Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

  • Home
  • About
    • About me
    • About this site
    • About my photography
    • Privacy and Disclosure Policy
  • Recipes
    • Visual Archive
    • Regional Italian Recipes
  • Books
    • The Cool Side of Summer
    • Manu’s Christmas Menus
    • MsM’s Mobile App
  • Work With Me
    • Affiliate Sign-Up
    • Featured On
  • Out & About
    • Africa
      • South Africa 2019
    • Americas
      • Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize
      • CHILE AND ARGENTINA 2018
    • Asia
      • India
      • Japan 2015
      • Japan 2017
      • Japan 2018
      • Singapore
    • Europe
      • Slovenia and Croatia 2019
      • Italy 2019
    • Oceania
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti) 2017
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti)
      • New Caledonia
      • New Zealand
      • South Island – New Zealand Guide
  • Blogging Tips
    • Blogging Platform
    • Web Hosting
    • Technology Tips
    • Food Photography
    • Increasing Traffic to your Blog
    • Links
      • MsM in Your Kitchen
      • Events
        • 150 years of the Unification of Italy
        • Olio, Erbe e Fantasia – LILT
  • Tips
    • Techniques
      • Pasta and Gnocchi
      • Pizza and Other Doughs
      • Sauces and Other Basics
      • Decorations
    • Cake and Cookie decoration
      • Cake & Marshmallow Pops
        • Flowery Cake Pops
        • Hello Kitty Cake Pops
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake Pops
        • Christmas Tree Cake Pops
        • Sea Marshmallow Pops
      • Fondant Cakes
        • Moo Cake
        • South Pole Cake
        • Lola Cake
        • Hello Kitty Yogurt Cake
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Yogurt Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Fondant Cake
        • Sweet Sushi Mini Fondant Cakes
        • Peppa Pig Cake
        • Tinkerbell Cake
        • Miffy Cake
        • Olaf Yogurt Cake
        • Frozen Cake
      • Sugar Cookies
        • Heart Sugar Cookies
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Sugar Cookies
        • Christmas Tree Ornament Sugar Cookies
      • Eggless Sugar Cookies
        • Chinese New Year Cookies
        • St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
      • Shortbread Cookies
        • Shortbread and Chocolate Hearts
        • Baby Shower Shortbread Cookies
        • Flounder Shortbread Cookie Pops
      • Easy Chocolate Cookies
    • Conversion Tables
    • Gift Ideas
      • Christmas 2010
      • Christmas 2011
      • Christmas 2012
      • Christmas 2013
      • Christmas 2014
      • Christmas 2015
    • Ingredients
    • Where I Shop for Italian Food in Sydney
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Recipes / Japanese / Tokyo – Asakusa guide

Tokyo – Asakusa guide

June 10, 2015 By Manu 19 Comments

 

IMG_6502

During our recent trip to Japan, we spent a few days in Tokyo.  It is a huge city and each area has its own characteristics… they are almost separate towns that make up a huge metropolis.  Asakusa is completely different to Shibuya or Ginza for example.  Even though each place is fascinating, we particularly liked Asakusa.  Asakusa is located in Taito-ku (Taito District) near the Sumida river. Maybe we got sentimentally attached to it, as it was the first place we saw when we arrived in Japan, but it’s hard not to fall for the Sensoji temple, the oldest temple of Tokyo, and the surrounding streets.

SIGHTSEEING

Asakusa

The first thing you see when approaching the Sensoji is the temple’s gate: Kaminarimon (the Thunder Gate).  On the sides of the the gate you can see the statues of the wind and thunder gods.

IMG_1136

Right after the gate, you arrive on Nakamise-dōri, a pedestrian street that dates back back to 1688 and is lined with little shops

IMG_1120

These shops sell everything from souvenirs to toys, chopsticks and various Japanese snacks like Yokan (Japanese jelly), Osenbei (Rice Crackers),

IMG_6520

and Ningyoyaki (a sort of pancake with red bean paste filling).

PicMonkey Collage pan

We saw how Ningyoyaki are made… some shops use machines, others still make it by hand!  They pour the batter into the molds and fill them with the red bean paste and then cook them over the fire.  Fascinating.

I love the chopstick shops…

IMG_6528

I bought a pair of hashi with a crane and a chopstick holder as well.

IMG_1003

At the end of Nakamise-dōri, you see the second gate, called Hozomon.

IMG_1123

Here is where you “get ready” to enter the temple.  You can walk up to the burning incense and wave the smoke towards the part of your body you want to be blessed.

IMG_6507

Then at the fountain you need to wash your hands.  The correct way of doing this is:  hold the ladle with your right hand and rinse your left hand, then hold the ladle with your left hand and rinse the right hand, and hold the then ladle with your right hand one more time and pour some water into your left hand to rinse your mouth (do not drink from the ladle!).

