The good news: Asakusa is a super fun part of Tokyo to explore during the day. After all, a 3 PM check-in doesn’t seem so far away when you’re busy learning how to make amezaiku in the shape of a cute little rabbit, or filling up on sushi at the massive flagship Kura Sushi store in Asakusa ROX.
The bad news: Asakusa is a super popular part of Tokyo to explore during the day. Between hosting the oldest temple in all of Tokyo (Sensoji Temple) & the carefully preserved part common-folk culture of Shitamachi, tons of tourists write down Asakusa as one of their must-sees to hit up during the day.
Don’t get me wrong— Asakusa offers tons of things to do, no matter when you decide to visit. If you’re hoping to explore Kappabashi to scope out stuff for your kitchen back home, for instance, you should make time to visit before 5 PM hits. That said, making Asakusa into a daytime-only visit is kind of a rookie mistake— true Tokyoites know that Asakusa is basically reborn with a whole new vibe during the night.
Asakusa has a long history as one of Tokyo’s top nightlife entertainment spots, and for good reason: not only is it the oldest standing geisha district in all of Tokyo— offering plenty of illuminated cultural experiences & shows throughout the night— it also has no shortage of bars, izakaya & restaurants packed with tons of good food & secrets to keep you craving more as the evening marches on! Would you believe us if we told you there’s even a good reason to visit the closed Nakamise Street at night?If you’re curious as to what makes Asakusa a prime choice for nightlife & fun things to do after dark, we here at Asakusa Kaguwa have you covered! In this article-turned-guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about why nights in Asakusa are so special & how you too can enjoy them— we here at Asakusa Kaguwa have lots of exclusive pictures, experiences & insider tips to share with you!
Why Asakusa at Night is a Must-See Experience in Tokyo
Though there’s no denying that days in Asakusa are a blast in their own right, you’re really missing out if you leave as soon as the sun goes down. Here’s a rundown as to the many reasons why!
Escaping the Daytime Crowds
Asakusa offers nightlife in a cozier, calmer package than other hotspots in Tokyo like Shinjuku & Shibuya do. Seriously, if you go to Kabukicho in Shinjuku at night, it’s pretty crowded— and honestly fairly overwhelming. Nights in Asakusa are different, however— because they’re sorta underrated amongst tourists, you can have lots of fun looking, drinking, eating & shopping around without having to worry about pushing your way through crowds to get anywhere!
Serenity & Space in the Evening
Asakusa is really easy to navigate at night. It’s not so deserted that you’d feel on edge from being all alone, but the crowds are way more manageable than the ones you’ll find in Kabukicho at night. Additionally, you don’t have to concern yourself with Shinjuku worries like avoiding barkers— the atmosphere of the district at night is friendly, but comfortable & understanding. Plus, there’s plenty more room for photography without having to dodge capturing strangers in your pics. On that note…
Sensoji Temple’s Nightly Illumination
If you visit Sensoji Temple at night, not only can you skip out on the bulk of crowds, you can manage some great photography— not to mention get an entirely unique & awe-inspiring experience! The guardian statues surrounding the temple were originally meant to ward off thieves hoping to sneak in under the cover of the dark— they honestly look super imposing & cool when illuminated by the moon & subtle temple lights (check out my own photo!).
A Glimpse into Old Tokyo’s Soul
Asakusa originated as an entertainment district during Japan’s Edo Period— with that in mind, the best time to visit the area is obviously the night, if you want to experience Tokyo like a true Edokko (child of Edo). That is to say— the Tokyoites of the past would consider the best time to visit Asakusa to be the night for all the geisha gatherings & general merriment, so why shouldn’t you?
Safety and Accessibility at Night
Asakusa is extremely safe at night. Almost ridiculously so. The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind when travelling to Asakusa at night, is how late the Tokyo trains run: you can catch one up until 1:00 AM. After that, you’ll probably want to look into grabbing a taxi/rideshare. On the rare occasion you do happen to run into trouble, you can always head to one of Asakusa’s police facilities: in my experience, the Tawaramachi Police Box is pretty easy to locate (it’s right next to the Samurai Ninja Museum!).
Top Things to Do in Asakusa at Night
Iconic Landmarks Illuminated: A Visual Feast
If you make plans to visit Asakusa at night, one thing you’ll quickly learn is that your eyes are gonna have just as much to eat as your stomach! That is to say, the way the district is rejuvenated by the moonlight— combined with gentle illumination of streetlights— give Asakusa & its famed spots (& activities!) a revitalized & serene image completely unique yet befitting of its graceful nightlife atmosphere. Here’s how the night sky & illumination makes hotspots like Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, the Tokyo Skytree & Sumida River all more worth the after dark trek!
Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street After Dark
As detailed earlier, coming to Sensoji Temple at night guarantees you’ll get a unique & exclusive feel for how the temple might have inspired & intimidated Tokyoites in the past. The relative quiet of Sensoji Temple after dark radiates both serenity & excitement, in my experience. You feel like you’re both exactly where you’re supposed to be with the peace night brings, but also reverent & aware of how sacred where you stand truly is. Check out my above picture of the Kaminarimon Gate at night— doesn’t it feel a little foreboding, but in a booming & exciting sort of way? Befitting of an entrance literally called ‘Thunder Gate’, I think.
But Sensoji Temple & Kaminarimon aren’t the only attractions calling your attention at night— you might think that Nakamise Street has become pretty boring since all the shops have long since closed, but you’d be wrong! When the shutters come down for the day, their unfolding reveals beautiful hand-painted murals of old Edo.
This street art is known as the Asakusa Emaki, and is an exclusive treat only to those who visit Sensoji Temple at night. I honestly think it’s really underrated— taking a walk around the temple while looking at the cool murals is a great refresher to end the day on in my opinion, so definitely make a note to look at them if you decide our description of Sensoji Temple has sold you on a night visit!
My suggestions for photography, if you’re so inclined & want some cool pics to post to social media:
- Right in front of Kaminarimon Gate, as you can see in the first photo of this section. My picture is a bit from the side, but if you can manage to get a more centered shot, you can show off the shuttered Nakamise Street mural art in the background!
- Consider taking some closeups of the various temple guardians— the dark makes them look really imposing, kinda spooky.
- Beyond Kaminarimon & Nakamise Street of course, the main building of Sensoji Temple can’t be missed. The stairs are a popular spot to take photos, even at night— but you can take some wide & cinematic shots if you stand a little further back to catch the well in your lens too!
Views from the Tokyo Skytree at Night
One of the things that really struck me while wandering around Asakusa was the view of the Tokyo Skytree, across the river and just over in Sumida. You’d think it’d be fairly jarring— Asakusa is practically dripping in old-fashioned Japan vibes, after all, but that’s actually not really the case. Rather, it’s almost as if because the Tokyo Skytree juts out as so hyper-modern, Asakusa’s traditional charm stands out even more.
There’s something really cool about crossing the Sumida River via Azumabashi (Azuma Bridge) to get from Asakusa to see the Skytree in Sumida— it made me feel like a bit of a time traveller, actually. Entering the Tokyo Skytree at night is also pretty worth it, I’d say. Everybody always assumes you’ll want to get a look at Asakusa & Sumida from up high when the sun is still up, but the way the city glows at night is underrated. Plus, you can get a lot of cool panoramic shots that really emphasize Tokyo’s urban beauty!
Sumida River Night Cruises
You can get a pretty good picture (and lots of good pictures) of the Sumida River just by walking around on Azumabashi (or any of the other many, many bridges crossing the body of water). However, for those looking to explore the water itself in depth— check out the Sumida River cruises! These boats operate in the evening and let you get as up close and personal with the river as you can possibly get.
Most cruises last about 40–60 minutes, and you can book tickets online or at nearby piers (like at Azumabashi/Azuma Bridge or directly near Asakusa Station).
Asakusa’s Nightlife and Dining Scene
There are a lot, and I do mean a lot of restaurants & bars in Tokyo that are set to only open up around 5 PM or so. After all, izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) are a staple of the country’s culture— to the extent you can basically walk down any given street & expect to see one! Asakusa is no exception, in fact it’s got a particularly outstanding izakaya & bar scene. It’s a great area to spend the night away in— be it on the weekend or any weekday— and here’s why!
Hoppy Street & Japanese Drinking Culture
If you’re looking to enjoy nightlife & grab a few beers in the most Asakusan way possible, you’ve gotta check out Hoppy Street. Named after a nearly non-alcoholic Japanese beer often mixed with shochu, the long, sprawling street is lined with izakaya galore & tons of delicious food & drinks— all within budget & arms reach!
The vast majority of izakaya on Hoppy Street are perfectly used to & eager to serve international customers, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty figuring out where you want to sit down for the night (That said, it’s always good to check reviews on Google to see if you can gauge whether a given shop will be hospitable to English speakers/tourists or not!).
