By David, long-term Tokyo resident & food-loving traveler

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is not only a favorite photo spot in Tokyo, it is also a great place for foodies. Take a picture under the huge lantern of the iconic red Kaminarimon Gate before you eat your way up to the Main Hall trying the sweets and snacks on Nakamise Street. Then check out the many small stores nearby and shop for foodie souvenirs.

Here are a few places were you can pick up Japanese sweets and snacks like senbei, kaminariokoshi, and karinto. They are tasty, light, and do not break easily, making them the perfect gifts fill your suitcase with.

Kaminariokoshi from Tokiwado Kaminariokoshi Honpo

Kaminari means thunder in Japanese and the Kaminarimon Gate of Senso-ji Temple houses a sculpture of the god of thunder. Located on the corner to the left of the gate is Tokiwado Kaminariokoshi Honpo. This local shop has been in business for over 200 years and is famous for its super crispy Kaminariokoshi sweets. Try some to make your own thunder. You can watch the staff makes fresh Kaminariokoshi. The sweets are available in a variety of flavors with crispy rice. Buy a bag or box full of them as a souvenir. Kaminariokoshi are typical Tokyo souvenirs in Japan, said to have been sold near Kaminarimon Gate since when Tokyo was still called Edo.

Tokiwado Kaminariokoshi Honpo

Address: 1-3-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Open 9:00 - 20:30

https://tokiwado.tokyo

Karinto from Asakusa Karin Coron

Walk up from Kaminarimon Gate towards the Main Hall of Senso-ji Temple along Nakamise Street. Halfway towards the Hozomon Gate is the crossing with Denpo-in Dori. Turn towards the right. The shop on the corner with the statue of a seated figure in a traditional outfit is Asakusa Karin Coron.

Karinto are old-fashioned sweets made from deep-fried dough. The most traditional ones are coated in brown sugar, but there are many other flavors to try here as well such as wasabi, peanuts, black sesame, matcha, or sweet potato. Karin Coron also has other types of sweets made from beans. All items come in cute packages with illustrations from Asakusa. You can open the packs so that they fold up flat and reveal a complete scene. Then you can re-use the paperr. Alternatively you can buy snacks wrapped in a small cloth called tenugui that you can be used as a towel or accessory.

Asakusa Karin Coron

Address: 2-2-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Open 9:30 - 18:30

https://www.karincoron.jp/index.php

Senbei from Waizumiya

The Waizumiya Main Store is located in the Kannondori arcade near the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station Exit 1, one minute from Kaminarimon Gate. Walking into the arcade you will see Waizumiya on the right side. This shop has a great selection of senbei rice crackers in about 100 shapes and tastes. You can buy just one type or a box with a selection. If you want to your own selection put into a nice box as a gift, you can do so for a small fee. There are also jars filled with senbei. If you are looking for something especially cute, buy the shop’s famous neko senbei, rice crackers shaped like the head of a cat. They come in three sizes and many different tastes.

Waizumiya Main Store

Address: 1-1-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Open 10:30 - 19:30

https://www.asakusa-senbei.com/

Click the link below to read this related article you might like: “Tokyo sightseeing - 2 hours in Asakusa”. https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=653