Eating My Way Through Asakusa! 🇯🇵 Ultimate Tokyo Street Food Tour!

Eating My Way Through Asakusa! 🇯🇵 Ultimate Tokyo Street Food Tour!

Come explore and eat with me in 
Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest district. So it’s a rainy day here in Asakusa.
But people are still enjoying the area. Can’t wait to check it out. Today in rainy Asakusa, I am checking 
out two of its most iconic attractions. The Sensoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist 
temple known for its giant lanterns, and also the Nakamise Dori Street, which is a century-old pedestrian street 
filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs. A great way to enjoy Japanese 
culture, and history, and food. So I am here at the Kaminarimon Gate.
This is the entrance to Nakamise Dori Street—the famous street full of street 
food that leads toward Sensoji Temple. This is also the nearest entrance 
from the Asakusa subway station. It is such a rainy day—it’s crazy.
It is crazy here so I think what I’m gonna do is I’m gonna walk the entire 
street all the way to Sensoji Temple and explore the temple first before I check 
out this street and get some street food. But I’m going to show you what the street 
looks like right now because it’s very crazy. It’s such a bustling area.
Lots of souvenir shops, street food. Actually a great spot for photo shoots as well
I remember in the subway station I saw signs for kimono rentals, and I see a lot of people 
here with those kimonos and excited to do their photo shoots—even in the rain.
Keep that in mind if you want some amazing Instagrammable photos.
Okay, I finally see the Sensoji Temple up ahead. People are smelling the scents 
here before entering the temple. There’s also a fountain here that 
people use to wash their hands. Now I’m approaching the actual temple, and you can 
see the giant lantern that they’re talking about. Look how massive this is.
Like I’m right under it, and it’s already bigger than my head.
The views here are spectacular. Check this out.
I am here at Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples here in Tokyo.
It was founded in 645 AD, spanning over 1,400 years of history.
This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon.
And this giant lantern actually weighs 400 kg and stands 3.5 meters tall.
And didn’t I say people do a lot of photo shoots here?
This is one of them. You’ll also want to look up at the ceiling 
because there are some very beautiful artworks. So one of the tips I learned in terms of 
like avoiding crowds is to actually visit early in the morning or late at night.
Late at night though, a lot of the stores are closed, and that’s also why 
there’s less people in general. But the lights in the temple are still up, so 
you can get very beautiful night shots here. I was just at the main hall, and now let me check out the five-story 
pagoda—which is this one right here. Oh, looks like it’s closed.
But it looks very beautiful. So I’m aking cover from the rain, and I stumbled upon this matcha café that’s 
pretty much right outside Sensoji Temple. Can’t wait to try it.
I got their special matcha cream puff. Let’s try.
Mmm. The matcha is so thick and rich—so umami.
So good. They actually put a lot of filling inside.
Check this out. That is some rich matcha.
And I love that they put powder on top as well. We’re just west of the main hall 
and right in front of the pagoda. There’s actually a lot of street 
food here. All in one row. I definitely want to try them. It’s just so hard to eat right now because 
it’s raining, and there’s no cover anywhere. I will definitely try some, but maybe I’ll walk 
around because I just had my matcha anyway. I’m excited. Look at that. Rows and rows.
Now I’m headed to another, I think it’s another hall.
There are a bunch of mini houses here. I made it to the Goshuin reception.
So I had to stop because there was a sign that said no filming, or shooting 
prohibited for both pictures and videos. So pay attention to those, because a 
lot of these temples are very sacred. Please be mindful of their rules and 
respect the sanctity of the temple. I feel so bad for these street 
vendors right now because it is raining really hard pretty much the entire day.
Nobody is eating because there’s no shade. Now I just came across this shaded 
pedestrian alley with a lot of food as well. I really feel bad for the outdoor street 
food vendors because right next to it is this shaded area, and when it’s raining, 
