Hey there, check out Day 2 of my Tokyo travel! You’ll see me splitting my time equally between Asakusa and Ueno districts, both of which are located near where I stayed in the North-eastern part of Tokyo (@Akihabara).
To be honest, I was surprised to find myself having so much fun in Asakusa, a place I’d initially contemplated skipping.
Before I unveil my “Day 2” itinerary, let me do a broad sharing of my 9-day travel plan in Tokyo. Here’s how I would split my 9 days by location:
- 3 Nights in Akihabara: Visit Asakusa, Ueno, Tokyo Station, Ginza and Akihabara
- 3 Nights in Hakone: Complete Hakone tourist loop, stay in Ryokan & Onsen everyday! :)
- 3 Nights in Shibuya: Explore Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku. Buy lots of things!
You may also want to read Day 1’s post on why I craved for a solo trip. Done that? Great, let’s proceed with Day 2 Tokyo itinerary!
Don’t miss these posts!
- Day 1: Singapore to Haneda Airport to Tokyo Downtown
- Day 2 (AM): A fun day at Asakusa, celebrating with the locals!
- Day 2 (PM): 11 Things to do in Ueno
- Day 3 (AM): Things to do in Ginza, Tokyo
- Day 3 (PM): Enjoyed best Tonkatsu in Akihabara
- Day 4 (AM): Guide to getting from Tokyo to Hakone
- Day 4 (PM): Completing the Hakone Loop
- Day 5: Exploring Hakone on a rainy day
- Day 6 (AM): Must-visit outdoor museum and a lunch I won’t forget
- Day 6 (PM): From Hakone to a happening night in Shibuya
Getting 2-day Tokyo Subway Pass
(10am)
In my Day 1 post, I’d mentioned about how useful the Tokyo Subway Pass was in helping to shave my transport costs significantly. I’d earlier purchased the pass online via Klook, prior to arriving in Japan.
To get the physical subway pass, I had to find the right ticketing kiosk and let the machine scan a QR code on my e-voucher. However, it took me 30 minutes to find that kiosk!
As you see, I was circling around the wrong and more prominent-looking JR line entrance. In the end, I found that “right” ticketing kiosk at the Hibya line entrance to Akihabara Station.
This makes sense in hindsight as it’s logical for Tokyo Subway pass to be “redeemed” at the train lines where it can be used. Hibya line comes under Tokyo Metro Line which is one of the lines covered by the Tokyo subway pass.
TOKYO SUBWAY MAP: I’d tried asking for hardcopy of Tokyo Subway Map at many train stations and non of them had it in English. Therefore, you may want to download a soft copy of the map into your phone.
Yay! With the Tokyo Subway Pass on hand, I was all ready to venture to the first destination – Asakusa!
Asakusa Itinerary: 11 Things to do in Asakusa!
Would you visit a place knowing it would be darn crowded? Sanja Matsuri, said to be the most popular shrine festival in Tokyo happened to take place during the same period that I would be visiting Asakusa.
According to online info, about two million people would visit Asakusa during the festival!
I’d contemplated skipping Asakusa totally as I was still “scarred” by the “Dragon Bridge” experience during my trip in Da Nang. Luckily I didn’t as the experience at Asakusa was one of the most memorable ones I’ve enjoyed in this Tokyo 2023 trip.
And the crowd was quite manageable actually! It didn’t get to a point where I felt like my personal space was invaded.
Now, let’s look at the many places or experiences I’ve enjoyed at Asakusa, in chronological order!
#1. Kan’non-dori Shopping Street (Sheltered)
(10.30am)
After alighting at Asakusa station, I found myself in a bustling sheltered walkway that was lined with malls and restaurants.
Kan’non-dori Shopping Street seemed like a nice place to have a sit-down proper meal, but I have limited stomach space and wanted to reserve it for later. :)
#2. Obligatory Photo @ Kaminarimon Gate
Soon, I was at Kaminarimon, a popular gate that leads to the even more popular Senso-ji Temple. You’ll see many ladies (and men) dressed in traditional Japanese costume getting their photos taken.