IMG_6508

The main temple hall is called Kannondo, and the god Kannon sits at the center surrounded by other gods.

After you are done praying, you can get a Omikuji and read your fortune.  You shake a box and get a random stick out of it.  Then you match the symbol with the one of the drawers with all the fortunes and get your own fortune.  This is easy if you know how to read Japanese… but I had to ask some help to match it!  In the Japanese tradition, if you get a bad fortune (凶), roll up the paper and tie it up on the rack nearby.  Pray to the bad fortune and hope that the gods will protect you from harm.  I was lucky and got a good one… after which I never tried my luck again at any other temple!!

IMG_6503

Nearby, there is also the beautiful five story pagoda.

After visiting Sensoji, I recommend a visit to Kappabashi: 3 blocks of shops that cater for restaurants and where you can find everything you would want in your kitchen.  You can find pots, restaurant furniture, fake food, knives, plates, bowls…

IMG_0717

That’s where I found my tamagoyaki pan!

IMG_0716

And that is also where I should have bought a ginger grater and a Japanese plate that I now so want!!!  Note to self: never leave your shopping for when you are badly jet lagged, you will be terribly disappointed when you get back!

We also visited a beautiful shop that sells hashi/chopsticks and other such things made out of wood.  It’s called Hashitou and I recommend you visit it!!

Also, have a look at all the restaurants and their displays of “plastic food”.  They have plastic models of the food they serve, which makes it easy for you to order.  What I loved was how realistic the fake food was!

IMG_6489

If, like us, you are lucky enough to be in town the third weekend of May, you can experience the Sanja Matsuri which is one of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo.  We got to see some portable shrines/floats being paraded around and you can also see traditional music and dancing.  A funny curiosity… some of the men carrying the shrines were not wearing pants!

FOOD

Asakusa is also the place where we first experienced Japanese food in Japan!
We ate in an izakaya that we chose by chance among others.  It was packed with local people, so it had to be good.  And it was.  Unfortunately I do not know the name, but I know where it is (I will add it to the map at the end of this post).

PicMonkey Collage iza

The food was so good that we went back on our return trip.  We had tuna sashimi.

IMG_0764

Yakitori

IMG_0766

Tsukune

IMG_6469

And Chicken Karaage

IMG_6468

Even though it was freezing cold, the girls still insisted in having ice cream… so we got some Sweet Potato and Vanilla soft serve ice cream.  Yum!!!

IMG_1142

But the best part about Sensoji and Nakamise-dōri is the street food.  The area around the temple is packed with food stalls, that sell anything you can think of!  Mixed yakitori, candied fruits, sweet potato chips, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, chicken karaage…

IMG_0738

While we are at it… if you like Chicken Karaage, you MUST try the karaage sold at the food stall at the corner of Nakamise-dōri and the Hozonom Gate (opposite the Ningyoyaki shop – on the right hand side if you are facing the Sensoji)…

IMG_0773

IMG_0770

It sells the BEST karaage we had during our whole holiday!  And we did eat a lot!

IMG_0775

ACCOMMODATION

In Asakusa, we slept in a Japanese style hotel: Ryokan Kamogawa.  It was our first night in Japan and the first time we slept on a tatami and we were really surprised by how comfortable it was.

IMG_1144

The ryokan is in a fantastic spot.  It’s basically just off of Nakamise-dōri, on a quite side street.  And it’s less than a 5 minute walk from the Sensoji.  Really unbeatable as it was very easy to go and explore the area by night, even after our flight and with 2 kids in tow!

IMG_1147

IMG_1146

It is a family business, so it’s not a huge hotel.  We loved how cozy it was and the room was big enough for the 4 of us.

IMG_6491

We even had a Yukata each to wear for the night and all the usual toiletry sets you find in Japanese hotels, like toothbrushes and toothpaste, razors etc…

IMG_6541

The only not so great thing was the toilet, as it was really tiny.  But we were happy to have a private bathroom with a shower and even though it was small, it even had a modern toilet with a washlet and heated seat!

IMG_6493

Booking was very easy.  I sent an email directly to the hotel, but you can also check Booking.com or HotelsCombined to see if they have any better prices.

The friendly staff also helped us to organise the takuhaibin service, to have our luggage shipped to our accommodation in Kyoto.  This is a very convenient service with a reasonable price (about $15 per suitcase) and when you get to your destination, you find your bags waiting for you!

I highly recommend Ryokan Kamogawa for the comfort of the room, the friendly service and the amazing location. This is definitely the place where we will be staying on our next visit to Tokyo.

IMG_1121

RESOURCES ON MSM

Recipes:

Tsukune
Yakitori

Travel in Japan:

Japan Diary 2015

HOW TO GET THERE

The easiest way to get to Asakusa is by subway.  Asakusa station is on the Ginza line, just 2 stops away from Ueno.

