Used to be Tokyo’s largest entertainment district filled with gangsters and geisha, Asakusa was destroyed during World War II. Most constructions in Asakusa date all the way back in the 1950s, which is why you can still experience the atmosphere of an oldern Tokyo (this is rare in the modernised city).

Asakusa is definitely a must-go if you’re a first-timer in Tokyo. That being said, our fourth day itinerary will be around the district of Asakusa (and the nearby Ueno).

Asakusa

Take the Ginza Subway Line and stop at Asakusa station. From the station, walk along the Nakamise-dori shopping streets and you will find yourself squeezing your ways to see one thing from another. It is amazing to see how colourful the area is (even the merchandises), they look almost like the Japan that you know of from the anime.

Sensoji

Walk towards Sensoji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and perhaps the most colourful temple I’ve seen in Japan. Explore around the temple and as you exit through the back, you will see many booths selling local snacks. Oden (a stew in dashi broth consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs and rice cakes etc.) was right outside the temple, feel free to have your breakfast there!

Spend some time walking around the area and take in as much Edo-Japanese feel as possible.

Sumida River

After your light meal, stroll alongside the Sumida River. Some people have their picnics along both sides of the river while enjoying the sights of cherry blossom with sake.


Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is located opposite the Sumida River, visit there if you’re looking to view Tokyo from the tallest observation deck (350 & 450 meter high) in Japan!

For lunch, try one of the old Izakaya or Yakitori restaurants around the place. They are very old-fashioned (along the roadside) and all guests seem to cramp in a small space together – what an experience, eh?

Yanaka and Ameyoko

After lunch, take the subway to Ueno Station and visit the ‘sweet’ streets of Yanaka and Ameyoko. Stroll along these streets of shops selling different snacks and sweets, and choose your favourite to munch on!

Uena Park

Next, walk towards Uena Park – a large park used to be part of the family temple of the Tokugawa clan during the Edo Period. Now, Ueno Park is famous for the four museums on its grounds (Tokyo National Museum, National Museum for Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and National Science Museum). It also houses the first zoological garden in Japan – the Ueno Zoo.

The park is so huge and is lined with more than 1000 cherry blossom trees along the central path. It is possibly the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo as the crowd sat below the lines of trees to enjoy the food and sake with friends – the view is absolutely lively and upbeat, as opposed to a typical park.

At night, there is an Illumination Ueno Sakura Matsuri during the cherry blossom season, starting from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. It is also known tastefully as the Forest of Art, where the tree linings will light up to accentuate the cherry blossoms.

Ebisu Yokocho

For dinner, we took the subway back to Ebisu as our Airbnb is nearby the station. Walk about 5 mins from the west exit to reach Ebisu Yokocho, a retro-style food alley that is narrow, bright and lively. Imagine a food court, with different Izakaya selling different types of food, and there are limited space for everyone so be prepared to queue and squeeze with other guests.

Teppanyaki Izakaya ‘Datsuma Tengu’

It was so crowded when we went at 7:00pm, and every restaurant was already packed with guests. We chose the Teppanyaki Izakaya ‘Datsuma Tengu’ next to the side exit, and waited about 30 mins before we were finally seated. They didn’t allow guests to leave the queue so we actually stood in the middle of the alley, watching everyone eating in front of us (the space was tiny!).

The place had such fun and trendy vibes that are good for group of friends to catch up over some nice Teppanyaki and Sake, where the food becomes secondary at this point. Still, we were so impressed that the food was super-uber-ultra-yummilicious! The lychee sake was so refreshing, be sure to try that!

Remember to bring enough cash as most Izakaya accept cash only. 

After a few drinks with the sizzling Teppanyaki, you can safely call it an amazing day and return to your hotel. Remember to check out my other Tokyo Itineraries for more fun stuff to do in Tokyo!

Details of the places for today:
Sensoji 浅草寺

Hours:
Main hall: 6:00am to 5:00pm (6:30am – 5:00pm from October to March)
Temple grounds: Always open
Closed: None
Fees: Free

Sumida River / Park 墨田公園

Hours: Always open
Fees: Free

Tokyo Skytree

Hours: 8:00am to 10:00pm (last entry at 9:00pm)
Closed: None
Fees:
First observatory: ¥2060
Second observatory: additional ¥1030

Yanaka 谷中 & Ameyoko アメ横

Hours: ~10:00am – 8:00pm
Fees: Free

Ueno Park 上野公園

Hours: 5:00am – 11:00pm
Fees: Free

Ebisu Yokocho 恵比寿横丁

Hours: ~5:00pm – Early Morning
Fees: Free

Datsuma Tengu 達摩天狗

Hours: 11:30am – 2:00pm / 5:00pm ～ 03:00am
Closed: None