Umayabashi - a building with a sign on the front of it
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Umayabashi

4.6
·491k reviews·Taito City, Japan

Taito City, Tokyo: Where ancient temples meet vibrant markets and unique shopping streets, offering a rich cultural tapestry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully

CrowdMedium
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Umayabashi - a building with a sign on the front of it

Umayabashi

Best Time

Spring mornings

Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Taito City, Tokyo: Where ancient temples meet vibrant markets and unique shopping streets, offering a rich cultural tapestry.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A perfect blend of old and new Tokyo, with something for everyone from history buffs to foodies!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfy Shoes are Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore Taito City's many attractions. Pack your most comfortable footwear!

🛍️ Kappabashi Treasures

Don't miss Kappabashi for unique kitchenware and restaurant supplies – perfect for souvenirs!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple

Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple, a vibrant spiritual heart with a bustling Nakamise-dori market leading to its grand gates.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park

Ueno

A cultural oasis with museums, a zoo, and serene ponds, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a dose of nature.

Kappabashi Kitchen Town

Kappabashi Kitchen Town

Taito City

A paradise for foodies and chefs, offering an incredible array of kitchenware, restaurant supplies, and unique souvenirs.

Sumida River Walk

Sumida River Walk

Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree

Scenic pathway offering stunning views of the Sumida River and the iconic Tokyo Skytree.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Taito City's Charm

Taito City offers a vibrant mix of traditional and modern Tokyo. Plan your visit to include iconic spots like Asakusa and Ueno, but don't miss the unique shopping streets. Consider booking popular attractions in advance to save time.

Embrace the Local Vibe

From bustling markets to serene shrines, Taito City is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to discover hidden gems down charming side streets. Public transport is efficient, but walking allows for spontaneous exploration.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds at popular spots
Crowd
Low
When
Evening strolls
Why
Temples and streets light up
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

i went thrifting yesterday !!! will post what i ate on the same day soon ehe 📍mode off ueno, taito city, tokyo #chougaki #chouvlogs #dailyvlogs #minivlog #longervideos #japanvlog #thrifting #japanesethriftshop #thriftinginjapan #fashiontok
@chougaki
30.6K likes • 175.7K views

👟 Comfy Shoes are Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore Taito City's many attractions. Pack your most comfortable footwear! TikTok

🛍️ Kappabashi Treasures

Don't miss Kappabashi for unique kitchenware and restaurant supplies – perfect for souvenirs! TikTok

let's take strolling around Taito city with me (*˘°˘*)☆
@leeg.ade
9.1K likes • 65K views
Visiting Tokyo is a must - itinerary below 👇🏼 📍 Day 1: Asakusa & Ueno Visit Taito Shrine and explore the market in Asakusa Ueno Zoo to see pandas. 📍 Day 2: Samurai Experience & Shinjuku Samurai lesson with a 500-year-old sword. Spend the afternoon at a nearby amusement park - Hanayashiki Explore Shinjuku’s izakayas, like Omide Yokocho and Golden Gai 📍 Day 3: Shibuya Highlights Enjoy panoramic cit...
@bbillnes
7.3K likes • 147.5K views

📸 Capture the Views

The Sumida River Walk offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the Tokyo Skytree. TikTok

🕹️ Arcade Fun

Experience Tokyo's vibrant arcade scene at Taito Game Station for some classic gaming fun. TikTok

kappabashi aka kitchen town for all your kitchen (and restaurant) needs. close to asakusa, and lots of side streets to explore as well! #seattleblogger #kappabashi #tokyotravel #tokyotravelguide #taitocity #kitchentown things to do in tokyo. Japan itinerary, Japan things to do, Japan travel tips, tokyo travel
@kirstie.chan
6.3K likes • 112.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfy Shoes are Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore Taito City's many attractions. Pack your most comfortable footwear! TikTok

🛍️ Kappabashi Treasures

Don't miss Kappabashi for unique kitchenware and restaurant supplies – perfect for souvenirs! TikTok

📸 Capture the Views

The Sumida River Walk offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the Tokyo Skytree. TikTok

🕹️ Arcade Fun

Experience Tokyo's vibrant arcade scene at Taito Game Station for some classic gaming fun. TikTok

⛩️ Asakusa's Spiritual Heart

Explore the historic Senso-ji Temple and its lively market for a taste of traditional Tokyo. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Taito City's blend of traditional charm and modern attractions. The historical sites like Senso-ji Temple and the cultural richness of Ueno Park are consistently praised. Shoppers delight in unique finds at Kappabashi Kitchen Town and the bustling markets. Some find the crowds can be overwhelming during peak times, and navigating the extensive public transport can initially be a challenge.

