I Don’t Do Asakusa Like Everyone Else—My Retro & Modern 2-Day Route

Asakusa is a place where history and modern culture exist side by side.
From traditional landmarks to newly opened spots, it’s a neighborhood where you can experience both the retro and the modern.

But have you ever felt like this?

“I want to experience something truly authentic and historical.”
“I want to explore not only tourist spots, but also places locals actually enjoy.”
“I want to discover both classic and trending spots in Asakusa.”

I’ve been visiting Asakusa since I was a child, and in this guide, I’ll share a slightly different way to experience it.

This is a 1-night, 2-day itinerary that blends both retro and modern—covering the must-see spots while also showing you a more local side of Asakusa.

Contents

～Day 1～
1. Japan’s oldest amusement park with a Showa-retro vibe, Hanayashiki
2. A modern soba spot in a stylish Japanese setting, Sarashina Tenko
3. Renovated former sumo stable, Asakusa Yokozuna Hotel
4. Enjoy Edo-style cuisine around a traditional hearth at Edo Cuisine Asakusa Sakurada
5. A local favorite public bath, Akebonoyu

～Day 2～
6. Morning at a long-standing cafe, Lodge Akaishi
7. From Kaminarimon to Nakamise Street to Senso-ji Temple

Day 1
1. Japan’s oldest amusement park with a Showa-retro vibe, Hanayashiki

Did you know Japan’s oldest amusement park is in Asakusa?
Asakusa Hanayashiki is a special place where my family used to take me when I was little.

It’s easy to access from the station, and the park is packed with attractions like a roller coaster, haunted house, and carousel! There are over 20 retro rides to enjoy.

A one-day pass (admission + unlimited rides) costs:
Adults ¥4,600 / Children ¥3,400 / Seniors ¥3,400
Free for kids under 4.

If you just want to enjoy it casually,
you can also get admission (Adults ¥1,600 / Children & Seniors ¥800)
plus ride tickets (¥100 each / ¥1,000 for 11 tickets).

Japan’s oldest operating roller coaster

Western-style The Haunted House “Thriller Car”

The spinning and swinging motion makes it incredibly thrilling, Disk”O”

Hanayashiki’s oldest surviving attraction, “House of Surprises”

There are also plenty of cute photo spots throughout the park. From retro signs to colorful attractions, every corner is picture-perfect. Just walking around feels fun and exciting.

One of the must-try snacks at Hanayashiki is the “Long Fries”.
You can get them at a shop called “Furoru,” located right in front of the attraction “Thrill Car.” These fries are about 20 cm long, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Simple but addictive, they’re perfect for snacking as you explore the park!
If you visit Hanayashiki, be sure to give them a try.

Basic information

🎢 Asakusa Hanayashiki（浅草花やしき）

📍 2-28-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘 10:00-18:00 (Hours may vary depending on the season, weather, and other circumstances)

💤 Closed on irregular days (Please check the official website for the latest schedule)

🚶 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)

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2. A modern soba spot in a stylish Japanese setting, Sarashina Tenko

Eating lunch inside the park is great, but did you know that re-entry is allowed? You can step outside and enjoy lunch at nearby restaurants as well.

To re-enter, simply:
Ask a staff member at the exit for a re-entry pass → Show the pass at the entrance when you come back!

Since you’re here, why not head to “Sarashina Tenko,” just a short walk from Hanayashiki, for lunch?

The first floor has counter seating

The second floor has table seating

Sarashina Tenko is a new restaurant that opened in January 2025. It’s quite popular, and it was fully booked when I visited.

You can make a reservation through the official website or Instagram, so booking in advance is highly recommended if you want to secure a table.

The interior has a modern Japanese atmosphere. On the first floor, there is counter seating with an open kitchen, where you can watch the dishes being prepared up close.

If you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, the second floor offers table seating.

Orders are placed via QR code, and an English menu is available, so you can order with ease.

Another great point is that the restaurant is pet-friendly, so you can enjoy your meal with your dog.

The menu is extensive, with carefully crafted dishes throughout. Their homemade soba and health-conscious dishes are not only delicious but also beautifully presented. Both the soba and most dishes are generally made without wheat flour (gluten-free), making it a great option for those with allergies or health-conscious preferences.

Please note that some menu items may contain wheat, so be sure to check the allergen information for details.

Starter (Otoshi)

Assorted appetizers for soba

Yamako Tuna Hand Roll

Aged Beni Haruka Sweet Potato with Butter

Ozaki beef thigh seared yukke, Seiro Soba, and Soba Toro

Rice flour shrimp tempura soba

I'll make it just for you! A lucky, once-in-a-lifetime mochi rice cake.

Basic information

🏠 Asakusa Sarashina Tenko（浅草更科天狐）

📍 2-7-25 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘 Weekdays & Holidays: 11:30-15:00 / 17:00-21:00
🕘 Weekends: 11:30-16:00 / 17:00-21:00

💤 Wednesdays / 2nd and 4th Tuesdays

🚶 4-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)

💴 Cash, credit cards, and electronic payments are accepted.

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3. Renovated former sumo stable, Asakusa Yokozuna Hotel

It’s a unique hotel that has been renovated from a former sumo stable, preserving its original character while transforming it into a modern and playful space.

This time, I stayed in the “STANDARD STUDIO,” a loft-style room. With its high ceiling, the space feels open and airy, making it very comfortable.

The fridge is stocked with drinks such as tea, juice, and beer—all complimentary. The amenities are also well-equipped, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay.

At the reception on the second floor

The room also comes with a kitchen, making it easy to prepare simple meals—perfect for longer stays. While the room includes a bathroom, there are no hot springs or restaurants on-site, so you’ll need to dine outside. That said, it’s a great opportunity to explore and fully enjoy everything Asakusa has to offer.

