🌟 What Are Kaminarimon & Nakamise Street?
Located at the entrance to Sensō-ji Temple, Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”) is one of Tokyo’s most photographed landmarks.
Pass through the towering red gate and giant lantern, and you’ll enter Nakamise Shopping Street, a lively 250-meter path lined with traditional Japanese shops, souvenirs, and snacks.
This duo offers a perfect mix of Edo-period nostalgia, sensory delights, and cultural immersion—a must-visit experience in Asakusa.
🔭 Why Visit Kaminarimon & Nakamise?
- 📸 Take the Iconic Photo with the red lantern & Fujin/Raijin statues
- 🍡 Try Classic Street Snacks like ningyo-yaki, rice crackers & matcha sweets
- 🎎 Shop Traditional Souvenirs: yukata, fans, chopsticks, lucky charms
- 🏮 Feel Old Tokyo: Wooden shopfronts and colorful shopkeepers
- 🎐 Lead-In to Sensō-ji Temple: The full cultural experience, start to finish
📸 Featured Zones
| Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Kaminarimon Gate | 11.7m tall red gate with thunder god statues on each side |
| Giant Red Lantern | Central feature – a symbol of Asakusa & Tokyo itself |
| Nakamise Street | 90+ shops & stalls along a straight pathway to the temple |
| Side Alleys | Smaller shops & eateries tucked behind main path |
🎟️ Admission & Hours
- 🎫 Free Admission (no ticket required)
- 🕒 Shops Open: Around 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by vendor)
- 📸 Kaminarimon accessible 24/7 (best photos: early morning or evening)
🚨 Visitor Tips
- 🌅 Visit early morning (before 9:30 AM) to avoid crowds
- 💴 Bring cash — many vendors don’t take cards
- 🧴 Some snack stalls offer takeaway only (no eating while walking signs apply)
- 🎁 Great for last-minute gifts or handcrafted keepsakes
- 📷 Don’t block foot traffic when taking photos at the gate
🚉 Access
- Asakusa Station (Ginza, Asakusa, Tobu lines)
- 📍 Exit A4 or 1 — Kaminarimon is just outside
- Follow the crowd and giant red lantern—you can’t miss it!
🍡 Top 3 Treats to Try on Nakamise Street
1. Ningyo-yaki (人形焼)
- 🧁 Little sponge cakes filled with red bean paste
- 🐵 Shaped like dolls, pagodas, or lanterns
- 🍽️ Hot and fresh off the griddle!
2. Age-manju (揚げまんじゅう)
- 🍩 Deep-fried buns with sweet fillings like matcha or black sesame
- 💥 Crunchy outside, soft inside
3. Senbei (煎餅)
- 🍘 Savory rice crackers—sweet soy, spicy, or seaweed-wrapped
- 🔥 Some shops grill them fresh right in front of you!
🔁 Sample Plan: Asakusa Stroll
🕒 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- 📸 Sunrise photo at Kaminarimon Gate
- 🎐 Leisurely walk through Nakamise Street (shop + snack)
- 🙏 Arrive at Sensō-ji Main Hall for prayers & photos
- 🍵 Tea break at Suzukien or Asakusa Naniwaya nearby
- 🚶 Optional: Continue walk to Sumida River Park
📍 Address & Info
Kaminarimon Gate & Nakamise Street
1-2-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
📞 +81-3-3844-1221 (Asakusa Tourism Office)
🌐 https://www.senso-ji.jp/about/index_e.html