How To Explore Asakusa and Ueno For First-Timers

Asakusa and Ueno are places where you get a mix of modern and traditional Japan. Aside from visiting the main attractions, there are plenty of shopping and dining options here.

If this is your first time to Asakusa and Ueno, or even to Tokyo itself, I hope this articles inspires your visit to this rich and vibrant area.

Table of Contents

Why visit Asakusa and Ueno?
Is one day enough for Asakusa and Ueno?
What to eat near Asakusa and Ueno?
Famous Attractions and Things To Do in Asakusa and Ueno

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Why visit Asakusa and Ueno?

Some of Tokyo’s top attractions are located in Asakusa, including Senso-ji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree. Asakusa and Ueno are located close to each other and both districts have great connectivity with the rest of Tokyo. There are many hidden food and cafe gems here too if you know where to look.

They are located closer to the western region of Tokyo compared to Shinjuku and Shibuya. This makes it a convenient stop for a side trip to Nikko National Park. You can access the Tobu line which offers direct trains to Nikko from Asakusa station. Alternatively, you can stay in Asakusa to end off your trip since it is relatively close to Narita Airport.

Ueno is also a great connecting point between Nagano and Tokyo via Shinkansen. You could get to mountain towns like Hakuba which are perfect for hiking in autumn.

Asakusa and Ueno are not only good for shopping and sightseeing, many of Tokyo’s best restaurants are in this area as well. You also get a break from the dense high rise streets with a riverside view in Asakusa. Here, you can enjoy a cool evening walk and watch the sunset.

Is one day enough for Asakusa and Ueno?

One day is a good length of time to check out the main attractions Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree, as well as do some shopping in Ueno. If you want to spend more time in Ueno such as to visit Ueno Zoo, I recommend staying for about two days. Asakusa and Ueno are best enjoyed at a slow place, so you can adjust your itinerary as you go.

If you’re planning to spend a longer time in Tokyo, check out this 5-day itinerary.

What to eat near Asakusa and Ueno?

This is my favourite part of any Japan itinerary – the food! It is worth planning out your meals beforehand so that you can maximise your time there. I made a separate post about the must-try Tokyo foods, do check it out here for the rest of your Japan itinerary.

Noodles – Ramen, Soba, Udon

Yoroiya is a convenient ramen stop if you are visiting Senso-ji Temple. It is tucked away just off the busy Nakamise-dori street, where you get to enjoy your ramen in a low-profile store. They are know for their double-yolked eggs which is associated with positive fortune.

Daikokuya Tempura is also located close to the Senso-ji Temple, just off the Nakamise-dori street. It is a popular traditional shop serving deep-fried shrimp and tuna.

Okina Soba is a great place to taste Japanese style curry soba or udon. It is loved by locals and the price is affordable. Did you know that this place was founded in 1914?

Meat – Tonkatsu, Gyukatsu, Grilled Skewer Meat

Asakusa Gyukatsu is so well-known that I don’t think I need to say more. This is the classic Gyukatsu restaurant to try grilling your deep-fried beef cutlets on personal hot stone plates. It is a super fun and interactive dining experience that I would love to try again. The beef is of high quality and overall makes for an excellent value-for-money experience.

Asakusa Menchi is a small shop that you might almost miss along the side of the Nakamise-dori street. They sell fried pork bites, almost like a croquette, which looks normal but tastes extraordinary. The fried exterior is so crunchy and the insides are tender and flavourful. Due to the small store front, they have catered a separate dining area a few stores down.

Ponta Honke is a Tonkatsu restaurant that was founded in 1905 and has been handed down for generations. If you’ve been hunting for a good Tonkatsu place in Ueno, this might be it.

Yakiton Maa Chan is an Izakaya restaurant at a street corner that offers tasty grilled meat skewers. You can choose from a wide variety of meat, including the usual yakitori as well as liver and kobukuro sashimi (pig uterus).

Aona is a gyukatsu restaurant located near Ueno station. They offer a selection of varied beef types. For example, you can choose either the New Zealand beef, Japanese Black Wagyu, or Marbled Black Wagyu. Aona is supposedly less popular than Asakusa Gyukatsu, so you can come here if you don’t have the patience to wait in line.

Conveyor Belt Sushi

Kura Sushi Asakusa ROX is a major chain of conveyor belt sushi restaurants. They have automated processes for seating and ordering, and even a slot for you to drop your empty plates. Not only is it affordable, the service is prompt and the seafood is fresh. There are also English guides and menus for an easy and enjoyable dining experience.