everyone is here eating and I see some games as well and some shopping area.
This is my backup plan. I’m going to check out the main street again to 
see if I can grab some street food. And if it’s really bad raining, 
I’m just gonna eat here instead. Because my initial plan was 
to eat at Nakamise Street, but I have to maybe potentially 
change plans because of the rain. It’s too bad—but we’ll see.
This place, I think you get to fish here. So I am back at Nakamise Street.
This old pedestrian street dates back to the 8th century.
I’m just currently looking for foods that I can try.
It’s still very crowded. It’s still raining.
We’ll see. Luckily, there are some spots 
with some shade, shaded areas. If you look at this, part of the store 
has some shade, so at least I feel like I can eat something.
We’ll find out. One thing I noticed is a lot of the food 
stalls in the street actually sell desserts more than savory food.
I might eat savory food first somewhere else, then check back here.
There are some interesting things I saw here, like this red bean cake with an interesting machine.
This one over here. Check this out. There’s a machine that 
automatically lifts the cake. So I was wandering around the streets and I found a takoyaki stall which has 
like a small seating area. So it’s my sign because I’ve been wanting to try 
street food, and takoyaki is one of my favorites. And I wasn’t trying to look for a traditional 
Japanese restaurant because I wanted to try specific dishes.
So this is perfect. I got here eight pieces of takoyaki for 800 
yen, which is around 8 Canadian dollars. And then they add the toppings 
on top when you order it. It’s so good.
I love that the ball is pretty big. And there are big chunks of 
octopus—which is a must for me. Some takoyaki places I’ve visited only put tiny 
pieces of octopus, but this one has a good piece. The filling is so good.
So I looked at Google Maps because I saw they have Wi-Fi.
This restaurant is called Asakusa Takomaru. Interestingly enough, it’s right on that same 
alley as where I had the matcha cream puff. But I was walking all over after I ended the 
Nakamise Street, so I didn’t even know I was on the same street where the cream puff is.
Highly recommend trying it, especially if you love takoyaki.
Some of the balls I had even had two pieces of octopus.
So good. I am back at the shaded area that I went to 
a while ago that I said was my backup plan. Now that I’ve had some takoyaki, 
I’m now going to try to see some of the desserts that I saw a while ago.
I also saw this fried food stall here. I’m not sure what to expect 
because it’s all in Japanese. But it’s fried food, so it should be good. Got the goods.
So this is very interesting. It’s basically like a shrimp 
tempura that they squish into this fried thing. It was 600 yen, so like 6 dollars.
A little expensive for one piece of shrimp, but it was pretty interesting to see. So let’s try.
Mmm okay. Very crispy.
The batter is interesting. It’s not the typical tempura batter anymore.
And I feel like they had to do that because it’s getting squished.
Otherwise, the regular tempura batter would be very flaky and just crumble.
This is very interesting, but I wouldn’t say I’d pay it again.
600 yen is pretty expensive for a piece of fried tempura.
So I got here the matcha melon pan from Kagetsudo. This is such a popular spot. There’s 
actually lineups most of the time here. I think it’s very popular among celebrities.
There’s a bunch of pictures with celebrities and autographs so that might 
be why it’s super popular. I’m not exactly sure who the celebrities are.
If they’re people I need to know, please let me know because I don’t know who they are.
So let’s try. Mmm.
Actually really nice. The bun is like very crispy and crusty on the 
outside but very soft and fluffy on the inside. And the matcha ice cream is nice and strong. The matcha was 700 yen, so 
that’s 7 Canadian dollars. Personally, I think this was more worth 
it than the tempura, shrimp tempura thing that I got a while ago.
So definitely check this out. I also like that they make it to order so, when 
you order, that’s when they actually pipe the ice cream into the melon pan.
So good. So I am here at Oimoyasan Koshin. 
It’s this one with a lineup. It’s supposed to be known for something, 
like some sort of dessert snack that’s been popular since 1876.
So can’t wait to try. So I am here at this street food stall on Nakamise 