For me (a solo traveller), I could only do selfie. :)
# 3. Street food and Souvenirs @ Nakamise-dori Street
Walking though the Kaminarimon gate brought me to the most touristy street in Asakusa, at Nakamise-dori street. In case you thought I meant it in a negative way, I actually enjoyed the street.
It has a lot of interesting street food and souvenirs. Let’s check out what my little tummy could take in!
Tokyo Curry Pan (Bun)
Actually, I was quite hungry by the time I reached Asakusa. With so many food in sight, the indecisive me couldn’t decide what to get for the first bite.
It helped when I saw a local boy queuing at this Tokyo Curry Pan stall (see location). The selling point was how stretchy the cheese within the curry-filled pan was (¥500).
Yes, it was fun with the stretchy cheese and all, and I enjoyed the bun though this must be one of the least touristy food at Nakamise-dori street (maybe not for long). :)
Hand-made Rice Crackers
This felt a little like a tourist trap, as you’ll see some elderly ladies (not sure if they are “planted”) selling rice crackers (see location).
They highly recommended the “Laver” or seaweed rice crackers which also turned out to be the most pricey on the menu (I later saw cheaper rice crackers further down the street).
I didn’t enjoy the rice cracker then (maybe not after eating tasty curry?). But surprisingly, after keeping the half-eaten cracker in the fridge for a few days, the cracker was more crispy and enjoyable.
Uniquely-flavoured Nuts
I’m so glad I bought these uniquely-flavoured nuts, because these turned out to be the only food I managed to bring home from Japan. Sob! Will explain why later.
There were many flavours to choose from. I chose Green Apple peanuts (¥400) and Wasabi cashews (¥500), both of which tasted great!
Food I missed due to small stomach
I also took photos of the food I’d intended to buy later (on return trip), but missed due to limited stomach space. Check out these items!
Souvenirs and Trinkets
At Nakamise-dori Street, you’ll find either food or souvenirs. Here are some of the cute souvenirs on sale. 
#4. Festival on Street (Parade of Portable Shrines)
Can you see the crowd? As part of the Sanja Matsuri Festival, men in Edo Period costumes would carry portable shrines and shake them violently during the parade. I read that it is to bring good fortune to businesses and residents.
At one point in time, I couldn’t move forward and quickly retreated into a small parallel alley to continue my way towards Senso-ji Temple.
Here’s the shrine in close view which I found resting at a small alley – maybe it needed a rest too! :)
Many people wore traditional costumes and it really made the experience a unique and memorable one. My deepest memory was of men in super short shorts. :)
There were also traditional performance taking place in the streets of Asakusa, such as a musical performance.
#5. Hozomon Gate (Inner Gate)
(11.30am)
Soon, I arrived at Hozomon Gate, the inner gate leading to Senso-ji Temple. Shrines were making their way through the gate and many people stood around to soak in the experience (or to take photos).
There were many beautiful ladies in Kimono posing sweetly for their photo shoot. Once again, I could only take selfie with these ladies serving as my backdrop. LOL!
> MUST-READ: Day 1 in Tokyo (Solo Trip): Haneda Airport to Tokyo Downtown
#6. Senso-ji Temple
Though I’ve never really been a temple person, Senso-ji must be the most interesting temple I’ve visited (all thanks to Sanja Matsuri festival).
Check out the things I did within or around the temple compound!
Take Lots of Photos!
As I’d visited Senso-ji during the annual festival, the temple was very crowded, but in a good way. My senses were well-stimulated, without getting to the point of feeling overwhelmed.
Taking photos was one of the must-do things at this popular temple.
Picking a lot to check my fortune!
The first activity I did was to donate ¥100, and pick a lot by shaking a metal tin. Here’s my number and I am happy to report that my fortune is good!
Amulets on sale
You can also buy an amulet based on areas that you need a boost in, such as wealth, health, studies and marriage. They cost about ¥1,000 on average.
I’d wanted to buy, but didn’t find a design that I like. I would eventually get one at another temple (in a design that I like). Show you later! :)
Food Carnival at the temple!
