Tokyo/Asakusa

Not to be confused with Tokyo/Akasaka.

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Sensōji

Tokyo Asakusa Kannon - Sensōji

Sensōji (浅草寺), commonly called Asakusa Kannon, is Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple and a major attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike. Take the Asakusa exit of the subway and follow the crowds.

• Kaminarimon - 雷門, Thunder Gate | 35.71112, 139.79637 - Up first, it features a much-photographed giant lantern and statues of guardian gods Raijin (god of thunder) and Fūjin (god of wind). First built in 942 and the gate has been destroyed numerous times and the current incarnation dates to only 1950. The Nakamise shopping arcade leading up to the temple starts after the gate (see #Buy|Buy).
• Hōzōmon - 宝蔵門 | 35.71393, 139.79668 At the end of the arcade, it is the main gate, notable for a giant straw sandal (waraji) hung up on one side. This gate too is guarded by ferocious guardian gods.
• Kannondō - 観音堂, Kannon Hall | 35.714736, 139.796725 Behind the gate and the main temple is perennially busy with a steady stream of worshippers wafting incense over themselves and trooping up the steps to pray and donate. According to legend and the hall was built in 628 to house a statue of Kannon and the Goddess of Mercy, fished out of the Sumida River by two brothers.
• Gojūnotō - 五重塔, 5-Story Pagoda | 35.714102, 139.796041 To the west - It reputedly contains some of the ashes of the Buddha.

Other temples and shrines

• Asakusa Jinja - 浅草神社 35.71500, 139.79743 - To the east behind the temple is this Shinto shrine devoted to protecting the Buddhist temple in a typically Japanese arrangement. The fairly plain shrine is not much to look at, but is notable as the focal point of the Sanja Matsuri festival (see #Do|Do).
• Chingodō Shrine | alt＝鎮護堂 | 35.713120, 139.794759 - If you turn left before the Hōzōmon gate and head west for a few hundred meters, this quiet shrine is on your left. The shrine is dedicated to the Japanese raccoon god tanuki, notably primarily for its big flask of sake and gigantic testicles (at least when depicted as a statue).
• Dembō-in Temple - 伝法院 | 35.713236, 139.795459 ¥700 Located right next to Sensō-ji (to which it belongs), this temple has a spectacular Japanese garden. While generally closed to the public and they do open for exhibitions every year from roughly mid-March to early May. Other than the (small) garden itself, which is best in the cherry blossom (sakura) season and the exhibition also features some of the Temple's cultural treasures. Note, that the temple only opened every few years previously, and while they have opened every year most recently, this can change once again. The entrance is close to the five-story pagoda (Gojūnotō) of the Sensō-ji temple (see above).

What to Do

• Sanja Matsuri - 三社祭 - Organized at Asakusa Jinja yearly on the third weekend in May, this is Tokyo's largest festival (matsuri) and attracts up to 2 million spectators. The main event is a procession known as Daigyōretsu, when traditional performers and musicians parade through the streets, while on the next two days portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried to and from the temple for purification.
• Asakusa Samba Carnival - Held on the last Saturday of August. The street parade, which features thousands of participants from all over Japan, is held in the afternoon around Sensoji, and there are some stage shows in the evening. The event started in 1981, it's the biggest party of the year for the many Japanese-Brazilian residents of Tokyo.
• Hanayashiki - 花やしき - Next to the Sensoji temple grounds is this small and somewhat lackluster carnival complex with rides, booths, and games. The neighborhood theatre specializes in showing classic Japanese films, as many of the Muslims are elderly (Japanese).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tokyo/Asakusa

Nakamise_Arcade - Nakamise shopping arcade

• Nakamise - 仲見世 | 35.71188, 139.79645 - This busy covered shopping arcade leads from the Kaminarimon gate to the temple, selling all sorts of Buddhist paraphernalia as well as assorted tourist souvenirs. This is one of the best places in Tokyo to buy souvenirs (the other being the Oriental Bazaar in Tokyo/Harajuku#Buy|Omotesando), but note more expensive items such as swords and kimonos are likely to be of inferior quality. Slightly nicer crafts, rather than mass-produced souvenirs, can be found at good prices if you walk up to the temple, turn right, and turn right again on the first small street running parallel to Nakamise. You will see plenty of small shops in this general area which have better quality souvenirs and gifts, like handkerchiefs, strings of hand-made silk balls, hairclips, etc.
• Kappabashi - かっぱ橋 | 35.71134, 139.78835 A more offbeat shopping option, it is best reached from Tawaramachi station on the Ginza line. This is Tokyo's restaurant wholesale neighborhood, which sells plastic food, metal spatulas, deep fryers and an immense variety of affordable crockery. Some shops sell only in wholesale quantities, but many are happy to sell single items and factory-made Japanese pottery (which to the casual eye is indistinguishable from the handmade kind) can sell for as little as ¥100 a piece. Another bargain is high-quality Japanese kitchen knives, which are generally much cheaper in Japan. Note that most stores here are closed on Sundays.
• Denkama - 田窯 | at the junction of Kappabashi-dori and Asakusa-dori 35.71048, 139.78848 A particularly good boutique specializing in handmade Japanese pottery. The discount racks outside are downright affordable at several hundred yen a pop, but more expensive items on the second floor may run into tens of thousands of yen.