Street that specializes in daigaku imo, which is sweet potato candied yams.
This is what it looks like. I can’t wait to try.
I don’t think I’ve ever had this before, at least the Japanese version.
That’s a mouthful. It’s very nice.
Inside, it’s really like mashed sweet potato. The exterior is I feel like 
it’s not that fresh anymore. It’s not like very crispy, 
but it has a nice crisp to it. The overall bite isn’t too sweet.
Because initially I was like oh candied yam. Sweet potato is already kind of sweet 
and to make it candied might even be sweeter. But this was perfect.
Again, going back to Japanese desserts not being too sweet.
Perfect for me. So another thing here is that you’re 
not allowed to eat on the street. Most of the food stalls will actually 
have a sign saying that you’re not allowed to eat while walking.
Eat it at their stall. Luckily, this stall has an awning, so 
that you can eat even though it’s raining. There are more desserts.
I’m basically at the adjacent alley next to the Nakamise Street, and there’s 
more desserts but I am all desserted out. That’s the problem especially 
as a solo eater right here. It’s too many sweets.
I can’t do it. So in my quest to do more savory 
dishes, I ended up going to this yakitori bar called Yakitori Torikizoku.
I actually wanted to visit this place in Shinjuku, but they were packed.
So I’m glad I saw it in Asakusa and I was able to find a seat.
So what makes this place so amazing is that all the items here is 379 yen.
Any dish you get or any drink you get is 379 yen. So you know what you’re paying 
for. It’s a very reasonable price. So I got myself some dishes.
You can only order five at a time, so that you don’t overload the system 
or you also don’t like over-order. So I got myself like three yakitori items and 
one is like deep-fried chicken skin chips, which I’m excited. I love chicken skin. And also I got myself a drink.
This is the Mega Lemon Sour, which they said is their original drink.
So it even comes with this mega cup. 379 yen.
Cheers. That’s very refreshing.
It’s like carbonated lemonade but with some alcohol in it.
Very refreshing. I’m also really loving the 
contactless experience here in Japan. Everything is so efficient and high-tech.
So even at this bar, you basically just interface and place your order through 
the touchscreen, and the server will just brings your drink and that’s it.
So two of my dishes arrived. This here is the chicken skin chips.
Let’s try. Very crispy.
Would go so well with beer. But it would also go well with my 
lemon sour because it’s carbonated. Nicely breaded.
The flavor is pretty good. And this other one here is the 
beef skewer with fruit and garlic. I’m not sure what fruit they 
used exactly, but let’s try. Nicely grilled.
I can taste the char on the beef. Very good.
The beef isn’t overly tender, but for 379 yen, you can’t go wrong.
The fruit adds a nice sweetness to to it to balance the savoriness 
from the marination and the char. And I like that even though it’s fruit, it’s not 
like crazy sweet. Just like a hint of sweetness. I still don’t know what fruit 
they used, but it’s good. My entire meal has arrived.
Check this out. I can’t wait to dig in.
This here is the chicken skirt. It’s under their limited-time menu.
That’s why I tried it. Let’s try.
I really love how they grilled the food. Very tender.
It has some sweetness to it, which I really like.
It comes with this dip. Let’s try.
There’s some spiciness to it. And then this one here is under their specialty 
Kizokuyaki, and it’s the thigh and leek skewer. Let’s try.
So good. I do prefer this over the chicken skirt because 
the chicken skirt does have some chewiness to it, but the thigh is just super tender.
The marinade is a little on the saltier side, so I’m washing it down with some lemon sour.
But they really grill their yakitori perfectly. That was such a good spot.
And my total bill came to 1,850 yen. And I made a mistake.
It’s 370 yen all-inclusive with tax. So worth it.
Highly recommend checking it out. And it’s where the locals 
hang, so you know it’s good. I hope this gives you an idea 
on what it’s like in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest district. There were so 
many things I wanted to do and because there’s other attractions nearby 
but the rain kind of ruined my plans but I hope you enjoyed what you saw here. 
And I’ll see you on the next neighborhood.

Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest district, packed with history, street food, and iconic landmarks. In this travel vlog, Travelling Foodie Raymond Cua takes you to visit Sensoji Temple, wander through Nakamise-Dori Street, and a food tour of local Japanese street food favorites like matcha sweets at Kagetsudo and yakitori at Yakitori Torikizoku. This travel guide is perfect for first-time visitors looking for the best travel tips in Tokyo!

Our Asakusa Tokyo travel guide for additional recommendations and travel tips!
👉🏼 https://travellingfoodie.net/asakusa-tokyo/

☕ If you want to support, Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/travellingfoodie

Top Asakusa Hotels:
👉🏼 Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa: https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=travellingfoodie&hotelname=Ryokan+Kamogawa+Asakusa&address=Tokyo,+Japan
👉🏼 Other best hotels in Asakusa: https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=travellingfoodie&campaign=YTAsakusaFoodTour&address=Asakusa,+Tokyo,+Japan

Best Asakusa Tours:
👉🏼 Tokyo: Asakusa Walking Tour with Sensoji Temple Visit: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/travellingfoodie/-lADBMYZbh
👉🏼 Tokyo: Asakusa Guided Historical Walking Tour: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/travellingfoodie/y0eoVMwB_6
👉🏼 Tokyo: 2-Hour Asakusa Food Hunt & Cultural Tour: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/travellingfoodie/vWC5zKY2hg
👉🏼 Asakusa Historical And Cultural Food Tour With A Local Guide: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/travellingfoodie/ak_IuFn7Rk

Asakusa Attractions and Things To Do Featured:
👉🏼 Sensoji Temple Kimono Rental Experience: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/travellingfoodie/ymAFfBFsbm
👉🏼 Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-Dori Street, Kaminarimon Gate, Five-Story Pagoda, Goshuin reception, Asakusa Nishisando Shopping Street

Asakusa Restaurants featured are Matcha Sweets Kaminari-Issa, Asakusa Takomaru, Asakusa Seisakujo, Kagetsudo, Oimoyasan Koshin, Yakitori Torikizoku.

Whether you’re looking for travel tips, local food recommendations, or unique things to do in Asakusa, this travel guide vlog will help you plan your next Tokyo adventure for a one day Japan travel itinerary! 日本旅遊

➣ Japan Travel Vlogs Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-wQeGXw6xB7xmuXhqcjWt9SgnZ8B-i1j
🔔 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TravellingFoodie?sub_confirmation=1 Don’t miss new travel + food vlogs!

– MERCH –
➣ Official Travelling Foodie Merch: https://shop.travellingfoodie.net/

– SHOP –
Tools I Use at Home + Travel: https://travellingfoodie.net/tools/
Freebies + Deals: https://travellingfoodie.net/freebiesdeals/

– SUBSCRIBE –
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TravellingFoodie
Newsletter: https://travellingfoodie.net/newsletter/

– FOLLOW Travelling Foodie –
Website: https://travellingfoodie.net
Instagram (Food): https://www.instagram.com/TravellingFoodie/
Instagram (Travel): https://www.instagram.com/JourneyTraveler
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@travellingfoodie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TravellinFoodie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/travellingfoodie
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/travellingfoodie

– SUPPORT –
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/travellingfoodie

About Travelling Foodie:
Travelling Foodie is one of the best Canada food and travel blogs, a trusted online source for travel, food and everything in between with detailed guides and itineraries, restaurants, food trends and local cuisine, things to do and attractions, recipes, home and travel product reviews.

Founder and Publisher:
Raymond Cua is a full-time writer and content creator, one of the best Toronto food and travel bloggers and vloggers, with experience travelling to eat in over 25+ countries and over half the United States and Canadian provinces.

One Day Asakusa Tokyo Food Tour Itinerary Chapters:
0:00 Welcome to Asakusa, Tokyo’s Oldest District
0:32 Century-old Pedestrian Street in Tokyo – Nakamise-Dori
2:13 Oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo – Sensoji Temple
4:16 Matcha Cream Puff in Asakusa – Matcha Sweets Kaminari-Issa
4:59 Temple Street Food Vendors and Goshuin Reception
6:12 Traditional Japanese shopping street near Sensoji Temple – Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street
7:03 Back in the rain at Nakamise-Dori Street
7:54 Amazing Takoyaki Spot in Tokyo – Asakusa Takomaru
9:20 Tempura Chips in Tokyo – Asakusa Seisakusho
10:39 Famous Melon Pan in Asakusa since 1945 – Kagetsudo
11:45 Popular Daigaku Imo (Candied Sweet Potatoes) in Tokyo – Oimoyasan Koshin
13:33 Local Izakaya Hot Spot in Tokyo – Yakitori Torikizoku

#Tokyo #TokyoTravel #Japan #日本旅遊 #JapanTravel #travelguide #streetfood #japanesefood #Asakusa #TravellingFoodie