Nakamise Shopping Street (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Nakamise Shopping Street?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy goldfish scooping, toy stores, and sweet shops, but no playgrounds, scarce seating, and dense pedestrian traffic demand constant parental supervision and limit stay length.
Positives:
- Flat, stroller-friendly path: Wide paved arcade makes walking easy with a stroller or little legs.
- Cultural snack variety: Kids can taste traditional sweets like ningyo-yaki just steps from the temple.
Challenges:
- Crowded mid-day: Narrow street fills up around late morning to afternoon, making it hard to move with kids.
- Cash-only stalls: Most vendors accept only cash, so you might need to find an ATM.
What is Nakamise Shopping Street?
- A historic 250-meter shopping arcade in Asakusa, Tokyo, connecting Kaminarimon Gate to Sensoji Temple’s main hall and hosting nearly 100 shops offering traditional crafts, snacks, and souvenirs
- Features green-tiled arcade roofing and rows of red paper lanterns above uniform wooden storefronts, reflecting Edo-period architectural aesthetics
- Ranks among Japan’s oldest commercial thoroughfares, with many family-run shops tracing their origins to the Edo era and preserving artisanal traditions
What is so special about Nakamise Shopping Street for with kids?
- Historic 250 m arcade linking Kaminarimon to Senso-ji.
- Kid-friendly treats and games like ningyo-yaki and goldfish scooping.
- Wide, flat path ideal for strollers and young children.
- Cash-only vendors; have coins ready.
- Early arrival ensures better photos and fewer crowds.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to stroll the 250 m arcade, try snacks and play games without tiring kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Nakamise Shopping Street
Try ningyo-yaki cakes:
Pick the sweet doll-shaped cakes from Kimuraya.
Tip: Buy freshly baked ones and eat on the spot before they cool.
Goldfish scooping:
Play the classic fish-scooping game at Asakusa Kingyo.
Tip: Let each child have one turn; nets break fast so guide gently.
Shop traditional toys:
Browse kendama, paper balloons and maneki-neko charms.
Tip: Look for ¥500–¥1 200 items so kids can choose one special toy.
Draw an omikuji:
Shake the fortune box at Senso-ji and pull a slip.
Tip: Kids tie unlucky slips to nearby ropes for fun luck rituals.
Photo at Kaminarimon:
Stop under the giant red lantern at the gate.
Tip: Go early before shops open for fewer people in the shot.
When is the best time to visit Nakamise Shopping Street (Tokyo, Japan)?
During New Year, spot anime-painted shuttlecocks on display. In spring, cherry blossoms near the temple frame the street. Summer mornings are cooler and less crowded.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Nakamise Shopping Street (Tokyo)
Serene Lim
Very touristy but love the bustling market / temple atmosphere. Must go! Super hot because of the sun but you can hide in the different shops to buy cute merchandise and enjoy some air con :)
Elba Pavon
Nakamise Shopping Street is such a cool place to explore! It’s packed with tons of little shops offering all kinds of there is souvenir from traditional gifts to fun snacks. It’s a great spot to pick up something memorable from Tokyo. We tried a strawberry mochi for the first time so soft and delicious! We also had a strawberry on a sugar stick, which was super sweet and tasty. Both were a hit! De...
Oz Correa
So many shops to buy from. They have many beautiful souvenirs to choose to take to your family. It's a nice place to walk and also next to the shrine. There are also stalls for food and that smells good and also delicious looking candy.
Raman Baath
Busy and best place for souvenirs shopping just close to Senso ji temple. Nakamise is the most famous shopping street in Asakusa. The street runs for 250 meters on the main approach to Sensoji Temple. The Nakamise Shopping Street offers 250 meters of pedestrian shopping from Kaminarimon, the "Thunder Gate" to Hōzōmon, the "Treasure-House Gate" of Sensoji Temple. Crafts and souvenirs can be bought...
Hamid
The shopping street is lively and vibrant, full of energy and charm. There are plenty of shops selling beautiful and cute items, perfect for souvenirs. The staff are friendly and welcoming, making the experience even more enjoyable. In one of the shops, we even saw a lady handcrafting a silk rope belt — it was fascinating to watch. A lovely place to stroll, explore, and find something special to t...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Street snacks (ningyo-yaki, mochi) | JPY 800 |
| Goldfish scooping game | JPY 800 |
| Omikuji fortune slips | JPY 400 |
| Traditional toys | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Nakamise Shopping Street
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds and find seating spots at local food shops before opening rush.
- Carry small change: Keep coins handy for games and snacks under ¥500.
- Map restrooms: Use a restroom map or ask at the tourist center before exploring for timely breaks.
Map of Nakamise Shopping Street
Address: 1-chōme-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Nakamise Shopping Street (Tokyo)?
About Nakamise Shopping Street
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 3-3844-335010 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities