Nakamise is a 250-meter long street that leads up to Sensoji Temple. Lined either side with stalls selling anything from ningyoyaki or taiyaki (shaped pancakes with red bean paste inside) to Japanese swords and paper umbrellas, Nakamise is more than just a tourist trap—it is actually one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, visitors to Sensoji having provided a constant flow of customers over the centuries.

Nakamise in the 1930s
Information
Location
Nakamise Shopping Street, 1 Chome-36-3 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032
« Google Maps »
You May Also Like

Mega Don Quijote

Popular discount chain store that sells just about anything. Items are stacked on top of each other and crammed onto shelves like some sort of modern day bazaar. And that’s kind of the attraction—you never quite know what you’ll find down each aisle. A great store for souvenirs or a weird gadget to take back for friends and family.

Daikanyama T-Site

Opened in December 2011, T-Site aims to be the next trendsetter in Daikanyama. Designed by Tsutaya, the book…

Shibuya Loft

LOFT is an urban lifestyle store that sells everything from stationery and watches to health products and kitchenware. It is a superb place if you’re looking for gifts to take back. LOFT does also have branches in other areas of the city (e.g. Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Yurakucho), but the Shibuya branch is one of the best.

Akiba Cultures Zone

This shopping complex opened in 2012 and is dedicated to anime and manga, including a floor dedicated to all manner of cartoon pornography (if that’s your thing…). On the 6th floor you can find Akihabara Backstage Pass Cafe, which is staffed by costume-adorned females.