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Nakamise-dori Street: A Historic Shopping Experience

Experience old-world Tokyo on Nakamise-dori, a historic shopping street offering traditional crafts, treats, and souvenirs near Sensō-ji Temple.

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Nakamise-dori Street, located in Tokyo's Asakusa district, is a historic shopping street believed to have originated between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This 250-meter-long street is lined with shops selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets, leading to the famous Sensō-ji Temple.

A brief summary to Nakamise-dori Street

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and experience a quieter atmosphere.
  • Try local street foods like ningyo-yaki (baked doll cakes) and senbei crackers.
  • Explore the side streets behind Nakamise-dori for a less crowded experience and unique finds.
  • Visit at night to see the mural paintings on the closed shopfronts.
  • Check out the Asakusa Tourist Information Center near Kaminarimon Gate for maps and information.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Asakusa Station (various lines), take Exit 1 and walk towards the Kaminarimon Gate. Pass through the gate to enter Nakamise-dori Street. The street is pedestrian-only and extends 250 meters to the Hozomon Gate at Sensō-ji Temple. There are no costs associated with walking this route.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, or Tobu Skytree Line to Asakusa Station. From the station, it's a short walk (approximately 5 minutes) to Nakamise-dori, via the Kaminarimon Gate. Subway fares typically range from ¥170-¥320 depending on the distance traveled within Tokyo.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in central Tokyo, take a taxi to Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa. Taxis are readily available, but can be expensive. A short taxi ride from Ueno Station to Nakamise-dori (approx. 3km) will cost around ¥1,200 - ¥1,500. Note that traffic can be heavy depending on the time of day.

Unlock the Best of Nakamise-dori Street

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Discover more about Nakamise-dori Street

Nakamise-dori Street, with a history dating back to the Edo period, offers a traditional shopping experience in the heart of Tokyo. It is believed that the street was founded when neighbors of Sensō-ji Temple were granted permission to open shops on the temple grounds. In return, the shopkeepers maintained the cleanliness of the temple. The street stretches approximately 250 meters from the Kaminarimon Gate to the Hozomon Gate, housing around 90 shops. These shops have been run by local families for generations, offering a variety of goods such as handcrafted ceramics, kimonos, fans, and traditional sweets. Nakamise-dori has undergone several changes, including modernization in 1885 with red brick buildings, which were later destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The shops were rebuilt with concrete after the earthquake and again after the firebombing of World War II, but they still maintain a traditional appearance with hanging lanterns and green tiled rooftops. Visitors can explore a wide array of specialty street foods and snacks, including ningyo-yaki (baked doll cakes), senbei crackers, and matcha ice cream. Popular souvenirs include lucky cat statuettes, hair accessories, fans, and handmade Japanese umbrellas. At night, the closed shopfronts transform into an "Asakusa picture scroll" with mural paintings depicting the history of Sensō-ji and its events.

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