What People Like

Historic temples and shrines
Cultural attractions in Ueno
Unique shopping experiences

What People Dislike

Crowds at popular spots
Navigating public transport

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Narita Airport (NRT), the most convenient way to reach Taito City is by taking the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then transferring to the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Ueno Station. Alternatively, the Keisei Skyliner offers a faster route directly to Keisei Ueno Station. Both options are well-covered by public transport apps. TikTok

Taito City is best explored using its efficient public transportation system, primarily the Tokyo Metro and JR lines. Walking is also highly recommended for discovering hidden alleys and local shops. Consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card for easy tap-and-go travel on trains and buses. TikTok

Yes, Taito City is very walkable, especially within areas like Asakusa and Ueno. Many attractions are clustered together, and strolling allows you to soak in the atmosphere and discover local shops. Comfortable shoes are a must! TikTok

The JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line are excellent for reaching major hubs like Ueno. The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Asakusa Line are crucial for accessing areas like Asakusa and Kappabashi. TikTok

To get to Asakusa from Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line directly to Asakusa. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Senso-ji Temple itself is free. However, there are fees for certain activities within the temple grounds, such as fortune telling (omikuji) or visiting specific exhibition halls. The Nakamise-dori market leading to the temple is also free to browse. TikTok

Ueno Park is generally open 24/7, but individual attractions within the park, such as museums (Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum) and the Ueno Zoo, have specific operating hours, typically from 9 AM or 10 AM to 5 PM or 6 PM. It's best to check the official websites for each attraction. TikTok

Kappabashi Kitchen Town is a street lined with shops, and there is no entrance fee to walk through it. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase from the numerous specialty stores. TikTok

Taito Game Station operates on a pay-per-play basis. You purchase credits or tokens for each game you wish to play. Prices vary depending on the arcade game, but typically range from 100 to 500 yen per play. TikTok

Taito City hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, especially around Senso-ji Temple and Ueno Park. The Sanja Matsuri in May is a major highlight. Check local event listings closer to your travel dates for specific happenings. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic spots include the Kaminarimon Gate at Senso-ji Temple, the Nakamise-dori market, the view from the Sumida River Walk towards Tokyo Skytree, and the serene landscapes within Ueno Park. Don't forget to explore the charming side streets for unique shots. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos inside Senso-ji Temple and its grounds. However, be respectful of worshippers and avoid using flash photography in enclosed areas. TikTok

Early morning offers fewer crowds and beautiful soft light for photography at Senso-ji Temple. Evenings are also magical as the temple and surrounding streets are illuminated. TikTok

Absolutely! Ueno Park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from cherry blossoms in spring to the various museums and Shinobazu Pond. The zoo also provides unique animal shots. TikTok

Kappabashi is a visual feast for food enthusiasts and photographers. Expect vibrant displays of realistic food samples, an endless variety of knives, ceramics, and unique kitchen gadgets. It's a great place for detail shots and capturing the essence of Japanese culinary culture. TikTok

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

In Asakusa, try Monjayaki (a savory pancake dish) and Agemanju (deep-fried sweet buns). Ueno offers diverse options from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors. Kappabashi also has cafes and restaurants catering to shoppers. TikTok

Yes, the Nakamise-dori market offers many street food snacks, while the surrounding streets of Asakusa are filled with restaurants serving tempura, soba, unagi (eel), and other Japanese specialties. TikTok

Explore the side streets of Asakusa for traditional izakayas and local eateries. Ueno's Ameya-Yokocho market also has a lively food scene with diverse stalls and restaurants. TikTok

While traditional Japanese cuisine can be meat and fish-heavy, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. Look for vegetable tempura, vegetable soba, or ask for modifications. Some modern cafes in Ueno might offer vegan options. TikTok

Ameya-Yokocho Market in Ueno is a bustling street market with a huge variety of food stalls and small restaurants. You can find fresh seafood, grilled skewers, fruits, sweets, and various international snacks. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Taito City is a fantastic destination for families. Ueno Park is a major draw, with the Ueno Zoo offering a chance to see pandas and other animals. The park also has plenty of open space for kids to run around. In Asakusa, the Senso-ji Temple and its lively Nakamise-dori market provide an engaging cultural experience, with plenty of interesting sights and snacks for children. TikTok