Asakusabashi (浅草橋), two stops south on the Toei Asakusa Line, is a wholesale neighborhood which these days is known for its shops specializing in bead craft supplies. There are also many stores selling traditional Japanese festival and party supplies.

• Kiwa Seisakusho - 貴和製作所 | Asakusabashi 2-1-10 Opening from Monday to Saturday 9:30AM Monday - 6:30PM No less than 5 floors of plastic baubles of all shapes and sizes. Three shops in Asakusabashi alone and the largest near exits A4 and A2 of the metro.

Halal Restaurants in Tokyo/Asakusa

Asakusa is famous for its senbei Rice crackers, grilled on the spot, flavored with soy and usually wrapped in seaweed. There are many competing shops in the Nakamise arcade, and packages of senbei are a very popular souvenir among the Japanese as well. Kaminari okoshi, a sweet snack made of Rice, peanuts, and syrup, originated from food stalls near Kaminarimon in the Edo period. Asakusa is also famous for its tempura, fried prawns and vegetables. You can find many tempura restaurants (high and low budget) in the streets near Nakamise doori.

• Nishiyama Sweets - 甘味処 西山 | Kaminarimon 2-19-10 Just off the main intersection, towards Kaminarimon ☎ +81 3 5830-3145 | Opening Hours: Thursday - Tuesday After an exhausting day visiting the temples, grab some hot steamed dumplings outside, or step inside for traditional desserts such as oshiruko (grilled Rice cake in a sweet-bean porridge) or cream an-mitsu (gelatin cubes in molasses with candied fruit and ice cream). This very simple shop serving tea and sweets has been in business since 1852.
• Sansada - 三定 | Asakusa 1－２－２ Just right of Kaminarimon ☎ +81 3 3841-3400 | Opening Hours: Open from 11:30AM Over 150 years of history. Try their tempura and soba set! Or the fresh deep fried flour/batter at the front of the restaurant. You can smell them from a mile away, because they use sesame oil.
• Kagetsudo - 花月堂 | Asakusa 1-18-11 35.711520, 139.796054 ☎ +81 3-5830-3534 | Opening Hours: Daily 9AM Monday - 5PM ¥200 for one, ¥700 for three - This place has been making "melon pan" since 1945, and they haven't changed the decoration. It is a buttery and milky small cake with a crispy sweet crust.

Mid-range

• Aoi-Marushin - 葵丸進 | 1-4-4 Asakusa 35.711253, 139.794981 ☎ +81 3 3841-0110 - Good tempura in a convenient location, with fifty years of history behind it.
• Daikokuya - 大黒家 | 1-38-10 Asakusa 35.712764, 139.795524 ☎ +81 3 3844-1111 - Arguably Tokyo's most famous tempura restaurant, with a history of more than 100 years. Be prepared for extremely long queues during meal times. An English menu is available on request.

Asakusa's local specialty drink is Denki Bran, a stiff brandy-based cocktail which originated at the Kamiya Bar but can be ordered at most drinking establishments in the area.

• Kamiya Bar - 神谷バー | Asakusa 1-1-1 35.710887, 139.797446 right on the junction at the main intersection ☎ +81 3 3841-5400 | Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - 10PM - The home of the Denki Bran cocktail; first opened in 1880 and a truly local institution. The ground floor is a large Cola-hall-like and the second is a Middle Eastern style restaurant, and the upper floor serves Japanese food. Find a seat at one of the shared tables, buy your tickets at the counter, and join in the fun.
• Bar Sandglass | Asakusa, Kaminarimon 1-16-2 1-minutes walk north of Tawaramachi metro station, turn right after the Jonathan's restaurant. - If stuck in Asakusa at drinking time, Bar Sandglass is a good place to stop. This stylish, diminutive (max. 10 people - don't bring a crowd) bar is tucked away in the back streets of Asakusa. For a drink with the friendly local residents any night of the week, this is the place to come; no Japanese ability necessary.
• Asakusa Naniwaya | Asakusa 2-12-4 35.714816, 139.792788 ☎ +81 3-3842-0988 | Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 7PM Asakusa Naniwaya branch the original of Taiyaki Naniwaya Sohonten (Azabu Jyu-ban).The cafe in the shop, you can enjoy the Green tea and coffee with all handmade Japanese sweets.
• Cigars & Cafe LWAN | Matsugaya 1-11-3 35.71207, 139.787821 Near Tawaramachi on the Ginza Line ☎ +81 3 6426-2170 | Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1PM Monday - 9PM, Saturday Sunday noon-8PM, national holidays noon-8PM A cigar bar that serves Coffee, soft drinks, and desserts. There is a large cigar selection, in particular from the Dominican Republic.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Tokyo/Asakusa

