Nakamise Street in Asakusa: How to Enjoy Tokyo’s Most Famous Shopping Street

Nakamise Street is a famous shopping street that leads to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.

Many people have heard the name, but still wonder:
“What can I do there?”
“What kind of food can I eat?”

In this article, I’ll explain how to enjoy Nakamise Street easily, even if it’s your first time visiting.

What Is Nakamise Street?

Nakamise Street is the approach road that runs from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple.

Along both sides of the street, you’ll find many shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs, sweets, snacks, and light meals.

There are also kimono rental shops nearby, so it’s a great place for travelers who want to experience Japanese culture in a short amount of time.

My Experience Walking Through Nakamise Street

There are a lot of people.

The street is about 250 meters long, stretching from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate. Because so many shops are packed tightly along the road, it is usually very crowded.

However, walking through the crowd and browsing the shops is part of what makes Nakamise Street fun.

When I visited, I noticed many shops selling strawberry-based sweets.

Eating while walking is generally allowed, but because the street is crowded, it’s important to be considerate of others.
If a shop provides a designated eating area, it’s best to eat there.

I visited around noon on a weekday, and it wasn’t too crowded at that time.
For this reason, weekday mornings to early afternoons are the easiest times to walk through the street.

How to Enjoy Nakamise Street

•  Move to the side of the street when taking photos
•  Eat food only in designated or appropriate areas
• During busy times, don’t rush—follow the flow of people

Manners and Tips for Visitors

•  Do not stop in the middle of the street
•  Trash cans are rare, so carrying a small plastic bag is helpful
•  Using a stroller can be difficult, so choose your timing carefully or use a baby carrier

Q&A

Q. Is eating while walking allowed?
A. Generally yes, but it’s better to avoid eating while walking in crowded areas.

Q. Is photography allowed?
A. Yes, but please be careful not to block the flow of people.