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Nakamise-dori Street: A Historic Shopping Experience

Explore Tokyo's oldest shopping street, Nakamise-dori, for traditional crafts, tasty snacks, and a vibrant glimpse into Japan's rich history.

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Nakamise-dori Street is a vibrant, historical shopping street in Tokyo's Asakusa district, leading to theSensō-ji Temple. With origins dating back to the 17th century, it offers a blend of traditional crafts, souvenirs, and street food, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience.

A brief summary to Nakamise-dori Street

Local tips

  • Visit during the day for a lively experience when the shops are open and the street is bustling with activity.
  • Come in the early morning or after dinner for a quieter atmosphere and to admire the beautifully lit street and painted murals on the shopfronts.
  • Try local favorites like ningyo-yaki and senbei from the various street food vendors.
  • Look for unique souvenirs such as lucky cat statuettes, hair accessories, and elegant fans.
  • Be aware that the street can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Nakamise-dori Street is a short walk from Asakusa Station, which is served by the Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree railway lines. From Asakusa Station, it is a 5-minute walk to Nakamise-dori, traditionally approached via the Kaminarimon Gate. Subway fares typically range from ¥170 to ¥320 depending on the distance traveled.

  • Walking

    From the Asakusa Tourist Information Center, located near the Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise-dori Street is just a few steps away. The street stretches 250 meters from the Kaminarimon Gate to the Hozomon Gate. Walking the entire length of Nakamise-dori takes about 15-20 minutes, allowing time to browse the shops.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Ueno Station to Nakamise-dori Street typically costs between ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 and takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi stands are readily available at Ueno Station.

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Discover more about Nakamise-dori Street

Nakamise-dori Street, a 250-meter-long path stretching from the Kaminarimon Gate to the Hozomon Gate of the Sensō-ji Temple, is one of Japan's oldest shopping streets. Dating back to the Edo period, the street's origins lie in local neighbors being granted permission to open shops on temple grounds, catering to weary pilgrims. Today, Nakamise-dori is lined with approximately 89 shops offering a variety of traditional goods, souvenirs, and tasty snacks. Visitors can find an array of items, including handcrafted ceramics, kimonos, fans, and woodblock prints. The street is also known for its street food, with vendors selling treats like ningyo-yaki (little sponge cakes filled with red bean paste), senbei (rice crackers), and matcha-flavored ice cream. Nakamise-dori provides a glimpse into Japan's past, with many shops run by the same families for generations. Even after the shops close (typically around 5 PM to 7 PM), the street remains a cultural landmark. The shutters of the closed shops are decorated with mural paintings depicting seasonal vistas, festivals, and scenes from old Japan, offering an alternate view of the street. Nakamise-dori is a must-see destination for those seeking a traditional Japanese shopping experience.

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