If you’re visiting Tokyo and craving a true taste of traditional Japan, look no further than Asakusa.
With its historic temples, charming streets, and immersive cultural experiences, Asakusa offers much more than just sightseeing. Here, you can live Japanese culture.
From pulling a sacred fortune at a centuries-old temple to trying on a kimono and making your own wagashi (Japanese sweets), Asakusa invites you to slow down, dive in, and experience Japan hands-on.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five unforgettable cultural activities you can try—all within walking distance of the iconic Kaminarimon Gate.
📋 Cultural Experiences in Asakusa (Top 5)
| Experience | Location | Price (JPY/USD) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omikuji & Prayers at Senso-ji | Senso-ji Temple | ¥100 / ~$0.70 | Traditional fortune-telling, incense offering |
| Kimono Rental & Rickshaw Ride | Kimono Koto / Ebisuya | ¥3,300–¥4,000+ / ~$22–$27 | Wear kimono, ride through Asakusa with a guide |
| Wagashi Making | Maikoya Tokyo | ¥5,000–¥6,000 / ~$33–$40 | Make seasonal sweets with matcha tasting |
| Rakugo at Engei Hall | Asakusa Engei Hall | ¥3,000 / ~$20 | Traditional Japanese comedy show |
| Fan Painting / Edo Kiriko | Fan Studio / Kiriko Workshop | ¥3,000–¥5,000 / ~$20–$33 | Create your own fan or glass art piece |
1. 🛐 Senso-ji Temple: Omikuji Fortune Telling & Traditional Prayers
What You’ll Experience:
Step into the oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji, and immerse yourself in a timeless tradition. After passing under the Kaminarimon gate and walking through the bustling Nakamise shopping street, you’ll arrive at the temple’s main hall. Here, you can light incense, offer prayers, and draw an omikuji—a traditional Japanese paper fortune.
How to Experience It:
- Step 1: Make a small donation (¥100 / ~$0.70)
- Step 2: Shake a metal box until a stick comes out
- Step 3: Match the number on the stick to a drawer, and take your fortune
- Step 4: If it’s bad luck, tie it to a nearby rack to leave the misfortune behind
Location:
📍 Senso-ji Temple, 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
🔗 https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/
🗺️ Google Maps
User Review:
“Pulling omikuji at Senso-ji felt like I was really part of the culture. Even if you get a bad fortune, the ritual is fun and meaningful.”
— From Google Reviews
2. 👘 Kimono Rental & Rickshaw Ride Through Asakusa Streets
What You’ll Experience:
Wearing a kimono instantly transforms your Tokyo visit into a cultural journey. Rent a beautifully patterned kimono (or yukata in summer) and explore Asakusa on foot—or even better, on a rickshaw! The rickshaw drivers are knowledgeable and often share historical facts along the way.
How to Experience It:
- Choose a rental shop (recommendations below)
- Select your kimono (with assistance)
- Optional: Add hair styling & accessories
- Book a rickshaw ride from Kaminarimon or Sumida Park
Recommended Shops:
- Kimono Koto Asakusa (from ¥3,300 / ~$22)
🔗 https://asakusa.kimono-koto.com/english.html - VASARA Kimono Rental
🔗 https://en.vasara-h.co.jp/
Rickshaw Info:
- Ebisuya Rickshaw Asakusa (from ¥4,000 / ~$27 per person)
🔗 https://ebisuya.com/en/
User Review:
“The rickshaw ride gave us amazing views of Asakusa while wearing kimono. The driver even explained history in English!”
— TripAdvisor user
3. 🍡 Japanese Sweets (Wagashi) Making Workshop
What You’ll Experience:
Learn to make wagashi, Japan’s delicate and artistic traditional sweets, often served with matcha. You’ll shape seasonal motifs like cherry blossoms or maple leaves, using colorful sweet bean paste and natural dyes.
How to Experience It:
- Book a workshop online or through travel platforms like Klook / Viator
- Duration: 60–90 minutes
- Often includes tea tasting afterward
Recommended Venue:
- Asakusa Wagashi Experience at Maikoya Tokyo
🔗 https://mai-ko.com/
💴 Price: ¥5,000–6,000 (~$33–40)
🗺️ Google Maps
User Review:
“I never thought I could make something so beautiful and edible! The instructor was kind and explained everything in English.”
— Klook Review
4. 🎭 Watch Live Japanese Comedy at Asakusa Engei Hall
What You’ll Experience:
See rakugo, Japan’s traditional comic storytelling, performed live! Even without full language skills, the gestures and rhythm are enjoyable. Some shows may also include magic, music, and manzai (duo comedy).
How to Experience It:
- No reservation needed—buy tickets at the door
- Performances run daily from noon to 9pm
- All-Japanese, but visual humor is still fun
Venue Info:
- Asakusa Engei Hall
🔗 http://www.asakusaengei.com/
💴 Price: ¥3,000 (~$20)
🗺️ Google Maps
User Review:
“Didn’t understand everything, but laughed a lot! Great local atmosphere and unique cultural vibe.”
— Google Reviews
5. 🖌️ Make Your Own Folding Fan or Edo Glassware
What You’ll Experience:
Try your hand at traditional Japanese craftsmanship by decorating a folding fan (sensu) or making Edo kiriko—cut glass with intricate patterns. It’s a rare chance to create a personal souvenir rooted in history.
How to Experience It:
- Workshops typically take 60–90 mins
- No experience needed—staff provide full guidance
Recommended Workshops:
- Folding Fan Painting – Tokyo Fan Studio
🔗 https://japanfan.tokyo/
🗺️ Google Maps - Edo Kiriko Cutting Glass Experience
🔗 https://en.sokichi-workshop.com/
🗺️ Google Maps
User Review:
“I made my own fan with cherry blossoms! The staff helped me paint it step-by-step—it was relaxing and rewarding.”
— From Viator
🌸 Conclusion: Experience Japan, Not Just Observe It
Asakusa isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel, try, and create.
Whether you’re sipping matcha or carving Edo glass, each of these hands-on experiences will make your trip unforgettable.
🔖 Save this guide for your trip
🌐 Read more at: https://blog-plusalpha.com/
コメント