For a dose of fun, consider visiting a Taito Game Station for arcade games, which are always a hit with kids. The Sumida River Walk offers a pleasant stroll with views of the Tokyo Skytree, which can also be an exciting landmark for younger visitors. When planning, remember that comfortable shoes are essential for exploring, and taking breaks at parks or cafes will help keep everyone happy. TikTok+1

🛍️ Shoppers & Souvenir Hunters

Taito City is a shopper's paradise, especially for those seeking unique items. Kappabashi Kitchen Town is unparalleled for kitchenware, restaurant supplies, and realistic food replicas – perfect for culinary enthusiasts. TikTok In Asakusa, the Nakamise-dori market offers a treasure trove of traditional Japanese crafts, souvenirs, fans, and local sweets. TikTok

For a more eclectic find, explore the thrifting scene in areas like Ueno, where you might stumble upon vintage clothing or unique trinkets. TikTok Don't forget the arcades like Taito Game Station for fun, quirky prizes and a taste of Japanese gaming culture. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Taito City is very welcoming for solo travelers. The efficient public transport makes it easy to navigate, and many attractions like Senso-ji Temple and Ueno Park can be enjoyed at your own pace. TikTok+1 Exploring the charming side streets and markets, such as Kappabashi Kitchen Town or Ameya-Yokocho, allows for spontaneous discoveries and a deeper immersion into local life. TikTok+1 Don't hesitate to try local street food or dine at smaller eateries to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. The arcades also offer a fun solo activity. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Asakusa: Tradition Meets Modernity

Asakusa is a district that beautifully encapsulates Tokyo's rich history and vibrant present. The undisputed star is Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, drawing visitors with its imposing Kaminarimon Gate and the bustling Nakamise-dori market that leads to the main hall. Here, you can find traditional crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food like agemanju and ningyo-yaki. Beyond the temple, Asakusa offers a glimpse into old Tokyo with its traditional wooden buildings and charming side streets. The area is also a gateway to the Sumida River, offering scenic walks and boat tours with views of the Tokyo Skytree. TikTok+1

Visitors often find that exploring the smaller alleys off Nakamise-dori reveals hidden shrines, local eateries, and a more authentic atmosphere. The contrast between the ancient temple and the modern Tokyo Skytree visible across the river is a photographer's delight. Many travelers recommend visiting early in the morning to experience Senso-ji with fewer crowds and a more serene ambiance. TikTok

For those interested in unique shopping, the nearby Kappabashi Kitchen Town is a must-visit. This entire street is dedicated to kitchenware, from professional chef's knives and restaurant supplies to realistic food samples and charming tableware. It's a fantastic place to find distinctive souvenirs that reflect Japan's culinary culture. TikTok

Ueno Park: A Cultural Hub

Ueno Park is a sprawling green space that serves as a major cultural and recreational center in Tokyo. It's home to a remarkable concentration of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. For families, the Ueno Zoo is a popular attraction, famous for its giant pandas. The park also features Shinobazu Pond, a picturesque spot with a large Bentendo temple hall, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle. TikTok

Many visitors highlight Ueno Park as a perfect place for a leisurely day out, combining cultural exploration with relaxation. The park is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring, drawing large crowds for hanami (flower viewing). Beyond the main attractions, the park's pathways are ideal for walking and discovering smaller shrines and gardens. TikTok

Adjacent to the park is Ameya-Yokocho Market, a vibrant and bustling street market known for its diverse array of goods, from fresh produce and seafood to clothing and cosmetics. It's a fantastic place to experience the energetic side of Tokyo and sample various street foods. TikTok

Shopping Adventures in Taito City

Taito City offers a diverse shopping experience, catering to various interests. Kappabashi Kitchen Town is a standout destination for anyone interested in cooking or dining. This unique street is packed with shops selling everything imaginable for the kitchen, from high-quality knives and cookware to restaurant uniforms and even incredibly realistic plastic food samples. It's an ideal spot for finding practical souvenirs or gifts for the home chef. TikTok

For a more traditional shopping experience, the Nakamise-dori market leading to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is a must-visit. Here, you can find a wide range of Japanese crafts, souvenirs, fans, kimonos, and local snacks. It's a lively and colorful street that immerses you in the festive atmosphere of the temple. TikTok

If you're looking for entertainment and unique finds, Taito Game Station in Shinjuku offers a classic arcade experience with a wide selection of games, including popular crane games. For general exploration and thrifting, areas like Ueno also have shops that offer a chance to find unique items. TikTok+1

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