Ouchi-juku feels like stepping right into the Edo period. The whole street is lined with thatched-roof houses and charming old-fashioned scenery. Walking through it feels like traveling back in time, and every corner has so much character and is perfect for photos.
Unfortunately, we arrived too late this time, and most of the shops had already closed, so I was a little disappointed I didn’t get to try the local food. Still, with fewer crowds, I was able to capture the quiet beauty of this old village, which became a lovely memory in its own way.
Next time, I’ll definitely come earlier and take my time exploring!
Ouchi-juku | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store
Nothing but local roots at this supermarket popping up across Tokyo.The Asakusa Kaminarimon branch is located just about 100 meters from the iconic Asakusa Temple Kaminarimon Gate. Check the storefront and just inside for wall-to-wall daily necessities like seasonal vegetables, fruits, fresh groceries and snacks, to seasonings, alcohol, daily necessities, and more! You can always expect an easy energy and bustling vibe from here during open hours.
When visiting Asakusa, besides exploring Kaminarimon and Nakamise Shopping Street, don’t miss OZEKI (オオゼキ). It sells a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meats, and fresh foods, along with plenty of everyday Japanese ingredients to browse through at your own pace and discover interesting finds.
Whenever I travel to Japan, I really enjoy visiting local supermarkets to see what Japanese people usually eat and compare prices. You might even find something unexpectedly good!
If you’re staying nearby or want to pick up a few things after exploring Asakusa, stop in and experience everyday life at a Japanese supermarket.
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Asakusa Shin Nakamise Shopping Street
Boasting a history of about 90 years since its inception in the early Showa era, the Asakusa Shin Nakamise Shopping Street crosses Asakusa from east to west, in contrast to the Nakamise Shopping Street that connects the Kaminarimon Gate to Asakusa Temple. It is the largest shopping street in Asakusa, with a total length of 380m, and is composed of five areas.
When visiting the area around Senso-ji Temple, besides Nakamise Shopping Street, don’t miss the nearby Shin Nakamise Shopping Street. It’s a covered arcade, so you don’t have to worry about rain or hot weather, making it very comfortable to explore! There are plenty of stores along the way, so you can take a leisurely stroll and see what there is to browse and buy.
We originally thought it would be packed, but surprisingly, there weren’t many people when we visited that day. It felt relaxed and easy to walk around, which was a little different from the lively Asakusa scene we had imagined!
If you’re planning to visit Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street, you can stop by here as well. It doesn’t require a special detour, and you can experience a different side of Asakusa〜
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Daikokuya Tempura
First established in 1887, this tendon (rice bowl topped with tempura) restaurant is a noted dining spot in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s major areas for eating tendon.
Located in Asakusa, Daikokuya Tempura is known for its signature shrimp tempura rice bowl and always draws a big crowd at mealtimes. I came for dinner this time, and it was every bit as popular as expected. After waiting in line for about an hour, I finally got to try it!
When the tempura rice bowl arrived, it was covered with fried items piled over the rice. Just looking at it made my mouth water! The shrimp was fresh and springy, coated in a golden, crispy batter and topped with Daikokuya’s signature rich sauce. It had a savory, salty flavor with a distinctive taste, and paired with Japan’s sweet, delicious rice, every bite was satisfying.
Although there are quite a few other well-known tempura restaurants around Asakusa, each with its own character, I still especially like the traditional, unpretentious flavor of this long-established restaurant. There isn’t much flashy decoration; it leaves a lasting impression through its familiar, classic flavors.
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