Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
A vibrant, covered shopping street in Asakusa, offering unique souvenirs, delicious snacks, and glimpses of Tokyo Skytree.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, covered shopping street in Asakusa, offering unique souvenirs, delicious snacks, and glimpses of Tokyo Skytree.
"A fascinating shopping street with a variety of shops and restaurants, great for souvenirs and quick bites."
🎯 Weekday Wonders
Visit on a weekday for a less crowded, more enjoyable shopping experience. :shopping_bags:
😋 Snack Attack!
Don't miss out on delicious street food like melon pan and strawberry skewers! :ice_cream:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Snacks Galore
Various food stalls
Indulge in delicious street food like sweet melon pan and refreshing strawberry skewers. A must-try for any foodie!
Unique Souvenir Hunting
Boutiques and small shops
Discover charming boutiques offering a wide array of cute souvenirs and local crafts. Find that perfect memento.
SkyTree Views
Midway down the street
Catch an excellent, unexpected view of the iconic Tokyo Skytree framed by the arcade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Relaxed Stroll
Beyond Souvenirs: A Taste of Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Weekday Wonders
Visit on a weekday for a less crowded, more enjoyable shopping experience. :shopping_bags:
😋 Snack Attack!
Don't miss out on delicious street food like melon pan and strawberry skewers! :ice_cream:
📸 Skytree Peek
Look for the great view of Tokyo Skytree midway down the street. :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Souvenir Heaven
Find unique and cute souvenirs from the many small shops. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Weekday Wonders
Visit on a weekday for a less crowded, more enjoyable shopping experience. :shopping_bags:
😋 Snack Attack!
Don't miss out on delicious street food like melon pan and strawberry skewers! :ice_cream:
📸 Skytree Peek
Look for the great view of Tokyo Skytree midway down the street. :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Souvenir Heaven
Find unique and cute souvenirs from the many small shops. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street a charming and convenient covered arcade in Asakusa, perfect for a relaxed stroll. It's praised for its variety of unique souvenirs, delicious street food like melon pan and strawberry skewers, and unexpected views of the Tokyo Skytree. While generally not overly crowded, weekdays offer a more peaceful experience.
"This another fascinating shopping street near two of Tokyo's most famous shrines. The street itself is q nearly 400m covered wall with a variety of shops and restaurants including a very friendly rice cracker maker. Midway down the street you get an excellent view of Tokyo's Sky Tree"
Bernard Savage
"A good place to get out of the rain, grab a few bites like melon pan and strawberry skewer. We were surprised as this was not as noisy and packed."
Steve Tong
"This is a shopping arcade in Asakusa area that filled with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Interesting place to stroll around and buy cute souvenirs, also a great place to have a quick bite. We came here on a weekday and not very crowded here."
Sharron Sharron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street is easily accessible from Shinjuku. Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Kanda Station, then transfer to the Ginza Line towards Asakusa. Alight at Asakusa Station, and the shopping street is a short walk away.
The closest stations are Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line) and Tawaramachi Station (Ginza Line). From either, it's a brief walk to the shopping street.
Yes, Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street is located in the Asakusa area, very close to the famous Senso-ji Temple. It's a common route to visit both attractions together.
Absolutely! It's conveniently located within walking distance of Senso-ji Temple and other points of interest in the Asakusa district, making it easy to explore the area on foot.
While there might be some paid parking lots in the vicinity, it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to the busy nature of the Asakusa area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street is a public thoroughfare, so there is no admission fee to enter or walk through it. You only pay for any purchases you make.
Most shops along Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street typically open around 10 AM and close between 5 PM and 6 PM. However, individual shop hours can vary, so it's best to check specific stores if you have a particular interest.
Yes, Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street is open on weekends, but it tends to be more crowded than on weekdays.
There are no entrance fees for the shops themselves. You can browse freely, and payment is only required if you decide to purchase items.
While the street itself is accessible, most of the shops will be closed at night. It's best to visit during daytime hours to experience the full vibrancy of the shopping street.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a wide variety of souvenirs, including traditional crafts, kimonos, fans, ceramics, lucky charms, and cute trinkets. It's a great place to find unique gifts.
Popular food items include melon pan (sweet bread), strawberry skewers, senbei (rice crackers), and various traditional Japanese sweets.
Shin-Nakamise offers a mix of both. You'll find numerous stalls selling quick snacks and treats, as well as several small restaurants and cafes offering more substantial meals.
Yes, Shin-Nakamise is an excellent place to find a variety of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi), perfect for a taste of local confectionery.
While some larger shops might accept credit cards, it's advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller vendors and food stalls, as many may be cash-only.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street. However, always be mindful of other shoppers and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or their merchandise.
Midway down the street offers a unique vantage point for capturing the arcade's length with a glimpse of the Tokyo Skytree. The colorful shop fronts and bustling atmosphere also make for great shots.
It's best to ask the shop owner's permission before taking photos inside individual shops, especially if you are photographing specific products.
Daytime offers the best natural light for vibrant photos of the shops and goods. Weekday mornings can provide fewer people in your shots.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in crowded urban areas like shopping streets due to safety and privacy concerns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many shops offer cute and affordable souvenirs, perfect for kids to pick out their own mementos. The relatively short length of the arcade also makes it manageable for shorter attention spans. Plus, its proximity to Senso-ji Temple means you can easily combine a visit with a more cultural experience.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
For budget-conscious visitors, Shin-Nakamise is ideal. You can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, browse unique shops, and sample tasty snacks for a relatively low cost. Many souvenirs are also affordably priced, allowing you to bring back gifts without overspending.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Culinary Journey Through Shin-Nakamise
Beyond these popular items, the street is lined with vendors selling senbei (savory rice crackers) in various flavors, taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste), and an assortment of colorful wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). Many small restaurants and cafes also offer more substantial meals, from udon and soba noodles to set lunches, providing a full culinary experience within the arcade.
When exploring the food options, don't hesitate to try samples if offered. The friendly vendors are often happy to let you taste before you buy, making it a fun and interactive way to discover new flavors. Remember that many of these stalls are cash-only, so it's wise to have some yen on hand.
The Art of Souvenir Shopping
Many visitors are drawn to the cute trinkets and stationery, which make for affordable and delightful gifts. The variety ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're looking for a small token or a more significant piece. Unlike larger department stores, the shops here often have a more personal feel, allowing for a more intimate browsing experience.
When shopping for souvenirs, take your time to explore different shops. Prices can vary, and you might find a hidden gem in a less obvious corner. Haggling is not customary in Japan, so prices are generally fixed. However, the joy of discovery and the quality of the items often make the purchases feel well worth it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit