Nakamise Shopping Street Guide: Try the Best Asakusa Street Food Near Sensoji
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Explore Nakamise Street in Asakusa for top Tokyo street food snacks, just steps from Sensoji Temple!
CONTENTS
Sensoji & Nakamise Shopping Street
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods, full of traditional Japanese culture, and home to the historic Sensoji Temple – along with its vibrant Nakamise Shopping Street. This pedestrian street stretches 250 meters in front of the temple, from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate, and the path is lined with close to 100 shops offering traditional snacks and souvenirs.
The history of the Nakamise Shopping Street dates back to the 18th century, when locals were first allowed to open stalls to serve temple visitors, as long as they agreed to maintain the temple grounds while they were there. Despite sustaining damage in Tokyo’s massively destructive 1923 earthquake and WWII bombings, Nakamise Street has been lovingly restored, most recently with new copper plate roofing in 2025. Today, it remains a beloved cultural spot that blends local heritage with the lively charm of modern Tokyo.
Top Street Foods to Try on Nakamise Street
① Ningyo-yaki
A classic Asakusa treat, these small sponge cakes are baked up in little molds shaped like traditional dolls, lanterns, architecture or other fun designs, and often filled with a mouthful of anko (red bean paste). You can see the traditional preparation process for yourself at Kimura-ya, one of the most popular ningyo-yaki shops on the street.
② Traditional Candies
Ever wondered what the cute coal sprites in Spirited Away were eating? Try them for yourself! Many shops along Nakamise Street sell colorful candies, including the crunchy “konpeito” seen in the Ghibli movie, as well as spectacularly hand-sculpted “amezaiku” (candy art) creations.
③ Kaminari Okoshi
Sweet, crunchy, and highly snackable, these sugary puffed rice crackers date back to the Edo period, but they’re just as addictive today. Shops sell them in dozens of different flavors, from brown sugar to peanut, and often make seasonal varieties too. Try them all to find your favorite for souvenirs!
④ Kibi Dango
Skewered mochi-like rice cakes dusted in sweet roasted soybean flour, these are a Japanese classic, and at shops like Azuma, you can catch the staff preparing them fresh on-site.
⑤ Senbei Rice Crackers
Rice crackers take up entire aisles at Japanese grocery stores, but at Nakamise Street you can try them freshly grilled! Available in a variety of flavors, sizes, and textures, they’re a crunchy favorite among locals, and perfect for when you want a light, savory snack.
⑥ Imo Yokan
Created by the historic local confectionery Funawa, this simple yet rich sweet potato jelly is like nothing you’ll find in most of the English-speaking world. But if you love the flavors of Japan’s traditional wagashi sweets, you’ll love this unique treat!
Visiting Nakamise Shopping Street
Thanks to its position in front of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, Sensoji, this bustling shopping street is packed at almost all hours of the day. It’s simply a must-see in Tokyo! But our best advice is to visit in the early mornings, if you want to avoid the most intense crowding. Most shops open between about 10 in the morning and around sundown, although some are open until 7 pm. Since it’s all just a few minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line, or Tsukuba Express) it’s easy to fit into your Tokyo itinerary, anyway!
This content has been edited and republished from Japan Web Magazine with permission. The original article was published on Mar 16, 2018 and updated on Jul 23, 2025. ©2025 Inbound Platform Corp. All Rights Reserved
Japan Web Magazine is an online media platform delivering expert insights into travel, food, culture, and local experiences in Japan. We share insider tips, hidden gems, and must-visit spots to help you explore Japan like a local. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned traveler, we’ve got you covered!
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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