One Day in Asakusa: Tokyo's Must-See Destination for Families and Explorers Alike
Asakusa, Tokyo is the perfect destination for a family exploring Japan! Whether you are traveling with kids or looking for an adventure, this one day itinerary will show you why Asakusa is a must-see destination. With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and unique attractions, this district offers something for everyone. From Shinto shrines to ancient temples, modern shopping centers to traditional markets, Asakusa has it all. So join us as we explore the best of what Asakusa has to offer for families and explorers alike!
Where to Stay
The majority of hotel rooms in Japan are very small, many with odd configurations, but all are incredibly clean and functional. When planning your family travel to to Japan, make sure to book your accomodations well in advance. The larger rooms comprable to United States accomodations book very fast.
We were incredibly lucky to have been able to book the APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It offers convenient and comfortable accommodations. Located a short distance from popular attractions like Kaminarimon, Sensoji Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Street, the APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae is the perfect place for travelers to begin their exploration of Asakusa and the surrounding areas. Not only does the hotel offer easy access to public transportation and other nearby attractions, but it also features cozy guest rooms and amenities such as free Wi-Fi, laundry service, and a restaureant serving breakfast on property and a bath house on the 14th floor. Whether you are traveling with your family or solo, the APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae is sure to make your stay in Asakusa a comfortable and enjoyable one.
See the Room Tour HERE
Kaminarimon
The day we arrived in Asakusa, Tokyo, we checked out luggage and went on a beautiful walk to all of the destination featured in this blog. We stopped at a Lawson's for drinks and snacks, then found a wonderful little playground where the kids got to play freely for a bit. It is incredibly important to allow children to play when on family vacations with full itinerareis.
The playground was only a short distance away from our hotel and on the way to our the first destination on our itinerary, Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate. Located in the district of Asakusa, it is a monumental entrance gate to the Sensō-ji Temple complex. This traditional Japanese structure is recognizable by its two large red paper lanterns that hang from the gate, which was built in 941. It serves as the symbol for Asakusa, and makes for an excellent photo opportunity for all travelers.
The Kaminarimon is a great place to start your family's trip to Japan. It is awe inspiring, as this piece of history stands in the middle of a sprawling city and it is a wonderful way to teach the children about history in the region. You will also be able to enjoy some of the local street foods and performers who can often be found playing music or juggling. Inside the Kaminarimon are a number of shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and traditional Japanese items. You can also find a variety of restaurants with something for everyone's taste buds.
Sensoji Temple
A must-see destination for families traveling to Tokyo, Japan is the iconic Sensoji Temple. Located in the heart of the city in the Asakusa district, this ancient Buddhist temple is one of the most popular and renowned temples in Japan. Established in 645AD, Sensoji Temple is a haven for traditional culture and art. We were awestruck by the temple's grand entrance gate, Kaminarimon, with its bright red lantern and beautiful sculptures. Once inside, explore the grounds and its many attractions, such as five-storied pagoda, the main hall, a treasure house, an incense hall and a variety of traditional shops and restaurants. Take a moment to appreciate the many intricate details throughout the grounds, including the woodwork and statues. It’s no wonder why it’s been a favorite destination for locals and travelers alike for centuries!
Watch the Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon video HERE
Nakamise Shopping Street
The perfect spot for family travel, Nakamise Dori Shopping Street is a must-see when exploring Asakusa, Tokyo. Located just outside the Kaminarimon Gate at Sensoji Temple, this bustling area is home to over 90 shops and restaurants. A great place for souvenir shopping, you can find traditional Japanese items such as kimonos, pottery, and food specialties such as Kaminari Okoshi, a type of rice cracker made of soy sauce-flavored rice, scewers of glazed strawberies, honey bear pastries and many other delicious and interesting finds. Many, very Instagramworthy. The street is lined with small stalls selling a variety of items from crafts to snacks. It's a great way to experience local culture and discover new Japanese items. And you can also take part in unique experiences, like sampling some of the area's famous mochi ice cream or learning how to make your own hand-dyed Tenugui fabric. Nakamise Shopping Street is the perfect place to explore with your family and bring home some unique memories.
Sumida River Walk
The Sumida River is a beautiful waterway that flows through Tokyo, connecting it with the ocean. The banks of the river are filled with cherry blossom trees and it’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. Along the walk, you’ll see the iconic Tokyo Skytree Tower in the distance. It’s a great opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.