MAP

 

*In the spirit of full disclosure, this post contains some affiliate links, which means that I may get a commission if you decide to purchase anything from my partners’ sites.

Share

Related Posts:

  • Tokyo – Off The Beaten Path
  • Kawaguchiko Guide – Japan
  • Nikko Guide – Japan
  • Tsukiji Market – Japan Guide
  • Tokyo – Shinjuku Guide

Filed Under: Japanese, Travel Tagged With: Asakusa, guide, Japan, Japanese, Japanese food, Sensoji, Tokyo, travel

« Tuna, Olive and Caper Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs
Home-made Ghee »

Comments

  1. Jennifer @ Milk and Honey says

    June 11, 2015 at 8:50 pm

    Great tips and shots Manu. Kappabashi was early in our trip. I don’t regret for on minute, all the “souvenirs” I got there.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Miyajima Guide - Japan says:
    June 20, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    […] Japan Diary 2015 […]

    Reply
  2. Hiroshima Guide - Japan says:
    June 26, 2015 at 8:22 pm

    […] Diary 2015 Tokyo – Asakusa guide Miyajima guide – […]

    Reply
  3. Koyasan Guide - Japan says:
    July 10, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  4. Tokyo Shinjuku Guide says:
    August 21, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    […] of little guides on the Japanese cities we have visited. I have already shared with you tips on Asakusa and Ueno + Yanaka + Akihabara, so today I will show you around Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ginza […]

    Reply
  5. Tsukiji Market - Japan Guide says:
    September 4, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  6. Haru Cooking Class Kyoto – Japan Guide says:
    September 18, 2015 at 6:38 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  7. 5 Year Blogiversary says:
    January 16, 2016 at 11:32 am

    […] Diary 2015 Tokyo – Asakusa guide Miyajima guide – Japan Hiroshima guide – Japan Osaka guide – Japan Koyasan guide – Japan […]

    Reply
  8. Onsen Etiquette - Japan Guide says:
    June 22, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  9. Setsubun and Geisha in Kyoto says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:57 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  10. Matsumoto Guide – Japan says:
    September 4, 2017 at 8:21 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  11. Chicken Karaage says:
    October 26, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    […] is eating Karaage under the cherry trees in Kanazawa. The best Karaage we had though, was in Tokyo, near the Sensoji temple. The stall that sells it is at the corner of Nakamise-dori and the Hozonom Gate (opposite the […]

    Reply
  12. Kitsuki – Japan Guide says:
    May 20, 2019 at 8:53 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  13. Arashiyama – Japan Guide says:
    July 1, 2019 at 8:33 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  14. Gion and Geisha in Kyoto – Japan Guide says:
    July 25, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  15. Kyoto by Night – Japan Guide says:
    August 8, 2019 at 8:48 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  16. Kyoto in Autumn – Japan Guide says:
    August 26, 2019 at 8:05 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  17. Chojiro Kyoto - Review says:
    September 5, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply
  18. Depachika in Kyoto – Japan Guide says:
    September 19, 2019 at 7:57 pm

    […] Tokyo – Asakusa guide […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome to Manu’s Menu!

Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

HOMEMADE PASTA MADE SIMPLE – THE BOOK. CLICK TO BUY IT FROM AMAZON NOW!

Homemade Pasta Made Simple

Archives

Categories

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Video Recipe: Orecchiette with Crudaiola Sauce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqSyzFElbRY
foodgawker bowls-150x150
tastespotting150
Tasteologie badge
Pasta & Gnocchi

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book – Click to buy it now! On SALE for only $9.99!

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!
Genesis Theme Framework for WordPress
Community Table Contributor Badge
Sunday Supper Movement

manusmenu

manusmenu
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Cara Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Caramel Cheesecake Slice.  Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #miso #cheesecake #cake #dessert #japan
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A tradi Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A traditional pasta sauce from central Italy. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #pasta #pastasauce #ragu
Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprisi Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprising city. Come check it out. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #trieste #holidays #beautifuldestinations #history #food
Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Cre Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Crespelle. The best comfort food. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food #foodgram #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood
Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about some of the most important landmarks of the Great War. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #war #history
Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use up some of your #sourdough discard to make these delicious sweet or savoury crêpes. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food
Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #history #food #italianfood
Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cockt Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cocktail and an alternative to your everyday spritz. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #hugo #spritz #prosecco #drinks #cocktails #elderflower
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay S Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay Stir Fry. So good. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #satay #stirfry #pork #meatballs
Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crun Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crunchy and refreshing. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #picklingcucumbers #pickles #pickling #garden #cucumber #vegetarian #vegan #video
Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and d Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and delicious. Clickable link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #pudding #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #coffee #pannacotta
Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe adapted from the wonderful @jennifer_rodda. The best way to use up some of your Sourdough discard. Clickable recipe link on my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #pastry #cinnamonrolls #teatime #breakfast
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2011-2020 - Manu's Menu and Manuela Zangara. All rights reserved.