One of Tokyo's most historic districts, Asakusa is famous for its traditional buildings and shops such as those along Nakamise Street leading to the iconic Sensoji Temple. For those wanting to get a taste for the city's most famous eateries, you'll find countless stores that have been in business for over a hundred years.
Irokawa
Asakusa is full of age-old eel restaurants, but not quite so famous as Irokawa. This small shop has been grilling up succulent slices of eel since 1861, with locals swearing by their delicious secret sauce. While eel can be a little off putting for some westerners, it's a must-try in Japan as one of the nation's most beloved foods.
Sometaro
Housed in a beautiful traditional building, a short walk from Asakusa Station, Sometaro is famous for its okonomiyaki, literally translated to 'cooked however you like'. Diners here order their ingredients and cook it themselves on a hotplate built into the table, those doubting their skills however can have it made by one of the staff. The store has been open since 1937, beloved for their quality ingredients, tasty dishes and the perfect traditional atmosphere for tourists to soak in.
Nakasei
In an area famous for tempura, Nakasei stands out as the king of this delicious deep-fried treat. Another of Asakusa's time-honored restaurants, Nakasei opened shop back in 1870. The tempura sets here are stuffed full of seafood, fried perfectly till crispy without retaining much of the oil.
Mont Blanc
Hamburger steaks might not exactly seem either traditional or Japanese, but yet this dish has long been a staple favorite among the Japanese, so much that it's been turned distinctively Japanese. Japan is actually known for having a whole separate cuisine of adapted and 'Japanified' western dishes, known as yoshoku. Mont Blanc serves up hamburger steaks made only with domestic beef that are juicy and flavorsome, doused with a range of different sauces you won't find at other similar restaurants.
Asakusa Imahan
Serving up comforting sets of sukiyaki, a delicious flavorsome hot pot served with slices of high quality Japanese beef, Imahan has been open since 1895. Using high quality wagyu beef, the prices can be a little high. For those on more of a budget, head there during lunchtime for much more affordable sets. It's well worth going for dinner however if you can set aside around 10,000 yen per person, eating Japanese wagyu in Japan is an experience you'll never forget.
Conclusion
One of the best districts to go to for trying some of the city's oldest restaurants, Asakusa is full of delicious places to eat that are oozing with a traditional atmosphere.