusa Temple and tourists from both Japan and abroad.

The history of Nakamise is ancient, said to have started around the Genroku to Kyoho era (1688-1735), and it is also known as one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan.

In the shopping street, you will find shops perfect for souvenir selection, such as long-established stores that handle famous confectioneries like "Ningyoyaki" and "Kaminari Okoshi", as well as shops that handle traditional crafts. There are also many food and drink stores, but eating while walking is not allowed, so care is needed to eat around or move after purchasing.

At night after the Nakamise stores close, you can see the "Asakusa Shutter Mural" completed in 1989, which is also one of the highlights. You can appreciate the history of Asakusa in a scroll painting that extends about 400m east to west.

Highlights

  • One of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, it extends from the Kaminarimon Gate to the Treasure House Gate of Asakusa Temple.
  • About 90 various stores line up, including famous sweets, Japanese-style accessories, and famous gourmet foods.
  • Eating while walking is not allowed, so care is needed to eat after moving.
  • At night, you can see the "Asakusa Shutter Mural" depicting the history of Asakusa.

Photos

  • A variety of shops, including souvenir shops, are available.

    A variety of shops, including souvenir shops, are available.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Reviews

10

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Ming Yu
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    Nakamise Shopping Street, which leads to Sensoji Temple, along with the nearby Denboin Street and Asakusa Yokocho, is the perfect place to experience the atmosphere of old Edo's downtown Tokyo!

    After the shops are lit up at night, the daytime crowds disappear, giving way to a quiet and charming retro atmosphere. As you stroll along the historic streets, you can admire the distinctive downtown architecture and nostalgic lanterns, while Tokyo Skytree rises in the night sky in the distance. Nearby Asakusa Yokocho also brings together food and culture. Whether you want to enjoy the nostalgic streetscape or take a beautiful photo with Tokyo Skytree, this is an excellent place for an evening stroll!

  • Linda Liao
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    After walking through Kaminarimon Gate, you’re greeted by a lively street full of Japanese charm. The street is bustling with people, with all kinds of shops lining both sides. What caught my attention most was the wide variety of Japanese snacks, such as grilled rice crackers, soy sauce-glazed dango, and fried manju. Everything looked so tempting that I often couldn’t resist stopping to try something as I walked along.

    Besides the food, the shopping street also has many stores selling Japanese souvenirs and specialty goods, ranging from traditional-style trinkets to Asakusa-themed items, making it a great place for visitors to pick out gifts.

    However, be sure to check the stores’ business hours. Many begin closing after 5:00 p.m., so I recommend visiting during the day to fully enjoy shopping there.

  • 陳泰任
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    Nakamise Shopping Street: The Atmosphere of a Century-Old Tokyo Street

    After passing through the majestic gate of Sensoji Temple, you are greeted by Nakamise Shopping Street, filled with the atmosphere of old Edo. One of Tokyo's most iconic historic streets, it has about 90 shops lining both sides of the approach. From traditional ningyo-yaki and wagashi to Japanese fans, handicrafts, and souvenirs, every shop has a distinctly Japanese feel.

    Walking through the bustling street, the traditional lanterns and colorful signs on both sides, together with the old-fashioned storefronts, make it feel as if you've stepped into the Edo period. Looking at the dazzling array of souvenirs in the display windows, I couldn't resist picking out a few sweets bearing the "Asakusa" name, as well as several fans decorated with kimono-clad women, Mount Fuji, and traditional patterns.

    This is more than just a shopping street; it's like a time tunnel preserving Tokyo's memories. The crowds come from all over the world, while the long-established shops continue to preserve their familiar flavors and craftsmanship. The solemnity of Sensoji Temple and the liveliness of Nakamise come together along this one street to create a travel scene that feels distinctly Tokyo.

  • BobbyJenny
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    When visiting Sensoji Temple, don't miss Nakamise Shopping Street. The entire street has a strong traditional Japanese atmosphere, with many small shops on both sides selling wagashi, rice crackers, ningyo-yaki, fans, and all kinds of unique souvenirs. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and enjoy tasty food!

    Sensoji Temple is at the end of the shopping street. Once you enter the temple grounds, you can feel a peaceful atmosphere that's completely different from the lively shopping street!

  • 范慈茜
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    It gets really crowded, especially on weekends—it’s almost shoulder to shoulder, so be prepared.

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Details

Name in Japanese
浅草仲見世商店街（浅草寺 表参道）
Postal Code
111-0032
Address
1-36-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Telephone
03-3844-3350（Nakamise Kaikan）
Closed
Varies by store
Business Hours
Varies by store
Access
1）About 3 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line and Tobu Isezaki Line
2）About 10 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa