Traditional Activities to Try Out in Asakusa for a Feel of Japanese Culture

Asakusa offers a glimpse of Japan's traditional side, with streets lined with age-old shops and temples. There's no better way to soak in the culture here than heading to this old district of the city and transporting yourself back to Tokyo before the modern age and its glitzy skyscrapers. For those that want a blast from the past, here are some traditional activities to do in Asakusa.

Wear a Kimono

To get a real feel for the traditional side to the nation, you're gonna need to don the time-honored gown, showcasing Japan's old style through its clothing. As the area is full of temples and quaint old streets, it's the perfect place to rent a kimono and walk around taking photos. If you're traveling in the hot, sticky summer, a kimono will usually be too thick and blisteringly hot. Instead pick up a yukata, the kimonos summer cousin, the fabric is much lighter and perfect for wearing on hot days.

Jinrikisha Ride

While Asakusa is easily explored by foot, hopping in a rickshaw, known as jinrikisha in Japanese, is an experience in itself. These man-powered carts give tours around the vicinity lasting for about 30 minutes as you whizz through the area via a running local.

Indulge in some Desserts

Asakusa is home to a whole range of delicious foods, but it's particularly famous for traditional dessert shops. For those with a sweet tooth, wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, many of which you can find sold in shops around the area. Grab some dorayaki, Japanese filled pancakes from Asakusa Kameju or snack on dango, rice dumplings on a stick that are usually coated with a sticky, sweet sauce.

Matsuchiyama Shoden

No visit to Asakusa is complete without checking out Sensoji, the huge Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century. However the crowded atmosphere takes away some of the magic from visiting this place. Fortunately there are a number of traditional buildings and temples in Asakusa to complete the experience. Matsuchiyama Shoden is another Buddhist temple that's actually part of the larger Sensoji, while it's not quite as grand, it's a great place to escape the crowds. Not many visitors make it to this temple, making it a great place to explore in peace. The symbol of the temple is actually daikon radish and you'll find cute pictures of the vegetable along with souvenirs to buy around the temple.

Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center

A museum dedicated to showcasing traditional handmade items such as dolls, paper fans and woodwork. It's the perfect spot for those with a hankering for DIY to get in touch with traditional locally made items. The museum itself is free to enter and you'll find a giftshop where you can purchase all kinds of handicrafts.

Conclusion

After exploring Tokyo's traditional neighborhood, hop over the river to Tokyo Skytree for a glimpse of the modern and the best view over the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo.