Asakusa , Japan

Asakusa Walking Private Tour Experience

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About this experience

The Asakusa Sightseeing and Street Food Tour is a walking tour for first-time visitors and repeat travelers to experience Japanese culture and local food together. The tour covers famous spots such as Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple, while also introducing local streets that are rarely explained in guidebooks.
Starting near Kaminarimon, the guide leads guests along Nakamise Street and explains the history of Asakusa and its development since the Edo period. Guests learn about traditional sweets such as kaminari-okoshi and ningyo-yaki and how temple visits and street food are closely connected in Japanese culture.
The tour continues into nearby areas, highlighting popular food shops enjoyed by both locals and visitors, including matcha-based desserts and modern Japanese sweets. Throughout the walk, the guide shares local stories and everyday scenes, showing Asakusa as both a tourist destination and a living community.

Available options

Asakusa Walking Private Tour Experience

What's included

Matcha tasting

Traditional Asakusa Specialty: Ningyo-yaki

One item selected from menchi katsu, crepes, or dango

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We meet at Kaminarimon for photos, followed by an explanation of its history and significance.

Stop 2

As you walk along Nakamise Street from Kaminarimon toward Hozomon Gate, the guide explains the origins and history of this famous shopping street. Nakamise Street is considered one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan and developed naturally to welcome visitors coming to pray at Senso-ji Temple. The guide clearly explains why shops began lining this street and how religious worship and commerce became closely connected.

Along the way, the tour introduces long-established shops such as those selling ningyo-yaki and kaminari-okoshi, as well as stores that are especially popular today. The guide also explains the meaning behind these traditional products and the cultural background of Asakusa’s unique food culture.

Stop 3

After passing through Nakamise Street, you enter the grounds of Senso-ji Temple. In this part of the tour, the guide explains the origins of Senso-ji and its nearly 1,400-year history, including how devotion began with the discovery of the Kannon statue in the Sumida River and how the temple has been rebuilt many times after fires, earthquakes, and war.

While walking through the grounds, the tour visits Hozomon Gate, the Five-Story Pagoda, and the Main Hall (Kannon Hall). The guide explains the role and meaning of each structure, as well as what Buddhist temples represent in Japanese culture and why Senso-ji continues to attract so many worshippers today.

In front of the Main Hall, the guide explains the proper way to visit a Buddhist temple, including how to purify yourself, offer incense, and pray. This helps first-time visitors feel comfortable and confident during their visit.

Stop 4

In Asakusa’s shopping streets, the tour visits popular gourmet shops enjoyed by both locals and visitors. In addition to long-established Japanese sweet shops, the guide introduces trendy matcha dessert specialty stores and places that are especially popular with younger generations. The guide explains why these shops are well-known and what makes them special, along with the background behind their popularity.

In this part of the tour, you will enjoy a matcha tasting. Matcha is a representative element of Japanese tea culture and has long been associated with Zen and the tea ceremony as a way to calm the mind. Through tasting, you can experience the aroma, bitterness, and gentle sweetness of matcha while learning how Japanese people have traditionally enjoyed it.

What's not included

Omikuji (fortune slip) fee Offering fee

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

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

Our staff will be waiting for you holding an ‘ASAPPY’ sign.

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.