The Best 8 Must-Buy Souvenirs in Asakusa, Tokyo

Asakusa is one of the most famous sightseeing spot in Tokyo. Asakusa is also a great destination to buy souvenirs. There is a wide variety of souvenir shops to choose from in Asakusa. For your family, friends or even yourself ,how would you like to find the best souvenir to keep the memory of your trip forever? Here are the 8 most popular souvenirs in Asakusa. They are all available in Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa, and in the areas near by.

1. Kaminari Okoshi

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“Kaminari Okoshi”is the icon of Asakusa. “Kaminari Okoshi” is a Japanese traditional rice puff with 1,000 years of rich history. Above all, it is said that the “Kaminari Okoshi of Asakusa” is one of the best “Kaminari Okoshi”. When visiting Asakusa, take advantage of the opportunity to try it.

“Tokiwado Kaminariokoshi Honpo” is a specialty store of “Kaminari Okoshi”. They offer various and different kinds of “Kaminari Okoshi” in colors, sizes and shapes to choose from. Crunchy texture and perfect sweetness will make “Kaminari Okoshi” people’s first choice of souvenir.

2. Ningyo Yaki

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You’ll see more than few “Ningyo Yaki” shops at Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa. “Ningyo Yaki” is a Japanese traditional sweets. It’s a small sponge cake stuffed with or without red bean paste to choose from.

“Ningyo Yaki” is an enjoyable souvenir both to eat and to look at, because it’s delicious and has plenty of shapes molded as a famous character and even a sightseeing spot.

Try to find the “Ningyo Yaki” molded as Hello Kitty and Kaminari-mon (Gate) which is a landmark of Asakusa. Freshly baked “Ningyo Yaki” is also available in Nakamise Shopping Street. It allows you to stroll in Asakusa, while enjoying “Ningyo Yaki”.

3. Ukiyoe and Nihonga

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A symbol of Japanese culture is “Ukiyoe” (Japanese Woodblock Prints) and “Nihonga” (Japanese Painting). They could be an unique and luxurious souvenir of your trip. “Ukiyoe” flourished in the Edo Period and is renowned worldwide now.

Although it’s rare to see a real “Ukiyoe”, some of the shops in Asakusa still sell it. You’ll be amazed to see the traditional and ultimate technique in “Ukiyoe” and “Nihonga”. Let’s enjoy to find the Japanese Paintings you like!

4. Accessory and Netsuke

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“Accessory” and “Netsuke” (Key Chain) are also a well-known Asakusa souvenir. “Netsuke”, which was popular in the Edo Period, is the origin of cell-phone charms.

“Accessory” and “Netsuke” are the traditional craftwork with Japanese history and culture. They are a must-buy! There are a lot of stores that have many kinds of accessories, so you can enjoy to find the accessory souvenir you like in Nakamise Street.

 
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5. Agemanju

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One of the renowned sweets in Asakusa is “Agemanju”. It’s a deep-fried “Manju” (Japanese bun stuffed with red bean paste) with sesami oil. Crunchy skin outside with a gentle filling makes a unique and perfect combination.

It’s highly recommended to try fresh “Agemanju” in Asakusa, because it’s an unique experience to witness the making of your “Agemanju”, then enjoy it while walking through Nakamise Shopping Street. This will add a fascinating experience in your trip.

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6. Senbei

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When walking along Nakamise Shopping Street, mouth-watering scent of soy sauce from “Senbei” will mesmerize you to follow it and try the freshly grilled “Senbei” (Japanese rice cracker). It’s grilled in front of a shop to entertain people.

After enjoying the performance, it’s time to choose your favorite “Senbei” from a wide variety of shapes, sizes and flavors. The price is very reasonable (less than 100 yen), you can feel free to enjoy it. The Senbei can keep for a long time, it is very suitable for the souvenir!

7. Asakusa Rusk

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Asakusa is a perfect place to look for a chic souvenir like European style snack, “Asakusa Rusk”. “Rusk” is a baked bread with a sprinkle of sugar. Crunchy texture and butter-rich flavor will make your tea time fantastic! Recently, “Asakusa Rusk” started to be covered by media like TV, that makes it popular.

The shop is close to Kaminari-mon (Gate), which is a landmark of Asakusa. Take advantage of the convenient access for your wonderful souvenir. When you come to Asakusa, please enjoy to eat not only Japanese snacks but also European style snacks!

8. Edo Kiriko

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“Edo Kiriko” is a glass craft created by a special cutting method, to imprint clear colors and delicate patterns onto the glass. This traditional craftwork has been inherited for years and years from the Edo Period. It’s marvelous to see how many patterns there are.

“The Glass Factory Sokichi” is the well-known shop of “Edo Kiriko” in Asakusa. They offer various kinds of glassware and glass crafts, that would be a fabulous souvenir.

That’s not all! They hold a lesson(an appointment is required) to experience the world of “Edo Kiriko”! You’ll learn how to engrave a pattern on glass, then make your own glassware to take it home. It’s an one of the kind souvenir!

Let’s go to Asakusa for sightseeing and souvenir shopping!

Asakusa is the most popular sightseeing spot, and also a perfect place to find souvenir. From European style snack to Japanese traditional sweets, and fashionable trend item to traditional craftwork, Asakusa has everything that you would look for as your souvenir. After sightseeing, why don’t you find unique and amazing souvenir here, in Asakusa?