The Best Place to Buy Souvenirs in Asakusa: You Can’t Go Wrong with Nakamise Street
If you’re looking for souvenirs in Asakusa, Nakamise Street is the place to go.
It’s packed with shops offering a wide variety of traditional and modern Japanese souvenirs, making it almost impossible to leave empty-handed.
Among all the stores, there was one shop that instantly caught my eye during my recent visit—and I couldn’t resist stopping by.
Super Cute Temari-Themed Exterior
As soon as I arrived at Nakamise Street, this shop immediately stood out thanks to its bright and eye-catching exterior.
Do you know what these round decorations are?
They are called temari, traditional Japanese decorative balls.
During the Heian period, temari were enjoyed as toys by the nobility.
Today, they are often used as decorative items, especially in Shichi-Go-San children’s photo shoots.
There are no fixed patterns for temari—each design depends on the creator.
Seeing the wall completely covered with colorful temari instantly drew me in.
You can actually make temari yourself using a styrofoam ball, fabric, and thread.
I’ve made one before, and it took nearly an hour just to create a single piece.
That’s why the sheer number and variety of colors on display here genuinely impressed me.
Bath Bombs Wrapped in Traditional Japanese Fabric
The shop sells several types of products, and one of the most popular items is bath bombs.
When placed in the bath, they fizz gently and change the color of the water—making bath time more fun and relaxing.
Although the bath bombs themselves seem to be uniformly white, they are wrapped in various traditional Japanese patterned fabrics, making each one feel unique.
Choosing a design was part of the fun.
365 Types of Hand Cream – One for Every Birthday
Another surprising item was the hand cream selection.
There are 365 different package designs, each corresponding to a specific birthday.
Not just by month, but by the exact date—this level of detail makes it feel incredibly special.
Each package clearly displays the month and day, making it a perfect souvenir or gift.
If you choose one that matches the recipient’s birthday, it’s guaranteed to be memorable.
Testers were available, so I tried one myself.
The cream has a subtle floral scent and a light, gel-like texture.
It absorbs quickly and feels smooth rather than sticky, making it ideal even for people who don’t like heavy hand creams.
Tea Bags, Hand Mirrors, Face Masks, and More
In addition to these items, the shop also offers tea bags, hand mirrors, face masks, and other small gifts.
Prices start at around 500 yen, making them affordable and easy to pick up as souvenirs.
Credit Cards and Cashless Payments Accepted
Some shops on Nakamise Street accept cash only, but this store supports credit cards, transportation IC cards, and PayPay, among other payment methods.
When traveling abroad, it’s easy to lose track of spending in unfamiliar currency, so being able to pay by card adds peace of mind.
Visit “MONKADO” Near Kaminarimon Gate
The shop is called MONKADO, and it’s located just after passing through Kaminarimon Gate, on the left-hand side.
If you’re looking for stylish, uniquely Japanese souvenirs in Asakusa, this is definitely a place worth visiting.
The Best Place to Buy Souvenirs in Asakusa: You Can’t Go Wrong with Nakamise Street
