Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist destinations, beloved for its cultural attractions, heritage shops and traditional restaurants. Now, the neighbourhood is giving you an extra reason to stick around after your visit to the majestic Sensoji Temple and its vibrant Nakamise Dori shopping street.
The new Asakusa Yokocho food hall, taking over the fourth floor of Tokyo Rakutenchi Asakusa Building, is inspired by Japan’s colourful matsuri (traditional festivals). As such, the interior features flashy signs, festive lanterns and cheerful decorations to remind us of the festivities we miss during the pandemic. For the full matsuri experience, the yokocho will also regularly host dancers performing yosakoi, awa odori or bon odori dances to liven up the mood.
There will be seven restaurants at Asakusa Yokocho. Expect local favourites like yakitori from Yura Yura, sushi from Asakusa Sushi, and pork skewers from Shinton, as well as eateries like Rocky Kanai where you can grab an ice cold beer with a side of classic izakaya-style dishes like karaage and tamagoyaki omelette.
There’s even Korean restaurant Hanmart serving samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), cold naengmyeon noodles and photogenic drinks (pictured above).
On the same floor, you’ll find a kimono rental shop should you wish to dress up for your meal or a walk around Asakusa.
Asakusa Yokocho is open from 12noon-11pm daily. The kimono rental shop, however, opens earlier at 10am. The food hall is only a one-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba express line, or less than eight minutes’ walk from the Tobu Skytree, Ginza and Asakusa lines.
This article was published on June 8 and updated on July 14.
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