Tokyo Asakusa: Street Food Tour & Senso-ji Temple Walk

Summary

Sample old-town flavors, stroll temple markets, eat like locals

You’ll taste your way through Asakusa’s quieter corners with a local guide — sampling 7+ street foods at century-old stalls, squeezing into a standing sushi bar, wandering market streets toward Senso-ji Temple and slurping noodles like a regular. It’s not just about eating; you’ll feel part of Tokyo for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through our second snack when I realized how different Asakusa feels away from the main crowds. Our guide, Yuko, waved us over to a little shop with a faded sign — apparently it’s been here since before my grandparents were born. The first bite was warm and sweet, kind of chewy? I still don’t know the name (Yuko said it twice, but I got distracted by the smell of grilled fish from next door). She laughed when I tried to repeat it — my accent is hopeless — but honestly, nobody seemed to mind.

We ducked into a standing sushi bar next. It’s one of those places where you just squeeze in beside whoever’s there and eat fast. The chef nodded at us, hands moving so quick they blurred. I’d never tried eel before — it was softer than I expected, with this smoky flavor that lingered. There was this moment where everyone just paused chewing to listen to the rain on the awning outside. For a second it felt like we belonged there too.

After that we wandered through a market street toward Thunder Gate and Senso-ji Temple. The lanterns looked brighter in the drizzle and people moved around us in slow waves. Yuko pointed out tiny details — a shop selling pickles from all over Japan, an old man carving wooden toys near the shrine entrance. We finished with buckwheat soba at another family-run spot; slurping loudly is apparently polite here (I tried, not sure if I pulled it off). Walking back past the temple, bell sounds echoing somewhere behind us, I caught myself thinking about how much history fits into these narrow streets. Still can’t believe how full I got either.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Asakusa and taste local food

• Visit 4-5 local food shops
• Try authentic Japanese bites and sweets
• Visit specialty department store
• Walk through busy market street
• Enter Sensoji temple area
• Visit Sensoji temple

Top questions

How many food tastings are included on this Asakusa street food tour?

The tour includes full-size lunch tastings at 5 or more local vendors, totaling at least 7 different bites.

Does this tour visit Senso-ji Temple and Thunder Gate?

Yes, you’ll walk through the busy market street to Thunder Gate and visit Senso-ji Temple during the tour.

Is lunch included in the price of this Asakusa food tour?

Yes, lunch tastings at all food stops are included in your booking.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are limited; please message dietary restrictions at least a week before your tour date.

Is this Asakusa food crawl suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes full-size lunch tastings at five or more historic food vendors in Asakusa, guided walks through market streets to Senso-ji Temple and Thunder Gate, stops at specialty shops and family-run restaurants (like a standing sushi bar and soba place), plus plenty of stories from your local guide along the way.