Traditional Japanese Restaurants & Dinner Experiences
If you’re not as into drinks as you are the food (same), Asakusa is no slouch when it comes to all those “I’m in Japan, I have to eat this at least once before I go!” sort of dishes, too! Sushi, ramen, tempura & sukiyaki— you can try it all in Asakusa! For more adventurous offerings, you could try monjayaki at Monja Monro if you wanna do it yourself or gyutan (beef tongue) at GYUUNA Yadoki if you wanna try some Japanese food that might seem a little ‘weird’ to us foreigners!
If you want to take a bite of something that really screams Asakusa, though, try some satsuma imo— sweets made from sweet potatoes! Asakusa has an authentic history when it comes to making yummy stuff out of sweet potatoes— the creation of such desserts originating from the Meiji Period, given how the Sumida River was used to carry sweet potatoes from Kawagoe. As a result, there are lots of sweet potato-focused shops in Asakusa you can still eat at to this day! For suggestions, Mangando has been around since 1886 (best for sweet potato kintsuba), & Funawa since 1902 (best for sweet potato yokan).
Unique Bars and Pubs: Beyond the Traditional
One of Asakusa’s defining traits is how it manages to blend the authentic, traditional atmosphere left over from its time as a part of Shitamachi with the updated, digitized feel of modern-day Tokyo. The sheer amount of specialized & sophisticated bars you can find around the district really illustrates this— so here’s a guide to some of our favorites!
Asakusa Yokocho
I’ve always loved the neon aesthetics of Tokyo, and the way such lighting is used in Asakusa Yokocho really sells the feeling of it being a mini-Asakusa!
Actually, when I first stopped by, I had only come in with the intention of getting in some photography action (it is really photographable…). But as I kept walking around & seeing all the delicious food & mouthwatering drinks just a few feet away, I knew I had to sit down & at least order a drink & okay, maybe some takoyaki too… I’m happy to report that everything was just as delicious as it looked.
If you’re interested in Asakusa Yokocho, you’ll find it on the 4th floor of the Rakutenchi Asakusa Building.
NINJABAR (Ninjaba)
NINJABAR (aka Ninjaba) is a quirky little bar located underground in Asakusa Chikagai— themed around ninjas (obviously). The bartenders are all dressed up as ninjas actual ninjas who’ll stealthily serve you your sake, as well as all-you-can-eat “secret ninja-flavored popcorn”! I haven’t had the chance to try the popcorn myself yet, but I’m a real popcorn lover so if you go, mind telling me what it tasted like? Hopefully not literally like a ninja…
Kamiya Bar
Back above ground, we have Kamiya Bar— located close to Kaminarimon & apparently the oldest western-style bar in Tokyo! If you’re big into liquor, then this without question should be one of your must-dos. Why? Because Kamiya Bar is home to the famous Denki Bran (Electric Brandy), an original cocktail served since the 1880s and long loved by Shitamachi natives!
Even if you’re not big into alcohol, you might enjoy the chill vibes of Kamiya Bar all the same— the Victorian-esque decor from a place around since the 19th century certainly stands out in a country like Japan. I also appreciated that it was rather calm when I visited— I felt like I could relax & enjoy a drink while escaping the summer heat & the rest of the world for a little while.
Other Fun Bars to Top Off the Night
If none of the bars above seem like your type, don’t worry— Asakusa has basically a rainbow of bars available. You could probably find one for every color (both metaphorically & literally)! Here are some other bars you might consider, especially if you’re looking for something unique & memorable:
- Tokyo Knowledge for chilled beers & warm service.
- HUB Asakusa for smooth jazz, appetizers & good vibes.
- Not Suspicious for a surprise!
All three of these bars are said to be very welcoming of foreigners & even having English-speaking staff, so you don’t have to fret over whether or not you’ll fit in!
Nightlife Activities: Shows and Entertainment
Asakusa Engei Hall
Asakusa’s Engei Hall is just as warm on the inside as it looks on the outside. Rakugo (traditional Japanese narrational comedy) & other entertainment acts are performed here daily, both during the day & at night.
Keep in mind that rakugo is, yes, entirely spoken in Japanese & without translation— you might not get all of the jokes. That being said, sometimes humor manages to transcend linguistic boundaries— and I’ve seen foreigners get a good laugh out of some of rakugo’s pantomime aspects. But in any case, as mentioned already Asakusa Engei Hall showcases all sorts of engei (performances), not just rakugo— so there’s bound to be an act that’ll amuse you plenty!
