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

Asakusa has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. At its heart sits Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. The main approach to Senso-ji Temple’s Main Hall is through Kaminarimon Gate, the red gate with the huge lantern where every visitor tries to take a picture.

Get an overview of the area from the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center opposite Kaminarimon Gate. The cafe and observation deck on the top floor of this beautiful building designed by architect Kengo Kuma has an excellent view. For additional information, you can ask the staff in the lobby for directions and tips.

Begin your walk by exploring Senso-ji Temple’s many buildings and corners. There is more to see than only the impressive Kaminarimon Gate. Next to the temple’s Main Hall you can also visit Asakusa Shrine, a popular location for traditional wedding ceremonies.

It takes only 5 minutes from the temple to Sumida River. The red bridge leading to the Asahi Beer Headquarters is Azumabashi. Do not cross the river here. Walk upstream to the next bridge that was built for the Tobu Railway trains that go from Asakusa to Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture north of the capital (great side trip destination from Tokyo if you area staying in the Asakusa area).

This summer, the Sumida River Walk opened. It is a promenade running along the Tobu Railway bridge and an excellent shortcut connecting Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree. This new connection makes it easy to walk between these two iconic locations.

You cannot miss the 632m tower. Take Sumida River Walk across Sumida River and then keep on going straight towards Tokyo Skytree along the narrow Kitajukken River. If you want to see Asakusa from a special perspective, go to the top of Tokyo Skytree.

Return to Asakusa later in the day to see it in a different light. You can take the Tobu Skytree Line between Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree. It is only one quick stop and you will follow the same path as walking Kitajukken River and across Sumida River Walk. Tokyo Skytree sparkles in different lighting designs every evening and Senso-ji Temple is also illuminated beautifully.

Sumida River Walk is open 7:00 - 22:00.

More things and places to explore around Asakusa:

Tokyo travel for photographers: Asakusa photo spots- Early in the morning and late in the evening you can shoot some of the best scenes here https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=680

Tokyo sightseeing - 2 hours in Asakusa: A quick visit of the highlights of this old Tokyo district https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=653

Tokyo sightseeing with a rickshaw ride: Take a rickshaw to see Tokyo’s old Asakusa area from a new perspective https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=651

Sumida Park in Asakusa and nearby places to eat https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=699

Walk and eat your way around Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa - A foodie course through Asakusa https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=696