Asakusa is a renowned "Shitamachi" (downtown area) in Tokyo, whose unique culture and rich history developed since the Edo period make it a truly unique destination among Tokyo's many sightseeing spots. It is home to Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and the iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its large red lantern, the Nakamise-dori shopping street filled with various traditional snack shops and souvenir stores, and the Showa-era amusement park, Hanayashiki, all of which are must-visit spots for visitors from Taiwan and beyond. Centered around the Nakamise Shopping Street in front of Senso-ji Temple's Kaminarimon Gate, the area stretches to the Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station and the Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station areas, surrounded by a wealth of shops and gourmet restaurants, ensuring that visitors will never be at a loss for dining options.

Senso-ji Temple is the most famous tourist attraction in the Asakusa area and a central spot for shops and restaurants, especially around the Nakamise Shopping Street, which is lined with numerous snack shops perfect for eating while walking. To get there, you can mainly take the Tokyo Metro subway, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Railway, or Tsukuba Express, and it's within walking distance from Asakusa Station.

You might not know this, but Asakusa has long been known as a hot spot for BBQ restaurants, even boasting its own "Korean Street" filled with various Korean BBQ establishments. However, the more authentic, local shops might present a challenge for tourists who aren't fluent in Japanese. For those looking to quickly and accurately order the BBQ they crave, I recommend the Wagyu BBQ restaurant "Heijoen"!

Matcha desserts from Japan enjoy worldwide popularity, and I'm sure many of you reading this are matcha enthusiasts! While it's not hard to find matcha desserts or drinks in the streets and alleys of Asakusa, if you have the chance to visit, you must try the world's richest matcha gelato at "Suzukien × NANAYA," a collaboration between the long-established tea wholesaler "Suzukien" and "Shizuoka Matcha Sweet Factory NANAYA." They offer seven different intensities of matcha gelato, ranging from light to dark, allowing you to visually distinguish their offerings from those of other shops.

One of the greatest perks of snacking while strolling around the Asakusa area is that almost every food item is priced very affordably, allowing you to indulge in whatever you fancy, sweet or savory, on a whim! After enjoying the mochi ice cream mentioned earlier, are you in the mood for something savory? Head over to the popular queue-worthy spot "Asakusa Menchi," a fried meat cake (menchi katsu) shop!

Those who have visited Asakusa or read about it know that the area around Senso-ji Temple is teeming with snack shops where you can eat as you walk. These shops offer an irresistible selection of snacks, both savory and sweet, cold and hot, tempting visitors to indulge. The Nakamise-dori and Demboin-dori shopping streets are not only abundant in snack shops but also home to stores with a long history and a nostalgic atmosphere. For example, "Yamatoya" is a traditional tsukudani (preserved food boiled in soy) shop that has been in business since the Meiji era. Besides selling over 50 types of tsukudani made with seaweed, beans, and seafood that offer a taste of old-fashioned flavors, they also offer mochi filled with ice cream!

Other recommendations for sweets in Asakusa

When people think of Japan, sushi and yakiniku BBQ often come to mind, but of course, locals don't eat these every day! In the cold winter months, what Japanese people truly crave daily is likely a steaming bowl of soba noodles. "Owariya Honkan," located about a 4-minute walk from the various railway stations in Asakusa, might not be very famous among tourists, but it actually opened its doors in the first year of the Man'en era (1860) and is an extremely popular, well-known establishment in Asakusa!

The Asakusa station on the Tokyo Metro has numerous exits, making it not only convenient to visit Senso-ji Temple but also to explore other areas in Asakusa. If you're aiming to visit EKIMISE and Matsuya Asakusa, two major department stores, taking the Tobu Railway is equally convenient. This area retains a nostalgic atmosphere from the Meiji period, with many long-established shops located nearby!

Asakusa, a stage for Japan's "civilization and enlightenment" in the late 19th century, saw the flourishing of many foreign cuisines, one of which was sukiyaki, originally known as "beef pot." Thanks to this historical background, there are now many sukiyaki restaurants in the Asakusa area. Among them, "Chinya," which closed in 2021 and then reopened in March 2022 at a new location, is a famous sukiyaki establishment with a history spanning over 140 years.

Traveling freely in Japan with a diet rich in meats and the exhaustion from long journeys by car and plane can take a toll on both your stomach and overall well-being. If you're feeling the need for a lighter, more comforting meal, why not take a day to visit "Ganso Kamameshi Haru" for some wholesome pot rice (kamameshi)? Just about a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station, this kamameshi specialty shop has been in business since 1924, the thirteenth year of the Taisho era. It's said to be the original creator of the kamameshi dish, not only boasting a long history but also pioneering the practice of cooking rice in individual pots and serving it directly to patrons.