浅草香和 Asakusa Kaguwa
Asakusa Kaguwa is our home— and we take great pride in offering a glamorous cabaret, blending the traditional charm of old Japan with the trendiness of modern Tokyo! The small cast of performers— which changes depending on the night of the week— all put their heart into performing one-hour dance shows featuring ninjas, samurai & even an oiran!
It might be cliché to say this about somewhere I work at, but I positively adore the show they put on here. I haven’t seen a single person walk out at the end of the night unsatisfied with what they saw— I think the sheer passion & artistry of the dancers comes across very easily & trascends linguistic barriers. That is, the show is entirely done in dance— you don’t have to worry about speaking Japanese— & I think there is something for everybody to be inspired or excited by, be it the bittersweet family story acted/danced out in Aitai or the laser-laden sensory experience of Senbu (where the ninjas battle a lone samurai!).
You can book tickets for Asakusa Kaguwa online here through our website— walk-ins are also welcome, provided there are any open seats left (so if you want to secure your spot, make sure to reserve in advance!). Shows run Wednesday to Sunday & have become quite popular with tourists & locals alike— not just for the show, but for the pre & post-show chances to converse with the performers, as well as take pictures in a kimono— so don’t miss out!
Guided Tours and Walks: Expert-Led Exploration
I can’t deny the appeal that a walking tour of Tokyo in general would have. There’s only so much Google can tell me, whether I’m searching in English or Japanese. This is especially applicable with Asakusa— the longer I stay here, the more I realize how much Old Tokyo history flies right over my head as a foreigner. That’s why if you wanna really get to know the ins & outs of Asakusa— alongside all the secrets only locals would know, the hidden things to do— consider opting for a walking tour!
Asakusa Night Walking Tours (Free & Paid)
…Specifically, consider opting for a walking tour of Asakusa at night (which as I hope to have outlined with this article, is really the best time to visit Asakusa). There are plenty of options to choose from, like the Asakusa Night Tour that Tokyo Localized offers (which is free!). You can also check out paid tours offered by GuideMe Japan Asakusa & Japan Wonder Travel (the latter of which offers a free drink per person!)– these tours serve a maximum of 8 people at a time, so it’s a good option if you’d rather explore alongside a smaller group.
Otherwise, if you want a really private & premiere experience, then I’d recommend checking out websites like GetYourGuide & TripAdvisor to find an exclusive Tokyo tour that you can cater to exactly your tastes (and include a night trip to Asakusa in!).
Photography Tours: Capturing the Illuminated Beauty
If snapping photos is a big part of how you experience a place, then a night photography tour around Asakusa is worth looking into. There are tours out there that are specifically set up to help you get the best nighttime shots, usually led by local photographers who grew up knowing how the night light of Tokyo affects a shot like the back of their hand. They’ll be sure to guide you to the best photo spots and help with your settings if you’re not super confident shooting at night!
I’d recommend bringing a tripod if you have one— even a small one helps a ton with long exposure shots. For camera settings, you’ll want to keep your ISO low (to avoid that grainy look), go with a slower shutter speed, and switch to manual focus if your camera starts struggling with all the shadows and glowing lights.
It’s also fine to just stick with your smartphone, when it comes to equipment— actually, that’s pretty much what I do (saves me lots of space on packing). The majority of phones nowadays have great night modes. Just make sure your lens is clean (and not too scratched from dropping your phone)!
Planning Your Asakusa Night Adventure: Tips for a Seamless Visit
Best Time to Visit and What to Expect
If you’re wondering when to head out, I recommend showing up around 5 PM— when most izakaya tend to open, alongside any nightly entertainment. As a bonus, you can snag some nice photos of Asakusa during sunset!
Optimal Hours for Night Exploration
On the other hand— if you’re less interested in the nightlife & more hoping to get some aesthetically pleasing pictures, try stopping by Asakusa a little later in the night— like 9 or 10 PM. The bulk of folks will have retreated to their hotel rooms by then!
Weekdays vs. Weekends
You can always count on the weekdays to be less crowded. That said, if you’re after energy, weekends in Asakusa offer plenty of buzz— you can bet the izakayas will be packed with both people & plenty of delicious food!
Seasonal Considerations
Each season in Asakusa brings with it a unique atmosphere & experience— spring is pink & cherry blossom covered, the fall is red & filled with maple leaves, & of course you’ll see no shortage of snow if you visit in the winter.
