From the Thunder Gate and Senso-ji through the old entertainment streets of Asakusa to Kappabashi, the restaurant-supply street with knives, pottery and plastic food samples, then down the Sumida riverside to quiet Kuramae.
Best time: Before 9:00 at Senso-ji to beat the crowds, then Kappabashi from 10:00 when the kitchen shops open (many close on Sundays; check).
The route, stop by stop
- 1Kaminarimon
The 'Thunder Gate' with its giant red lantern, the symbol of Asakusa. 10 min
- 2Nakamise-dori
Shopping street of traditional snacks and souvenirs leading to the temple, in business for centuries. 20 min
- 3Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon)
Tokyo's most visited Buddhist temple, founded in the 7th century; main hall, five-storey pagoda and incense burner. 40 min
- 4Asakusa Shrine
Shinto shrine next to Senso-ji's main hall, centre of the Sanja Matsuri. 10 min
- 5Denboin-dori
Asakusa shopping street crossing Nakamise, a quieter way west towards Kappabashi. 15 min
- 6Kappabashi Kitchen Town
Dozens of shops for restaurant trades: knives, pots, dishes, lanterns, noren and plastic and wax food samples (about 10 min walk from Senso-ji; Tawaramachi Station is closest). Most shops 10:00-17:00. 60 min
- 7Komagatado
Small Senso-ji hall on Edo-dori by Komagata Bridge and the Sumida River. 5 min
- 8Kuramae Shrine
Neighbourhood shrine in Kuramae, south of Asakusa; end here or at Kuramae Station. 10 min
More walks in Tokyo
- Yanaka and Nezu: old Tokyo from Nippori to Nezu Shrine
- Basho's Fukagawa: Morishita to Kiyosumi Garden and the art museum
- Nihonbashi to Ningyocho: merchant Tokyo
- Kagurazaka: geisha lanes and stone alleys
- Shibuya to Meiji Jingu via Cat Street
- Nakameguro to Ebisu via Daikanyama
- Imperial Palace East Gardens to Yurakucho's under-track bars
- Jimbocho book town to Kanda Myojin
- Shibamata: Tora-san's town to the Edo River ferry
- Mount Takao Trail 1: Takaosanguchi to the summit