Like any other prominent area in Tokyo, Asakusa stays popular among tourists as it is the main ambassador of traditional Japan in Tokyo. Asakusa flourished from the mid-18th century until the start of the early 20th century as a center of common people’s culture.
Senso-ji Temple is the most popular tourist site that hard to miss, but it is mostly very crowded until sunset. There are many activities and interesting places to visit in Asakusa during the day. This is the best area to rent a kimono, you may visit Hanayashiki Amusement Park, Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo, and many other cultural museums.
There are fewer things to enjoy in Asakusa at night, but the lack of crowds would be a blessing for those seeking a quiet night adventure. The night is the best time to enjoy the real beauty of Asakusa, it offers the nostalgic old-times vibe that fades during the day as it is now packed with tourists around the world.
Exploring Sensoji Temple at Night
Image Source: Tokyobling
📍 Location
Sensoji is an ancient Buddhist temple from the 7th century, but the current buildings had been rebuilt after World War II. This temple area consists of three main points; start from the Thunder Gate or Kaminarimo, and enter 200 meters of Nakamise Street, before you finally reach the main ground of Sensoji Temple (around 5 minutes more or less).
Nakamise Street is the most crowded point during the day. It’s impossible it only takes 5 minutes to walk with the crowds and shops to distract you. And that’s the benefit to visit Sensoji Temple at night, where all the shops are closed. Most of the shops on this street are open from 6.00 am to 19:00 pm. While the temple grounds are always accessible for the public 24 hours, free admission.
Even without the shops and the main hall open, there is much to explore in Sensoji Temple grounds at night. Kaminarimo and the exterior of Sensoji Temple don’t lose their majestic under the night sky. There are small temples, iconic statues, and sacred plants. Five-Storied Pagoda and the whole area stays lit up at night. You can still also see the Weeping Cherry Tree and access the Wisteria garden on the temple grounds.
Store Shutters “Night Gallery” Along Dembo-in-dori
Image Source: When in. Tokyo
📍 Location
Not far from Nakamise Street, you may continue your night walk to Dembo-in-dori. It’s a road named after the Dembo-in temple, which is only open during spring for a short period every year. It’s also another popular shopping street in Asakusa, where traditional food and souvenirs are open during the day.
As the sky goes darker, shops are closed and the shutters are down; Dembo-in-dori turns into a “night gallery”. Every store’s stroller in this street has artwork in ancient Japanese style, matched perfectly with the exterior of the buildings. They also keep the lights on, adding a dramatic display of the stroller artwork.
It is an exceptional view you can only experience if you visit Dembo-in-dori at night. Besides enjoying a quiet night walk and sightseeing, this location would be perfect for night photography enthusiasts.
Outdoor Izakaya on Hoppy Street
Image Source: JAPAN Forward
📍 Location
If you have been walking from Nakamise Street from the east, continue your walk to the end of Dembo-in-dori to the west and you will find Hoppy Street on the north side.
Hoppy Street is named after a beer-flavoured (with only 0.8% alcohol) drink, Hoppy. It was first sold here in 1948 as an alternative beverage since beer was too expensive after World War II. These days, locals would still drink Hoppy but they’ll mix it with shochu.
You can stop by the izakaya and have a taste of yakitori in Hoppy Street. Izakaya is widely common in Japan, but an outdoor Izakaya concept like Hoppy Street is an uncommon scene.
If you feel hesitant to eat and drink in these authentic-looking shops, you can always just enjoy the vibe as you continue your night walk, or you can join the Asakusa Food Tour.
📌 More info about the Asakusa Cultural Walk Tour
A Quiet Night Walk Along Sumida River
Image Source: eye.co.jp
If you feeling like the night still long, take a walk along the Sumida River at night would be comforting and generally safe. You may grab some drinks or snacks from the nearest convenience store. There are Lawson and 7-Eleven in Rokku Broadway not far from Hoppy Street.
From Sensoji Temple grounds, you can start from 📍 Sumida Park’s View Point across Sukeroku Yumedori Street. Start your walk from there to 📍 Sakurabashi Bridge. This walk route would take 12 minutes more or less.
There are many viewpoints of Sumida Park points you can take, but this is the best route we recommend, especially because Sakurabashi is a beautiful bridge where you can have a better view of Sumida River.
Asakusa might be one of the most popular and crowded tourist sites during the day, but it could be an alternative if you are looking for a quiet nighttime in Tokyo to unwind. As a district that still perceives tradition and old-time charms, Asakusa shines at night as the cozy and comforting area in Tokyo.