The path along the Sumida River also offers a number of interesting cultural attractions such as museums, temples, shrines, and galleries. One of these attractions is the Fukagawa Edo Museum, a replica of a historical town where visitors can learn about life during the Edo period (1603-1868). There’s also Hama Rikyu Gardens which is a Japanese garden surrounded by ponds, and Kiyosumi Garden which is a traditional Japanese rock garden.
Along the way, you’ll also find many cafes and restaurants, so make sure to stop for lunch or dinner. One of the best places to eat is Tsuru-koma Restaurant near Asakusa Shrine, which serves traditional Japanese food such as tempura, sushi, and ramen.
If you want to take in some of Tokyo’s best views, then you should definitely take a ride on the Sumida River cruise. The cruise will take you along the river, providing spectacular views of the Tokyo Sky Tree and other iconic buildings. You can also spot some of Tokyo’s famous bridges from this unique perspective.
The Sumida River walk is an ideal way to end your day in Tokyo and enjoy some of its most beautiful sights. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, this area of Tokyo is a must-see destination for travelers of all ages.
For us, the Sumida River Walk was a means to a destination. The bridge connects Asakusa and Sumida, where we walked to our final destination, Tokyo Sky Tree Tower. If you're doing a walk, be sure to stop in the middle of the bridge to enjoy the views of the flowing river lined by beautiful Cherry Blossom Trees.
Watch our Sumida River Walk video HERE
Sumida Park
Sumida Park is a wonderful spot for families and individuals alike to take a break from the bustling city. Located in Tokyo’s Taito ward, this park boasts a stunning view of Tokyo Skytree, as well as a river full of swans, ducks, and fish. There are plenty of open green spaces for kids to run around and explore, as well as public bathrooms and vending machines for convenience.
The best part about Sumida Park is that it has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a place to have a picnic or just to take a leisurely stroll through the park, there’s always something to do. You can even take a boat ride down the river, or stop by the Sumida Aquarium which is just a short walk away. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops along the banks of the river if you’re in the mood for some delicious treats or souvenirs.
We had a wonderful time walking around Sumida Park and taking in the beautiful scenery.When going from destination to destination and sight seeing with children, it is so important to give them time to play. As soon as we crossed the River Walk bridge, we found ourselves in beautiful Sumida Park where the boys and I sat down for a picnic with all of the delicious snacks we picked up along the way. They had the chance to play and even feed the birds before we continued on our walking journey.
Tokyo Skytree Tower
The Tokyo Skytree Tower is an iconic structure located in Asakusa, Tokyo, and is a must-see destination for all travelers. Standing at 634 meters tall, it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world. It was completed in 2012 and quickly became one of the most visited attractions in Japan.
Once there, you can enjoy panoramic views from the observation decks on the 350th and 450th floors. The experience is made even more special by the stunning 360° rotating glass floor, allowing you to get a view of the city below. On a clear day, visitors can get a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance. There is also a 4D theater, allowing visitors to experience a virtual flight around Tokyo.
At the base of the tower, visitors can find souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes, which offer the perfect opportunity to rest and grab a bite to eat after exploring. There is also an aquarium located on the 5th floor, which features an impressive array of sea creatures.
No trip to Tokyo is complete without a visit to the Tokyo Skytree Tower!
Watch our Tokyo Skytree video HERE
Tokyo Skytree Town
For those looking for an unforgettable experience, a trip to Tokyo Skytree Town is an absolute must! Located in the Sumida district of Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree Town is home to the world’s tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree. Standing at 2,080 feet tall, this impressive structure is truly a sight to behold!
At Tokyo Skytree Town you can find a variety of attractions, including an observation deck offering spectacular views of Tokyo and its surrounding areas, as well as shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just a place to relax, you’ll find something to suit your needs in the many shops and eateries. The Sky Arena is a great place to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views from the top of the tower.
The boys were here for one thing and one thing alone... The Pokemon Center Skytree Town. This is how I was able to keep them on our grand walking adventure as long as I did. The reward of purchasing whatever they wanted at their bucket list destination.
Another fun place to visit at Tokyo Skytree Town is the Kirby Cafe. Make your reservations far in advance, it sells out quick. And for Studio Ghibli fans like myself, there is a store dedicated to Ghibli films that is simply a drea.
Another great thing about Tokyo Skytree Town is its accessibility. Visitors can reach the area easily via public transportation, and there are plenty of parking spots for those who choose to drive. If you’re looking for a unique experience, take the glass-floored elevator up the tower for an unforgettable journey with breathtaking views!
Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with family and friends, or just a beautiful view of Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree Town is sure to be a memorable experience. With so much to see and do, you won’t want to miss out on this amazing destination!
Watch our Kirby Cafe video HERE
Watch our Pokemon Center video HERE