Although eel rice (unadon) can be a bit pricey, dining on an authentic bowl is a must when you're in Japan! To ensure you don't spend unwisely, let me recommend a foolproof choice: the long-standing eel specialty restaurant "Asakusa Maekawa." If it's your first time trying eel, you might want to start with an eel rice box. The prices vary depending on the size and type of eel, so feel free to choose according to your preference. For those ready to delve deeper, consider trying the eel omelet, grilled dry, or kabayaki eel as individual dishes, or go for a bit of luxury with an 11-course meal!

As a cradle of "civilization and enlightenment," Asakusa saw the influx of many new and foreign cultures into the lives of the Japanese during the Meiji era. At that time, Kamiya Denbei, the founder of Kamiya Bar, was introduced to brandy and opened Japan's first bar in 1880. He devoted his life's knowledge and skills to foreign liquors, creating the spicy and slightly electrifying sensation of drinking "Denki Bran." Since then, Denki Bran has become synonymous with Asakusa, cherished by the Japanese people for over a hundred years!

After having your fill of must-try sushi, BBQ, and ramen in Japan, are you ready to explore more unique culinary delights? Then, you absolutely can't miss out on fugu (pufferfish) cuisine! I remember feeling a bit apprehensive the first time I tried fugu, but now I'm completely hooked on its chewy texture. If you haven't had the chance to try it yet, make sure to visit "Genpin Fugu," a fugu specialty restaurant with branches nationwide and even overseas, next time you're in Asakusa!

In Japan, not only can you enjoy sashimi, but you can also try raw horse meat! "Basashi" (horse meat sashimi) is a specialty of Kumamoto Prefecture, but you don't need to travel all the way to Kyushu to taste it; it's available right in Asakusa. "Masashi," a restaurant that mainly serves Kumamoto horse sashimi and Kyushu cuisine, is where you can indulge in this unique dish. If you're looking for an adventurous eating experience during your Tokyo visit, I recommend giving raw minced horse meat a try and create unforgettable memories!

The Tsukuba Express is another main rail line that serves the Asakusa area, offering convenient access to popular shopping destinations like Don Quijote and Asakusa ROX. This side of Asakusa has a very authentic atmosphere, with many restaurants favored by locals, providing a genuine experience of the area's dining culture.

When visiting Japan, indulging in Wagyu beef is a must! However, there are many varieties of Wagyu, and the taste and texture can vary greatly across different grades. For those who don't want to take any chances, follow me to a high-quality yet affordably priced BBQ restaurant, "Tokori." Tokori is quite famous in Tokyo, especially among internet influencers, largely due to their meticulous selection of ingredients. Given the superior quality of every dish, for those who love meat, opting for an all-you-can-eat package is highly recommended over ordering à la carte!

For readers planning their next trip to Tokyo, perhaps to celebrate a special occasion or surprise their significant other with a birthday celebration, the information about "Asakusa Musashi Buffet Restaurant Sky Grill" is something you shouldn't miss! This restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with its impressive buffet selection and stunning views, making it an ideal spot for those special moments.

It might seem unusual for those accustomed to grabbing breakfast at eateries in Taiwan to find that in Japan, there are fewer places to enjoy breakfast out on the street, as it's more common for Japanese people to eat breakfast at home before heading out. However, in Asakusa, the coffee shop "Yujiru" offers a delightful breakfast for everyone. From its storefront sign to the interior decor, "Yujiru" is filled with a Showa-era nostalgic ambiance, making it a must-visit for those who love a retro vibe!

Kappabashi Street, known for its concentration of kitchenware, molds, and food model stores, is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves cooking or baking. While it's possible to walk there from the Toei Asakusa Line's Asakusa Station, getting off at Tawaramachi Station on the Metro Ginza Line or at Iriya Station on the Hibiya Line is closer and more convenient.

"Asakusa Imahan," located on Kokusai-dori Street in Asakusa, enjoys high fame in Taiwan and Hong Kong, making it a must-visit restaurant for many tourists on a free trip to Tokyo. However, since seats cannot be reserved during lunchtime, be prepared to queue if you plan to visit then. For those looking to savor higher-grade Wagyu sukiyaki, I recommend making an early dinner reservation to fully enjoy the authentic sukiyaki offered by this traditional establishment!

"Daiikanyama Candy Apple," which instantly became a hit with long queues upon opening its first store in Daikanyama, officially made its way to Asakusa in November 2023. The store uses a special recipe to create its candy apples, coating the sweet and juicy fruit with a sugary shell that makes it look as adorable as a gemstone. Both visually appealing and delicious, it's definitely a must-try dessert that's worth the wait in line for the new generation of food enthusiasts!

Asakusa, where the old meets the new and foreign cultures blend seamlessly with the Orient, is undeniably charming in its diversity. On your next visit, not only can you take your time to explore and uncover more of Asakusa's beauty, but you can also delight your taste buds at the 15 gastronomic spots introduced above, experiencing the allure of Asakusa through its flavors!

(*Note: This information is as of December 2023. For the most up-to-date information, please check the official websites.)