Open directions from your current location. Choose public transport or walking. This walk starts at Asakusa Station near Komagata Bridge, not Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station.

Asakusa Station → Culture Tourist Information Center → Kaminarimon Gate → Nakamise Shopping Street. Open in Google Maps and tap Start when nearby.

Nakamise Shopping Street → Denboin Street → Hozomon Gate → Senso-ji Main Hall. Pause at each stop and continue when ready.

Senso-ji Main Hall → Five-Story Pagoda → Yogodo Hall → Benten-do. Follow the public paths and pause at each stop.

Follow the stops in order, or choose the places that interest you most. Allow extra time for photographs, shopping and a leisurely meal.

Part One — Historic Asakusa & Senso-ji

1. Asakusa Station — Start your neighborhood walk here.
2. Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center — Enjoy views of the neighborhood from the free observation deck.
3. Kaminarimon Gate — Photograph the giant red lantern.
4. Nakamise Shopping Street — Browse traditional sweets, crafts and souvenirs.
5. Denboin Street — Explore Edo-style architecture and shopfronts.
6. Hozomon Gate — See the guardian statues and giant straw sandals.
7. Senso-ji Main Hall — Visit Asakusa’s celebrated Buddhist temple.
8. Five-Story Pagoda — Admire one of Asakusa’s most recognizable landmarks.
9. Yogodo Hall — Discover a quieter corner of the temple grounds.
10. Benten-do Hall — Explore another historic hall in the temple grounds.

Part Two — Shrines, Old Tokyo & Riverside

11. Asakusa Shrine — Visit the Shinto shrine next to Senso-ji, known for its elegant architecture.
12. Nitenmon Gate — Pass through the eastern gate of the temple complex.
13. Chingo-do Hall — See the small hall dedicated to the raccoon dog (tanuki) spirit.
14. Denboin Garden — Enjoy a quiet traditional garden (when open to the public).
15. Hoppy Street — Stroll the lively lane lined with small izakaya and local eateries.
16. Sumida Park — Walk along the river and enjoy open views of Tokyo Skytree.
17. Azuma Bridge — Cross or view the historic bridge with classic Skytree photo opportunities.
18. Sumida River Walk Photo Spot — Photograph the river and skyline (especially at golden hour).

Restrooms: Public restrooms are marked on the map near Senso-ji. Check the map for facilities before continuing toward the river.

Food break: Explore the casual eateries along Hoppy Street, or stop for a bowl of tempura over rice at one of Asakusa’s tempura restaurants.

Take your time: Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for photographs, shopping and breaks. Some attractions have separate admission charges.

Kaminarimon Gate

Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” marks the entrance to Senso-ji’s approach and is one of Asakusa’s most recognizable landmarks. Pause beneath its enormous red lantern before continuing along Nakamise Shopping Street toward the temple.

Look closer: Notice the guardian statues flanking the central passage and the intricate details beneath the gate’s sweeping tiled roof.

Photo tip: Stand back in the forecourt to frame the roof and lantern together. Keep the central passage clear while taking photographs.

Slow travel tip: Take a moment to appreciate the gate before joining the flow of visitors. This entrance can become crowded, so keep your belongings close.

Allow: 10–15 minutes.

Nakamise Shopping Street

Stretching from Kaminarimon Gate toward Senso-ji, Nakamise is a lively shopping street lined with stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs and Japanese crafts. Take your time browsing as you make your way toward the temple.

Travel tip: Visit early for a quieter walk, or come later when more shops are open. Expect crowds around midday.

Photo tip: Look along the street toward Hozomon Gate for a view framed by the shopfronts.

Allow: 20–30 minutes   |   Admission: Free

Senso-ji Main Hall

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple and the heart of historic Asakusa. Its main hall is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, and draws visitors and worshippers throughout the year.

Travel tip: Take a moment to observe the incense burner in front of the hall. Visitors often waft the smoke toward themselves before entering.

Photo tip: Photograph the main hall from the open area in front, then look back toward Hozomon Gate for another view of the temple grounds.

Allow: 20–30 minutes   |   Admission: Free

Explore the Senso-ji Premium Guide →

Five-Story Pagoda

Rising above the Senso-ji grounds, the Five-Story Pagoda is one of Asakusa’s most recognizable landmarks. Its graceful tiered roofs make it a striking sight alongside the temple’s gates and halls.

Travel tip: Enjoy the pagoda from the surrounding grounds; its interior is not generally open to visitors.

Photo tip: Try framing the pagoda with Hozomon Gate or the main hall. Return after dark to see the temple grounds illuminated.

Allow: 10–15 minutes   |   Admission: Free to view from the grounds

Sumida River Walk Photo Spot

Finish your walk with a view across the Sumida River. The waterfront offers opportunities to photograph Tokyo Skytree, the bridges and the changing city skyline.

Photo tip: Visit around golden hour for warmer light, or return after dark when Tokyo Skytree is illuminated. Try including the river or a bridge in the foreground.

Travel tip: Check the map for the marked photo spot and take your time along the riverside. Asakusa Station is nearby for the journey home.

Allow: 10–15 minutes   |   Admission: Free

Asakusa Station

Begin your walk at Asakusa Station, close to the Sumida River and within walking distance of Kaminarimon Gate. From here, head toward the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center to start exploring the neighborhood.

Travel tip: Several railway operators have stations named Asakusa. Check your arrival line and exit on the map before setting off.

Before you start: Have your walking map ready and allow plenty of time for photographs, food and breaks along the way.

Allow: 5–10 minutes to get oriented

Continue to Tokyo Skytree

Cross the Sumida River and discover riverside views, neighborhood streets and Tokyo’s spectacular skyline on our self-guided walk toward Tokyo Skytree.