As for the summer, the Sumida Fireworks Festival is a real treat & particularly famous. Just be ready for the crowds— and I do mean be ready, just this year nearly 1 million people came to Asakusa & Sumida to see the show!
Practical Tips for Visitors
Here are some tips about getting around Asakusa in general as a tourist at night, particularly in regards to transport & communication.
Transportation and Navigation
It’s a good idea to have Google Maps at the ready on your phone— depending on where you’re staying in Tokyo, the app will easily guide you through what line(s) you need to take to get to Asakusa the quickest. Once you’re there, you can probably put away your phone— most places are within walking distance, but the little alleys can get a bit confusing.
As mentioned earlier, the trains in Tokyo generally stop running at 1 AM. So if you’re planning to stay out late in Asakusa before heading back somewhere else, make sure to check your last train time.
Language and Communication
Asakusa is pretty tourist-friendly. A lot of the restaurants and bars have English menus or staff who know just enough to help you out. That said, it doesn’t hurt to have a translation app handy for menus or signs— and plan ahead of time as to whether you’ll need a booking or not!
Budgeting for Your Night Out
You can have a great night in Asakusa without blowing your whole travel budget. Asakusa is an old town, so expect some restaurants to only accept genkin (cash). There are convenience store ATMs open at all hours if you need to withdraw.
Safety and General Etiquette
As mentioned earlier, Tokyo is safe to an almost absurd degree, Asakusa included. That being said, it’s always smart to use basic caution & safety— & when in doubt, you can always head to the nearest police box/station for help.
No matter how much of a blast you may be having spending the night in Asakusa, however, it’s still important to remember your basic etiquette. Keep your voice down, avoid eating in front of shrines, and always do like the locals do!
Beyond Asakusa: Combining Your Night Visit with Nearby Attractions
Seamlessly Connect to Other Tokyo Hotspots
Another thing to love about Asakusa is its proximity to other famous Tokyo attractions & experiences in places like Sumida, Ueno & Ginza. Here’s a bit of a mini-guide on what else you can do if you wanna explore Tokyo’s nightlife just a touch further in districts nearby Asakusa!
Tokyo Skytree & Solamachi: A Modern Contrast
If Asakusa gives you traditional vibes, the Tokyo Skytree over in Sumida flips the script with its galaxy-esque aesthetic. Solamachi (the shopping complex at the base) also has plenty of options for food & souvenirs, so be sure to check it out as well! You’ll also find the Sumida Aquarium at the top of the building— which, by the way, is actually open later than most other aquariums & plenty of fun!
Ueno Park & Museums: Cultural Evening Options
If you’re into art or history, Ueno’s a great choice. Some of the museums here offer extended evening hours or host special nighttime events! Walking around the park at night in general is also a pretty refreshing experience.
Ginza: High-End Nightlife and Shopping
Ginza is known for being a bit more upscale than other shopping districts in Tokyo— it’s also known for expensively good sit-down sushi! There are lots of great & glamorous stores around here.
I particularly like the Mitsukoshi Ginza department store— especially since they have the Art Aquarium Museum, which is open ‘till 7 PM. It’s a really cool goldfish aquarium where all the tanks double as a piece of art! Plus, there are a lot of different kinds of goldfish you can see. It’s definitely worth checking out, especially since the Mitsukoshi Ginza department store itself offers a lot in the way of shopping.
Tsukiji Outer Market: For Early Risers the Next Day
If you’re an early bird, Tsukiji Outer Market is perfect for grabbing breakfast at the crack of dawn— it opens early (we’re talking 5 or 6 AM early). If you wake up super hungry or pull an all-nighter (like I often do), it’s a great place to fill up!
Asakusa at night is something special. The lantern-lit streets, the awe-inspiring illumination of Sensoji Temple, the view of Tokyo Skytree rising in the distance… it all comes together to create a kind of quiet wonder you won’t find in the city’s busier districts.
What makes a night in Asakusa so unique is that perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture wrapped in a modern & friendly bow. You can witness the beauty of Tokyo’s oldest standing temple, walk along & gaze upon the Sumida River, check out no shortage of nifty bars, and maybe even learn a thing or two while you’re having fun!
Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or returning for another adventure, this is one part of the city that really deserves a spot on your itinerary. There isn’t really anywhere else in Tokyo that still manages to capture the elegance of old Edo in that down-to-earth Shitamachi way.
Ready to discover the captivating allure of Asakusa after dark? Start planning your unforgettable Tokyo night adventure today!
Written by Juliette Young (Intern from USA)
Asakusa Kaguwa Editorial Team
