Asakusa to Ueno Walking Tour: Sensoji Temple & Kappabashi
Three hours on foot through Tokyo's oldest temple, a chef's kitchenware mecca, and a postwar alley still lined with red lanterns
A 3-hour guided walking tour through Asakusa, Kappabashi and Ueno explores Tokyo's oldest temple, a historic kitchenware district with over 300 years of history, and the lively local energy of Ameyoko Market. The guide leads you through Sensoji Temple and its surrounding shrines, explains the traditions you encounter, and introduces you to street food and shopping spots along the way. The tour ends at Ameyoko, leaving you free to continue exploring on your own.
3h
Step-by-step itinerary
Walking tour from Asakusa to Ueno
- Start at Kaminarimon gate
- Walk through Nakamise Shopping Street
- Visit Senso-ji Temple
- Explore Asakusa Shrine
- Stroll along Hoppy Street
- Shop at Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
- Stop at Akiba Shrine
- Learn about Ueno Park
- Explore Ameyoko Market
The Experience
The tour starts at Kaminarimon, the massive red lantern gate that marks the entrance to Asakusa. From there you walk through Nakamise Shopping Street, a historic arcade of around 90 shops selling traditional Japanese sweets, crafts and kimono accessories in an Edo-period setting. The street leads directly to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple founded in 628, where you can try drawing omikuji (fortune slips) or offer incense yourself. The guide explains the customs as you go, and you'll also visit Asakusa Shrine next door to learn the difference between Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
From the temples, the route takes you to Hoppy Street, a nostalgic drinking alley that keeps the atmosphere of postwar Japan alive with red lanterns and cozy local izakayas serving affordable grilled pork skewers and stewed dishes. Then comes Kappabashi, a shopping street with over 100 years of history lined with specialty shops selling professional-grade cookware, traditional Japanese tableware, lacquerware, kitchen knives and plastic food samples—the kind of ultra-realistic replicas you see in restaurant windows. The guide points out the shops worth browsing and explains what makes this street a mecca for chefs.
On the way to Ueno you'll stop at Akiba Shrine, a small historic shrine said to be the origin of the name Akihabara. The guide then walks you through Ueno Park and explains what you can explore there afterward, before the tour ends at Ameyoko Market. This bustling street is lined with izakayas and food stalls; the guide introduces you to local street food spots and souvenir shops, then leaves you free to keep going if you want.
What’s included
- A live guide who explains the history and culture of each stop.
- entry to Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine.
- the chance to draw fortune slips and offer incense at the temples.
- introductions to street food spots and souvenir shops at Ameyoko Market.
Operated by Reelu inc
Is this one for you?Three hours is long enough to walk from Asakusa's temples through Kappabashi's kitchenware shops and into Ueno without rushing, but short enough to leave your afternoon free for museums, parks or more exploring on your own. The guide handles the history and navigation, so you focus on the stops themselves rather than planning the route.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
What is Sensoji Temple and why is it important?
Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 628, and remains a powerful symbol of history and faith. During the tour you can experience temple customs firsthand—drawing omikuji (fortune slips) or offering incense—while the guide explains the traditions and the majestic architecture of the main hall and five-story pagoda.
What will I see at Kappabashi?
Kappabashi is a historic shopping street with over 100 years of history, lined with specialty shops selling professional-grade cookware, traditional Japanese tableware, lacquerware, kitchen knives and the ultra-realistic plastic food samples Japan is famous for. The guide explains the shops and what makes this street a one-of-a-kind experience for food lovers.
Can I eat during the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour, but you'll pass through Hoppy Street, a nostalgic alley with cozy local izakayas serving affordable Japanese comfort foods like grilled pork skewers and stewed dishes. The tour also ends at Ameyoko Market, where the guide introduces you to local street food spots you can visit on your own.
What languages does the guide speak?
The guide conducts the tour in English, Spanish, French, Korean and several other languages, so you can choose the language that works for you when you book.
Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility concerns?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them.
Asakusa to Ueno Walking Tour: Sensoji Temple & Kappabashi
3h · EN · KO +5
from JP¥ 6,400 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8121 reviews
