Nakamise Dori. 🍘
The approach to the temple is lined with stalls making fresh snacks. The smell of burning charcoal and sweet red bean paste is everywhere. Remember: Buy it, eat it standing there, then move on.
Ningyo-yaki
Small sponge cakes filled with red bean paste, baked in the shape of doves, pagodas, and lanterns. Watch the machines make them!
Age-manju
A deep-fried bun. The outside is crispy tempura batter, the inside is soft sweet bean. The "Sakura" flavor is best.
Daikokuya Tempura. 🍤
Tempura in Asakusa is different. It's fried in sesame oil, giving it a dark golden color and a rich, nutty aroma. **Daikokuya** (est. 1887) is the legendary spot for this style.
The Tendon
"Ten-don" is tempura on rice. Theirs is famous for massive prawns that hang over the edge of the bowl.
The Sauce
It’s dipped in a secret dark, salty-sweet sauce that soaks into the rice. It is heavy, hearty, and delicious.
The Wait
There is always a line. Go before 11:30 AM or mid-afternoon to avoid the 1-hour wait.
Since 1945
Kagetsudo
Asakusa Kagetsudo. 🥐
"Melon Pan" contains no melon. It's a sweet bun with a crispy cookie-dough crust that looks like a melon skin. Kagetsudo makes the best ones: huge, fluffy, and served hot.
Pro Move:
Order the "Ice Cream Melon Pan." They slice the hot bread open and stuff it with vanilla or matcha ice cream. The hot/cold contrast is incredible.
Suzukien Gelato. 🍵
Located behind the temple, this tea shop claims to serve the **"World's Richest Matcha Gelato."** They have 7 levels of intensity.
Level 7
The darkest green possible. It is incredibly bitter, rich, and grassy. Only for true matcha lovers.
Level 3
The sweet spot. Rich tea flavor but balanced with creamy sweetness. Good for beginners.