Nakamise-dori Street

Nakamise-dori Street stretches from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate of Sensoji Temple, measuring about 250 meters (820 feet) long. It is the oldest commercial street in Japan, reflecting the street style of the Edo period (1603-1867). Now, more than 85 shops gather on two sides of the street, with more than 50 shops on the east side and more than 30 shops on the west side, such as food stores and crafts shops.. The roofs of the shops are always decorated with seasonal decorations, such as plum blossoms and kites in the New Year, maple leaves in fall and cherry blossoms in spring.

History of Nakamise-dori Street

The prosperity of Nakamise-dori Street cannot be separated from Sensoji Temple. After Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo shogunate, the number of visitors to Sensoji Temple gradually increased. Some people who cleaned the temple were given the right to open a shop here. During the Edo period, there were many teahouses, toy shops, pastry shops, and souvenir shops. The street was damaged by the earthquake, and the current one was rebuilt after World War II.

Nakamise-dori Street Photos ( 18 )

The Kaminarimon Gate

Top Things to Do in Nakamise-dori Street

1. Buy the Traditional Crafts as a Gift 

There are abundant stores that sell crafts, like fans, masks, dolls, combs, and hair clasps. These objects are cheap and fine and are easy to take for visitors. 

Here are some recommended shops:

 SUKEROKU: It is a store dated back to the Edo period and sells abundant small crafts and toys. The store holds that “the smaller the better” and the toys all have their special meanings. For instance, red owls can protect people from disasters. The price of these is about 3,000 yen each.
 GINKA-DO: You can find a variety of decorative accessories in the store, like Japanese ornamental hairpins, fans, silk scarves, and hand towels. 
 TSURUYA: In the ancient store, there are rich tortoiseshell works, jewels, and coral products. 
 KOYAMA SHOTEN: The store mainly sells varied Japanese swords, knives, and stage props.
  

2. Taste Special Food

The abundant and delicious food attracts countless visitors, and the Ningyo-yaki and rice crackers are not to be missed. Ningyo-yaki is a very famous dim sum in Asakusa, and it is known as the "three famous objects of Sensoji Temple" together with the Kaminarimon Gate and the Five-storied Pagoda. The food tastes sweet and is a kind of bun made of flour, eggs, sugar, and bean paste. 

Here are some recommended gourmet stores:
 Dove Marks KIMURA-YA, Nyngyou-yaki: The specialty of this shop is Ningyo-yaki. You can find different shapes of Ningyo-yaki, like a dove, penta, lantern, and Kaminarimon gate. The price per serving is about 500 yen. 
 KAME-YA: The store mainly sells Ningyo-yaki and homemade rice crackers, and they are all about 500 yen. The raw material and flavor of the food are exclusive.
 EBIYA: You can taste the seafood and vegetables boiled with soy sauce and other condiments, and one combo meal costs about 3,000 yen.

Note: Do not eat food while walking in the street since it is a very impolite behavior in the eyes of the Japanese. You can stand in front of the store and enjoy your food.

3. Take a Rickshaw to Appreciate the Street View

The Rickshaw in Nakamise-dori Street

The rickshaw refers to a two-wheeled vehicle drawn by a man, and it is a special means of transportation in ancient Japan. People in the Edo period traveled by rickshaw. In general, two visitors will share a rickshaw and be pulled by a driver. The fee for a rickshaw ride is about 4,000 yen for ten minutes. Some drivers can speak English and will introduce the interesting places and good food to you, and take pictures for you.
  

4. Walk in the Street in a Kimono

A kimono is a kind of Japanese traditional dress, and you can see many people with beautiful kimono walking in Nakamise Shopping Street. Some stores provide kimono rental service, and you can try the kimono you like. Besides, you have the opportunity to see geishas with delicate kimono and makeup in the street.

Girls with Beautiful Kimono

Geishas in the Japan

5. Appreciate the Asakusa Mural Scroll 

Asakusa Mural Scroll refers to the paintings on the doors of these stores, about 400 meters (1,312 feet) long. These paintings were finished in 1989 and show the stories about Asakusa. You can appreciate these paintings after the stores are closed or before they are open. In the night, each store will have soft yellow lights lit up, adding the mystery to these paintings. 

6. Explore New Streets Perpendicular to Nakamise-dori Street

Shinnakamise-Dori Ave

Shinnakamise-Dori Ave is a shopping street perpendicular to Nakamise Shopping Street with a glass roof, protecting visitors from rain and wind. The stores here show a modern style. Besides, you can explore Asakusa Yanagi-dori Ave and Dembain-dori Ave, which are the two avenues also perpendicular to Nakamise-dori Street.
  

Approximate Visit Time

About 0.5-1 Hour. The street will be crowded with tourists after 9 am. The majority of stores will be closed after 5 pm. 

How to Get to Nakamise-dori Street

1. Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and get off at Asakusa Station, then get out from Exit2.
2. Take the Toei Subway Asakusa Line, and get off at Asakusa Station, then get out from the A4 Exit. 
3. Take the TOBU SKYTREE Line, and get off at Asakusa Station, then get out from the Front Exit. 
4. Take TSUKUBA EXPRESS and get off at Asakusa Station, then get out from the A2 Exit.

Nearby Attractions to Visit 

The Sensoji Temple is the must-visit attraction after exploring Nakamise-dori Street for it is just next to the street. Besides, you can walk to the Sumida River to appreciate the beautiful river view and appreciate the cherry blossoms in Sumida Park in April and May. In addition, the Tokyo Skytree can be seen from the bridge of the Sumida River.  

Read more:

•  Nakamise-dori Street Videos

•  Nakamise-dori Photos

•  Tokyo Photos