Basic information

🏩 Asakusa Yokozuna Hotel（浅草横綱ホテル）

📍 3-30-5 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🚶 8 minutes walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station

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4. Enjoy Edo-style cuisine around a traditional hearth at Edo Cuisine Asakusa Sakurada

For dinner, We visited Edo Cuisine Asakusa Sakurada, where you can experience traditional Edo-period cuisine.

As you sit around an irori (traditional Japanese hearth), you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients and cooking methods from the Edo period—offering a truly unique experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The historic setting feels like stepping back in time, and the slow, peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to forget about everyday life.

For the skewers, you can choose four of your favorite items and grill them yourself.
Even the process of selecting what to eat is part of the fun, and cooking over charcoal in an irori is an experience that many Japanese people don’t often get to try.

Grilling fish, meat, and vegetables yourself, then enjoying them with rice cooked in a clay pot and miso soup, makes for a simple yet deeply satisfying Japanese meal.

After dinner, you can even enjoy sparklers over the irori—another unique touch that makes the experience truly memorable.

It’s a place where you can enjoy not just the food, but the entire experience from start to finish.

I’ve written a more detailed review of the dishes and the experience in a separate article, so be sure to check it out if you’re interested (link here).

Basic information

🏠 Edo cuisine Asakusa SAKURADA（江戸料理櫻田）

📍 1-15-12 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘 Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

🕘 Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last order: 8:00 PM)

💤 Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, closed on Tuesday instead)

🚶 4-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line)

💴 Cash or credit cards accepted.

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5. A local favorite public bath, Akebonoyu

Although the hotel room had its own bathroom, I decided to visit a local sento (public bathhouse) loved by the community for a more authentic experience.

A sento is a traditional Japanese public bath where anyone can bathe by paying an entrance fee. It’s a great way to experience a unique aspect of Japanese culture.

This time, I visited Akebonoyu, which has been designated as a Tokyo Metropolitan Selected Historical Building.
The bathhouse retains a nostalgic, old-fashioned atmosphere while being clean and well-maintained, and it was lively with many locals when I visited.

Amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and hair dryers are available, and rental towels (+¥200) are also offered, making it easy to drop by even if you don’t bring anything.

The bathwater is set a bit on the hotter side, which warms you up thoroughly.
After a bath, enjoying a bottle of milk or coffee milk is a classic sento experience—and it tastes even better after soaking in the hot water!

There are also manga available inside, so it’s nice to relax for a while after your bath before heading out.

Basic information

♨ Akebonoyu（曙湯）

📍 4-17-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘 Weekday: 6:00～9:00 / 11:00～25:00

🕘 Weekends and public holidays: 6:00～25:00

💤 Closed: Second Tuesday of each month

🚶 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)

💴 Adults (junior high school and older): ¥550
Cash, credit cards, and electronic payments are accepted.

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～Day 2～

6. Morning at a long-standing cafe, Lodge Akaishi

Founded in 1973, Lodge Akaishi is a long-standing retro cafe in Asakusa.

When we visited around 10 a.m. on a holiday, it was already full. We was lucky to get in right as a table opened up.

The interior has a Showa-era atmosphere, and each cup of coffee is carefully brewed using a siphon.

I came for their famous shrimp sandwich (¥1,450), but since it was during breakfast hours, I was told it would take some time.

For breakfast, we ordered the toast with a boiled egg and a hot dog, which were served fairly quickly.

The shrimp sandwich took about 30 minutes. It comes with three fried shrimp, along with cabbage, tartar sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simple, but the touch of mustard adds a nice kick.

A cafe loved by both locals and visitors.

Basic information

🏠 Lodge Akaishi（ロッジ赤石）

📍 3-8-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘 9:00～22:30

💤 Closed on Mondays

🚶 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)

💴 Cash only

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7. From Kaminarimon to Nakamise Street to Senso-ji Temple

When visiting Asakusa, taking a photo at Kaminarimon is a must.

The official name of Kaminarimon is Furaijinmon（風雷神門）.
It’s an iconic symbol of Asakusa, marked by a giant red lantern. At night, the gate is beautifully illuminated, offering a completely different atmosphere from daytime.

Next, take a stroll along Nakamise Street, a classic way to enjoy shopping and sampling local treats.

Nakamise Street is said to be one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, lined with shops that retain their traditional charm.
You can find classic Asakusa souvenirs such as rice crackers, ningyo-yaki (small cakes shaped like dolls), and Japanese handicrafts.
Even just walking down the street, you can feel the historic atmosphere that has continued since the Edo period.

However, eating while walking is prohibited on Nakamise Street, so be sure to enjoy your treats at designated areas. Observing this rule ensures a pleasant experience for everyone and lets you enjoy Asakusa to the fullest.

At the end of Nakamise Street, you’ll arrive at Senso-ji Temple.
Senso-ji is one of the oldest temples in Japan, attracting both tourists and local worshippers. The temple grounds feature a vivid red main hall and a five-story pagoda, making it a serene place to soak in history while exploring.
You can also experience Japanese culture by trying your hand at omikuji (fortune slips) or picking up an omamori (protective charm).

Weeping cherry blossoms at Senso-ji Temple, captured in March 2026.
They come into full bloom in spring.

Asakusa is a place where retro and modern come together.

With its blend of historic scenery and new spots, it’s a neighborhood where you’ll discover something new no matter how many times you visit.

Go beyond the usual tourist route and experience Asakusa in a slightly different way.

I hope this inspires you to find your own way to enjoy Asakusa.

If you want to see more delicious food in Asakusa, be sure to check out my Instagram too📸✨Just click the icon below!