Asakusa: What to do?

The Thunder Gate! Be sure to start your walk here. The gate was first built in 941 but was ruined in a fire in 1865. The gate we see today is from 1960. The gate is flanked by Fujin, the god of wind, and Raijin the god of thunder.

The street of shops is over 200m long. You can buy many types of Japanese souvenirs here or indulge in a traditional local snack. Have a look around the different stalls or maybe even in the streets adjacent to this one.

From here, you will be surrounded by traditional architecture and have Instagram worthy pictures in every direction. Whether it's down Nakamise towards Kaminarimon, the five story pagoda, or continuing north for the breathtaking Sensoji.

This pagoda was destroyed in a World War II air raid and this reconstruction is relatively new (1973). That doesn't take away from how amazing it looks and you can't miss it standing at a staggering 53m in height.

Take a moment to waft the smoke from the Purification Fountain over any part of your body that needs healing. It is said that it will help in taking away problems.

This temple (AKA the Asakusa Kannon Temple) dates back to 645, which makes it the oldest temple in Tokyo! The temple was built for the goddess of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. If you step up to pray, you start by throwing some change into the offering box. Then you bow twice, clap twice and bow once more. By the time you get to the front of the queue, you will have already seen this done a few times.

Not the cheapest restaurant in the area but the queues outside this place will help you understand that you're in for a treat. You will get your food and a stone that's heated by tea lights to cook your meat on.

We absolutely love shabushabu (the name comes from onomatopoeia to describe the sound of dipping your food in a broth). Onyasai can be found all over Japan. Whenever you see one, take advantage of it! You choose two broths, both can be the same if you really wanted, and then you order your meat and vegetables to dip in. There are over 60 vegetables to choose from! Other Onyasais that we have been to all had tablets to order the food on but this one we had to wave to the waitress each time. It's an all-you-can-eat with a 2-hour time limit.

Ramen is one of our favourite Japanese dishes. It's noodles in a broth that can be accompanied by meat, vegetables, and eggs. It is classed as polite to make noise while slurping your noodles. This is a sign that you are enjoying them. The louder the better! This can be hard to get used to if you aren't a fan of table noises. It is fun to try and show your appreciation, though!

Okonomiyaki! An old traditional restaurant that words cannot describe. You will be seated on the the floor (tatami mats) at low tables to cook your okonomiyaki. We found this gem after 6 months of living in the area and the only disappointment was that we didn't find it sooner! A real gem in the centre of Tokyo!

Cheap and cheerful izakaya (a Japanese pub let's say) that offers small dishes of food and all-you-can-drink menus. The ambience in this place can get a bit rowdy but that's what you want in an izakaya. To get here, you will have to go up stairs or up in a lift. Sometimes there can be a queue out of the door, but you will have to go to the front to put your name to save your place! Squeeze past and say 'sumimasen' - excuse me - to get to the front.

Meronpan - melon bread - is a sweet bread that you can find in most konbini (convenience stores). Here you will find that it's more expensive but it's fresh from the bakery. So, if your budget allows it, we would highly recommend this version over the cheap ones.

Taiyaki are named after the fish that they are the shape of. Although it would translate as baked sea bream, there is no fish in it at all. It is a usually red bean (anko) or custard with a batter coating.

Head up to the observation deck for a view of Kaminarimon to Hozomon Gate.

Across the river you can go to the Asahi building and head up to the bar. Buy a drink and enjoy the city lights and the view of Asakusa by night.

Seiyu is found in the basement floor of the Rox building. If you go later in the afternoon or early evening then you will find discounted meal boxes. When there is a reduced price on the box, that is the amount it is reduced by, not the price you pay!

A similar size to Seiyu but on the other side of the river.

This is by far the biggest supermarket in the area. We've only added it for people who are perhaps on this side of Asakusa. It's a bit far out of the way if you are staying in the centre of town.

There are more than 400 APA hotels across 47 regions of Japan. We've tried it in different cities and haven't been disappointed.

Conveniently placed hotel, right next to the train station. Great if you are coming directly from the airport or if you are staying in Asakusa and using it as a base to go out on trips.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami mats, low beds, and hot baths. If you want to experience traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, then this is for you.