Asakusa is best known for Senso-ji Temple and its famous Nakamise Dori, a bustling shopping street lined with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handicrafts. However, Asakusa is also home to many other vibrant streets that offer unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. From hidden alleys filled with local izakayas to historical shopping arcades, here’s a guide to the must-visit streets of Asakusa.
Denboin Dori – A Taste of Edo-Period Asakusa
Denboin Dori is a charming street located parallel to Nakamise Dori, offering a more traditional and less touristy experience. Designed to replicate the atmosphere of Edo-period Japan, this street is lined with beautifully preserved wooden storefronts, selling handcrafted goods, ceramics, and traditional sweets. Many of the shops have been family-run for generations, making it a great place to find authentic souvenirs.
One of the highlights of Denboin Dori is the seasonal street performances, where you might see entertainers dressed in Edo-era clothing performing magic tricks or traditional storytelling.
Hoppy Street – Izakaya Alley for Local Flavours
For those looking to experience Asakusa’s lively nightlife, Hoppy Street (Hoppy Dori) is a must-visit. This short alley near Senso-ji Temple is famous for its retro-style izakayas, where locals gather to drink and enjoy simple yet delicious Japanese comfort food.
The street is named after Hoppy, a low-alcohol beer-flavoured drink that became popular after World War II. Many of the izakayas serve it with shochu, creating a light and refreshing drink that pairs well with the street’s signature dish—stewed beef tendon (niku-dofu).
If you want to experience a casual, old-school drinking spot in Tokyo, Hoppy Street is the place to go. Expect lively conversations, shared tables, and an authentic local atmosphere.
Orange Street (Orenji Dori) – A Shopping and Entertainment Hub
Orange Street, or Orenji Dori, is a vibrant shopping and entertainment area in Asakusa that connects the district to Kappabashi Kitchen Town. While not as famous as Nakamise Dori, this street is home to a variety of stores selling clothing, accessories, home goods, and traditional crafts.
At night, Orange Street comes alive with a mix of restaurants, bars, and small theatres offering live performances, including rakugo (Japanese storytelling). It’s a great place to explore after dark, especially if you want a more relaxed alternative to the busy izakaya streets.
Kappabashi Kitchen Town – A Paradise for Cooking Enthusiasts
A short walk from central Asakusa, Kappabashi Kitchen Town is a unique shopping street catering to professional chefs and home cooks alike. Here, you’ll find everything from high-quality Japanese knives and ceramic plates to realistic plastic food models used in restaurant displays.
Even if you’re not planning to buy kitchenware, Kappabashi is worth a visit for its fascinating collection of stores and the occasional opportunity to see artisans at work.
Asakusa Rokku – The Entertainment District
Once known as Tokyo’s top entertainment district, Asakusa Rokku was the heart of the city’s theatre and cinema scene during the early 20th century. While the grand theatres of the past have mostly disappeared, the area still retains a nostalgic charm, with small cinemas, retro game arcades, and even a few traditional performance venues.
One of the most notable spots in Rokku is Asakusa Engei Hall, a theatre dedicated to rakugo storytelling, manzai comedy, and other traditional Japanese performing arts.
While Nakamise Dori is an iconic part of Asakusa, there’s much more to explore beyond the main tourist path. Whether you’re interested in traditional shopping streets, lively izakaya alleys, or hidden cultural gems, Asakusa offers a diverse mix of old and new. From the Edo-era charm of Denboin Dori to the retro izakayas of Hoppy Street, every corner of Asakusa has a story to tell.
