Asakusa (浅草) is one of the most vibrant districts of Tokyo, where history and fun collide in every corner. Families wandering through will find the towering red gates of Senso-ji Temple, often called Asakusa’s most famous spot, alongside the smaller Asakusa Shrine just next door. Strolling down the bustling Nakamise Dori shopping street brings a mix of sweet treats and quirky souvenirs, while nearby rickshaws, river cruises, and quiet back alleys show different sides of the Asakusa neighborhood. Whether your kids are curious about temple rituals, eager to draw fortunes, or simply excited to snack their way through the area, the experience feels like stepping back into the heart of old Tokyo.
As you plan your trip to Tokyo with kids, this guide is a great place to start! For comprehensive information on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat with kids, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide. You can then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips conveniently in one easy place. Want more ideas? See our full Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the best castles, shrines, theme parks, and more.
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Why Asakusa is Great for Families with Kids
- The giant red Kaminarimon gate and lantern make for fun first impressions and family photos.
- Nakamise Street is a paradise of kid-approved snacks and quirky souvenirs.
- Senso-ji Temple rituals like incense smoke and fortune draws are interactive and engaging.
- Rickshaw rides, Sumida Park, and river cruises add variety beyond the temple.
- The mix of peaceful temple grounds and lively shopping streets keeps kids entertained at different paces.
Parent Insight: Neighborhoods like Asakusa show kids that culture isn’t just in museums, it’s in the food stalls, rituals, and everyday moments. Let them lead the way, whether it’s choosing a sweet treat, pulling a fortune slip, or spotting statues, and you’ll find they connect naturally with history through play.
Best Things to Do in Asakusa with Kids
- Senso-ji Temple & Kaminarimon Gate: Walk through the massive gate and explore Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple together.
- Nakamise Shopping Street: Try ningyo-yaki cakes, taiyaki fish pastries, and browse for playful souvenirs like ninja toys or lucky charms.
- Omikuji Fortune Draw: Shake the wooden box, pull a slip, and read your luck, good or bad, it’s always fun for kids.
- Rickshaw Ride: Hop in a rickshaw for a short ride around the neighborhood and let kids feel like time travelers.
- Sumida Park & River Cruise: Take a break in the riverside park or catch a boat ride on the Sumida River for a different view of Tokyo.
Practical Tips for Visiting Asakusa with Kids
- Cost: Free to explore the temple and neighborhood.
- Best Age Range: Ages 4+ for full enjoyment; toddlers enjoy the snacks and open spaces too.
- Stroller-Friendly?: Partially. Temple grounds are flat, but Nakamise Street can be very crowded. A baby carrier is helpful during peak hours.
- Rest Areas: Benches near the temple and in Sumida Park.
- Food: Endless snack stalls, cafés, and family-friendly restaurants in the area.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Asakusa in Tokyo
- Luxury
- MIMARU SUITES Tokyo Asakusa – Premium suite-style apartments, larger layouts, ideal for families or longer stays.
- Asakusa View Hotel – Classic high-rise with panoramic views of Tokyo Skytree; upper-tier rooms and dining.
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by Hulic – Boutique luxury with stylish design and rooftop terrace views.
- OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts – Upscale boutique by Hoshino Resorts, blending trendy interiors with family-friendly amenities.
- cyashitsu ryokan asakusa – Luxury-style modern ryokan, combining tatami rooms and high-end comfort.
- Mid-Range
- Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku – Modern offshoot of the main View Hotel, slightly more affordable.
- Henn na Hotel Premier Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi – Quirky robot-staffed chain, modern rooms, mid-range pricing.
- the b asakusa – Trendy, design-forward, compact but comfortable for families.
- The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa – Boutique mid-range hotel, stylish rooms with local design touches.
- Budget
- Hotel Sunroute Asakusa – Reliable chain with simple, clean family rooms.
- APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon – Very compact rooms, affordable business-hotel style.
- APA Hotel Asakusa Ekimae – Another budget APA branch, standard business-hotel budget choice.
As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be considering your accommodation options. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide features top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning to stay near Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, or Disneyland. After securing your stay, explore our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids guide for epic museums and neighborhood gems, from the vibrant streets of Harajuku and the historic Senso-ji Temple to DisneySea, Ueno Zoo, and the bay area of Odaiba. For a full overview of family-friendly hotels across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan.
FAQs: Visiting Asakusa with Kids
Planning a visit to Asakusa in Tokyo with kids? These FAQs cover the most common family-focused questions parents search before exploring this historic neighborhood.
A: Asakusa is famous for Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and the lively Nakamise shopping street lined with food stalls and souvenir shops. It’s also known for its old-town atmosphere, rickshaw rides, festivals, and views of Tokyo Skytree from nearby Sumida Park.
A: Asakusa is very accessible by train. The closest station is Asakusa Station, served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line. From the station, it’s just a 2–3 minute walk to Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street.
A: The best time to visit Asakusa is early morning before 10:00 AM or late afternoon after 4:00 PM. These times offer smaller crowds, cooler weather, and better opportunities to enjoy the temple and shopping street without feeling rushed.
A: Most families spend about 2 to 3 hours in Asakusa. This allows time to walk through Senso-ji Temple, snack along Nakamise Street, and browse for souvenirs. Add extra time if you plan to relax at Sumida Park, take a river cruise, or enjoy a rickshaw ride.
A: Families can explore Senso-ji Temple, pull fortunes at the omikuji stalls, shop for quirky souvenirs along Nakamise Street, and snack on local treats. Other fun activities include riding a rickshaw, visiting Sumida Park for open space, or taking a Sumida River cruise with views of Tokyo Skytree.
A: Yes, the temple grounds are flat and stroller-friendly, but Nakamise Street can get very crowded. A baby carrier may be more convenient during peak hours, especially if you’re traveling with infants or toddlers.
A: Absolutely. Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most family-friendly areas, offering a balance of cultural sights and playful activities. Kids love the giant red lantern, fortune draws, and street food, while parents appreciate the mix of tradition, open spaces, and easy transport access.
A: Asakusa is known for its old-town atmosphere, historic temples, and traditional street food, while Shinjuku and Shibuya are modern hubs filled with neon lights, shopping malls, and nightlife. Families who want a taste of “old Tokyo” will find Asakusa more relaxed and cultural.
A: Yes, Asakusa is a starting point for Sumida River cruises. Families can board boats that travel to Odaiba, Hamarikyu Gardens, or Tokyo Skytree, offering a fun and scenic way to see Tokyo with kids.
A: Yes, Asakusa is a very walkable neighborhood. The main attractions, including Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, and Sumida Park, are all within short walking distance. Wide sidewalks and flat paths make it easy for kids to explore at their own pace.
A: The most famous festival in Asakusa is the Sanja Matsuri, held every May, featuring portable shrines, lively parades, and traditional music. Seasonal events like summer fireworks along the Sumida River also attract families and are exciting for kids.
A: Yes, Asakusa is a great base for families. Hotels are often more spacious and affordable than in central Tokyo, the neighborhood has a relaxed feel, and it’s well-connected by train to major sights like Ueno, Tokyo Skytree, and Shibuya.
Until Next Time…
Asakusa isn’t just a Tokyo neighborhood, it’s a family adventure full of lanterns, fortunes, snacks, and stories waiting to be discovered. Whether your kids remember the thrill of drawing their first omikuji or the taste of fresh ningyo-yaki, this historic district will linger in their memories long after you leave.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