Miuramisaki Kou is a casual sushi place with seats facing the sushi chefs such that you can watch them prepare food. Just looking at the generous portion of ingredients on each sushi will make you salivate.

Desserts – Melonpan, Matcha Crepe, Pancakes

Kotobuki-sei-an serves several types of matcha crepe from its small takeout store, such as the tiramisu or creme brulee matcha crepe. These instagrammable desserts are only available before they get sold out, so hurry and get them early.

Asakusa Kagetsudo is a cozy bakery that is known for their melon pan, which can be filled with either cream or ice cream. The outside crust is meant to be crunchy, such that it complements the soft cream filling. The best melon pan is rumoured to be found here in Asakusa Kagetsudo.

Coffee Tengoku is a coffee shop that is well known for their signature made-to-order pancakes. In fact, they have even been featured in the show “Kantaro: The Sweet Tooth Salaryman”. The whole place smells very fragrant and the atmosphere is cozy and quiet, making it the ideal rest stop for a busy afternoon.

Benitsuru is paradise for those who love fluffy pancakes. There are many interesting combinations of topping for each serving, such as custard with grapefruit and salted caramel. If you are looking to come here for breakfast or brunch, be sure to make reservations the day before.

Coffee and Brunch

Suke6 Diner has perfected the industrial cafe aesthetic within their loft-style space. If you’re looking for a break from Japanese style breakfast, this cafe serves the usual brunch items like pasta and avocado toast. The service was polite and welcoming and we were rejuvenated after a long train ride.

Sukemasa Coffee is a small espresso based cafe in Asakusa with baristas who take their latte art very seriously. The staff also wear a kimono uniform, a fun detail that helps you to relax.

Famous Attractions and Things To Do in Asakusa and Ueno

Senso-ji Temple

This is the oldest temple in the city and has a long history since the 7th century. The main entrance of the Senso-ji Temple is the iconic Kaminarimon Gate. It would be hard to miss it because it has a large red lantern hanging from the top. Once you go through that you will come to Nakamise-dori, a popular shopping street for souvenirs and various traditional snacks.

Five-Storied Pagoda

Another iconic landmark of Asakusa would be the Five-Storied Pagoda just outside the main Senso-ji Temple area. It has a beautiful symmetrical design which can be admired from various streets nearby.

Dress up in a Kimono

Aside from Kyoto, Asakusa is also a fun place to dress up in a kimono. You can even hire a photographer from the studio to help you commemorate the experience. You would typically need to make a reservation at your chosen kimono rental shop, and you can also choose if you want your hair and makeup to be done.

Rickshaw Tour

Another fun traditional experience we saw in Asakusa was people dressed in kimonos taking rickshaw rides. This is a fun way to see the city as you can customise the route based on your preference and the tour duration. The rickshaw ride pullers can also give you information about the various sights you see along the way.

Visit the Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree is an actual broadcasting tower that services the greater Tokyo area. You can purchase tickets to access the observation decks that offer panoramic views of the city. To avoid long queues, you can book them in advance. Check prices here via Klook. You may also admire the Tokyo Skytree from afar, such as from the Sumida River.

Sumida River and Tokyo Bay Cruise

For a different perspective of the city, you can take a cruise along Sumida River. There are a few variations in routes depending on the sights you want to see. For example you can cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba, or enjoy a dinner cruise along Tokyo’s skyline.

Iriya Asagao Festival in July

The Iriya Asagao festival is a famous event held in summer near Iriya Kishimojin temple, taking place on 6-8 July every year. It is centred around morning glory flowers, which has been the tradition since the older days. These flowers are in full bloom in summer, and there are over 100 stores set up for this event. It is a lively event where you can see locals bring home morning glory pots after a fruitful shopping time.

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan and is home to a wide range of animals. Having had success in its panda breeding program, it is a popular attraction among locals and foreigners. You can also enjoy the rest of Ueno Park after your trip to the zoo.

Shopping Areas in Asakusa and Ueno

If you still have some energy left, check out some more shopping malls and streets. The atmosphere in Asakusa and Ueno is very lively, making it a fun place to walk around even if you are not buying anything. For example, we chanced upon an opening performance for an Okinawa Summer Fair and just stopped to watch them.

Ameyoko Shopping Street
Nakamise-Dori Shopping Street
mont-bell Okachimachi Store
Asakusa ROX
Don Quijote Asakusa
UNIQLO Asakusa Store

Looking for more resources for your Japan trip? Read more:

How To Explore Asakusa and Ueno For First-Timers

Why visit Asakusa and Ueno?

Is one day enough for Asakusa and Ueno?