Japan’s longest shopping street unveiled in Asakusa

Tokyo, a city known for its perfect blend of tradition and modernity, has reached new heights with the opening of Asakusa Kokusai Street, now the longest shopping street in Japan. This wide shopping street is 3 kilometers long from Minowa Station to Kuramae Station and takes about 50 minutes to walk from start to finish, surpassing Osaka’s famous Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, which previously held this record.

New champion: Asakusa International Street win the crown

The avenue is divided into eight different sections, each managed by a separate shopping street association. From the lively arcades near Tawaramachi Station filled with upscale restaurants, live music venues, and specialty shops, to the nostalgic retro vibe of Nishi Asakusa, with its historic inns, cozy hideaway bars, and retro-style restaurants, there’s a lot to change. .

From Asakusa to Kuramae: A stroll through the charm of Tokyo’s old town

The area was formerly home to the Asakusa International Theatre, also known as the Asakusa International Theatre, which inspired the street’s name. The theater was once a beacon of entertainment, attracting large audiences for its performances, including those of the famous Shochiku Theater Company.

Although the theater no longer exists, its legacy lives on through the modern Asakusa View Hotel, now a landmark of the location. The area’s transformation gained momentum in 2005 with the opening of the Tsukuba Express Line, which runs directly to the hotel.

At the southern end is Kuramae, an area known for its blend of tradition and modernity. Once a center of craftsmen during the Meiji era, it is now home to creative studios, young entrepreneurs and cultural enterprises, making it a vibrant destination where history and innovation meet.

Things to do and how to get there

Asakusa Kokusai Street offers an eclectic experience, making it the perfect complement to your visit to nearby Sensoji Temple and its iconic Kaminarimon Gate. Indulge in delicacies from traditional Japanese cuisine such as Sukiyaki Hot pot in Asakusakan Visit street food stalls serving freshly prepared Taiyaki and Yakitori string.

The street is also a shopper’s treasure trove, with shops selling everything from handmade crafts and handmade souvenirs to high-quality goods. Taiko Drums from the Miyamoto Unosuke store.

You can easily access Asakusa Kokusai-dori via the East Exit near Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Line or Exit A or B of Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express Line. For a more detailed guide to the attractions along this vast shopping street, you can also refer to this map (Japanese version available).

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