Food were everywhere and it was really happening to find rows of them within and around the temple premises.
I bought an Okonomiyaki (pancake with cabbage, egg, bacon and noodle) at ¥700 from this lady, which turned out to be very filling!
Lunch by Old Graves
Most people were sitting on the floor eating their “tabao” carnival food. I did too, and found myself a comfortable corner by the old graves (see location).
The place actually didn’t feel uncomfortable or scary. Maybe because I was not alone! :)
Yakuza (“Gangsters”) are also religious!
When I was on my way out of the temple, I saw these tattooed guys on parade and believe they are Yakuza (gangster). Don’t they look cool or what?
#7. Tokyo Sky Tree: View from the Street
Done with the temple activities, I made my way towards a popular ice cream outlet (see location). Along the way, I could see Tokyo Sky Tree from the street.
You could visit Tokyo Sky Tree as it’s not too far from Asakusa. Do remember to book your ticket in advance as ticket is more expensive onsite. Also, I’ve read that tickets sold out easily.
I didn’t go because I’d a rather similar experience at Harukas 300 in Osaka (read post here).
> RELATED: 2 Weeks in and around Osaka (Part 1)
#8. Where’s my “Level 7” Matcha Ice Cream @ Suzukien?
Unfortunately, I failed in my attempt to get a taste of a “Level 7” matcha ice cream. The ice cream outlet – Suzukien – was not opened that day.
Maybe they also joined the parade!
#9. Birds-eye View @ Asakusa Culture Tourist Info Centre
Another place to watch Tokyo Sky Tree is to get to 8th floor of Asakusa Culture Tourist Info Centre. Do expect the observatory to be crowded.
Personally, I thought the more interesting view from the observatory was of people strolling towards Senso-ji temple, along Nakamise-dori Street.
#10. Ekimise Asakusa Mall
Sorry to say that I only visited this mall for the toilet. I’m sure the multi-story mall has a lot to offer for shoppers, but it was getting late and I needed to get to my next destination soon!
#11. Kappabashi Dougu Street (Missed)
Though I’d marked Kappabashi Dougu Street (see location) as a “must-visit” attraction, I decided to give it a miss as it was a little out of the way. Also, given my failed experience at Suzukien ice cream outlet, I wasn’t sure if shops were opened during the festival.
In any case, if you are into kitchen wares, you might want to check out this street and let me know how much I’ve missed.
> READ: Day 1 in Tokyo (Solo Trip): From Haneda Airport to Tokyo Downtown
By the time I ended my Asakusa itinerary, it was already 2pm. Time to make my way to Ueno district, which was equally worth visiting – I’ve had one of the best sushi experiences there! Check out the next post here.
Essential Info (Day 2 AM):
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Map Locations of Tokyo Itinerary (Day 2)
Keikyu Ex Inn Akihabara Hotel > Akihabara Station > Redeem Tokyo Subway Pass > Asakusa Station > Kan’non-Dori Shopping Street (Sheltered) > Kaminarimon Gate > Nakamise-Dori Street > Hozomon Gate > Senso-Ji Temple > Suzukien > Asakusa Culture Tourist Info Centre > Ekimise Asakusa Mall > Train to Ueno Station
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RELATED POSTS:
- Day 1: Singapore to Haneda Airport to Tokyo Downtown
- Day 2 (AM): A fun day at Asakusa, celebrating with the locals!
- Day 2 (PM): 11 Things to do in Ueno
- Day 3 (AM): Things to do in Ginza, Tokyo
- Day 3 (PM): Enjoyed best Tonkatsu in Akihabara
- Day 4 (AM): Guide to getting from Tokyo to Hakone
- Day 4 (PM): Completing the Hakone Loop
- Day 5: Exploring Hakone on a rainy day
- Day 6 (AM): Must-visit outdoor museum and a lunch I won’t forget
- Day 6 (PM): From Hakone to a happening night in Shibuya
Hi Nicole, your itinerary was very detailed n I like it very much. When will your next post of Day 3 come out? Really looking forward to it..
Thanks for your support, Agnes. Happy to receive such encouragement. Stay tuned! :)