Tokyo/Asakusa - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Tokyo/Asakusa, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tokyo/Asakusa. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Tokyo/Asakusa and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Tokyo/Asakusa. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Tokyo/Asakusa. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTokyo/Asakusa: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Tokyo/Asakusa.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Tokyo/Asakusa: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Tokyo/Asakusa, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Tokyo/Asakusa.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Tokyo/Asakusa, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Tokyo/Asakusa, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Tokyo/Asakusa and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Tokyo/Asakusa, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Tokyo/Asakusa, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Tokyo/Asakusa without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tokyo/Asakusa is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Tokyo/Asakusa.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Tokyo/Asakusa is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Tokyo/Asakusa, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Tokyo/Asakusa Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Asakusa is a popular accommodation choice for budget travelers and there are many affordable ryokan catering to Foreign Muslims in the area. For even cheaper (but less convenient) options, see the Tokyo/Taito|Taito neighborhood article.

• Khaosan Tokyo Guesthouse | ☎ +81 3 5856-6560 - ¥2000 This group of hotels has 3 hostels within 5 minutes of Asakusa station. They also run a traveler's and you get 1 free drink when you stay. There are dormitories as well as superior Muslim friendly rooms available.
• Sakura Hostel Asakusa - サクラホステル浅草 | @ostel.co.jp 2-24-2 Asakusa About 6 minutes from Tsukuba Express train station. ☎ +81 3 3847-8111 - From ¥2940 person/night Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: 11AM The largest hostel in Tokyo, behind a theme park and with a direct view of Tokyo Skytree and the world's second highest construction. Accommodations for individual backpackers, families, and group travelers. Very friendly English speaking staff.
• Taito Ryokan | The closest station is Tawaramachi on the Ginza Line ☎ +81 3 3843-2822 - ¥3000 per person per day An old post-war house converted into an inn. Friendly staff. Shared shower; two shared baths. No frills and thin walls, but you can't beat the price. A few blocks from Nakamise Street and Sensoji temple.
• Tokyo Ryokan | ☎ +81 90 8879-3599 - ¥3000 A modern inn with high standard. Friendly staff. Shared shower and bathrooms. Just rooms and futons are provided, but at a low price.
• Hotel Asakusa & Capsule - ホテル 浅草 ＆ カプセル | 台東区寿4-14-9 Several blocks east of Tawaramachi on the Ginza Line. ☎ +81 3 3847-4477 +81 3 3841-1525 Capsule ¥2200 This is a co-ed capsule hotel (gender separated by floor). No English is spoken, but staff are familiar with foreigners and have information in English on prinagents.

Mid-range

• Ryokan Shigetsu | ☎ +81 3 3843-2345 - ¥7665-21,000 A nice small hotel with a mix of Japanese style and western style room next to the famous Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Friendly and helpful staff. Free internet in all rooms, two Japanese style baths and showers.
• Sukeroku-no-Yado-Sadachiyo | 2-20-1 Asakusa A 10 minutes walk from Tawaramachi Station or 15-minutes walk from Asakusa Station. ☎ +81 3 3842-6431 +81 3 3842-6433 Singles ¥14,000, doubles ¥19,000, ¥1000 more on weekends and holidays Check-in: 4PM / Check-out: 10AM Japanese style ryokan. On a quiet street. All rooms have shower/bath and toilet. Internet available. Two public baths, two tatami banquet halls, and a lounge.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Tokyo/Asakusa

Asakusa is a large Tokyo hub of the private Tobu railway, and you can be transported to a different world in two hours:

• Ashikaga
• Kinugawa — a hot spring resort fallen on hard times
• Nikko — with its national parks and opulent shrines
• Tatebayashi
• Tochigi — A worthwhile day trip from Tokyo for its preserved architecture and old shops.

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