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If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, be sure to add Asagaya to your list of must-see destinations. Asagaya is a lively and vibrant neighborhood in Suginami Ward, a district in western Tokyo. Known for its local shopping district, delicious food and bars, and lively festivals, Asagaya is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique and authentic local experience. The area is well rounded as you can enjoy it during the day but also enjoy good food and drinks with friendly service in the evening. Check out this list of the top 10 things to do in Asagaya and add even more fun to your itinerary!
1. Shotengai Profile Center
One of Asagaya’s must-visit spots is the Pearl Center Shotengai, a covered shopping street that has been around since 1975. The street is home to more than 220 shops and restaurants, selling everything from traditional Japanese souvenirs to fashion items. Here you will find all kinds of shops, including bookstores, tea shops, seafood restaurants and more. A good time to come here is August for its Jazz and Tanabata festivals!
2. Path of the stars
Asagaya Star Road is a popular shopping street lined with fashion boutiques, cafes, izakaya, and vintage shops. This street is a popular destination for fashionistas, and you’ll find everything from designer clothes to one-of-a-kind accessories. It’s also a great place to visit at night, as its ‘village’ (more friendly and personable) style of service along with its affordable but lively bars and other places to eat and drink offer plenty of fun.
3. Dorayaki d’Usagiya
Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese sweet, and one of the best places to try it in all of Tokyo is Usagiya in Asagaya. This small confectionery has been in Asagaya since 1957. They are famous for their delicious Dorayaki as well as other traditional sweets, including some shaped like rabbits. Their fluffy dorayaki pancakes are filled with red bean paste and are a must when visiting Asagaya. They have been known to sell over 1,000 dorayaki in a day and often sell out by afternoon, so be sure to get yours early!
4. Street Jazz Festival
Musicians or other music lovers: rejoice! Asagaya is known for its vibrant music scene, and one of the highlights of the year is the Jazz Street Festival. Held annually at the end of August, the festival is a celebration of jazz music, with live performances by local and international musicians. The festival takes place in the streets of Asagaya and is free.
5. Eat delicious food / Go to bars
Asagaya is a foodie’s paradise, with many delicious restaurants and bars. Whether you’re in the mood for Sushi, Ramen, or Yakitori, you’ll find it all at Asagaya. You can also try local specialties such as mochi, a type of rice cake, and kushiage, a deep-fried skewer of meat and vegetables. Do not miss the opportunity to go to the bars and try the local sake, beer and cocktails. In fact, the local drinking scene here is so good that we have a dedicated tour. Be sure to come and experience all the fun with our amazing tour guides and maybe make some new friends.
Small Group Tour of Local Bars and Hashigozake in Asagaya
There are many bar areas in Tokyo, eg Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc. But in fact, there are so many tourists visiting and restaurants are tourist spots…
6. Tanabata Festival
The Tanabata Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Asagaya and is held every year in early August. The festival celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are legendary for being separated by the Milky Way and only allowed to meet once a year. The party is actually on July 7th and it’s a great day to spend with your partner. Its traditions combined with stargazing make it a great romantic opportunity. If you can’t do anything that day, don’t worry because this festival only takes place a few weeks later. It has colorful decorations, traditional music and delicious food.
7. Laputa Theater
If you are a fan of old school Japanese movies, Laputa Theater is for you. Although from the name you might think that this theater has to do with Ghibli and his movies, but that is not the case. This unique venue mainly shows old movies from the 1950s and 1960s, with films by directors like Akira Kurosawa. The architecture is amazing and there is a fun retro vibe with movies that you won’t find elsewhere in Tokyo.
Kawabata Street is a must-see for anyone who loves traditional Japanese architecture and generally cool streets. This street is lined with beautifully preserved buildings, mostly made up of local dining and entertainment options. The locals love this area and you’re sure to see all the regulars here once it gets dark. It’s a great nightlife spot as it can be compared to places like Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai, but with very affordable food and no extra charge. Some restaurants are even open all night and there is a Michelin star yakitori joint called Birdland!
9. A-SAN NO NIWA
Asagaya is also home to a magnificent garden designed by Hayao Miyazaki, the famous animator and director behind movies like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. A-SAN NO NIWA is a small park full of vegetation and whimsical sculptures. If you’re interested, check out other Ghibli locations you can visit. The park is an oasis of peace in the middle of the city, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Miyazaki actually spent part of his youth in Suginami, and when he burned down a house in the neighborhood under construction that Totoro would have lived in, he created the garden in memory of him. The house over there is actually a public bath!
10. Shinmeigu
Shinmeigu is a Shinto shrine located in Asagaya and is one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo. The sanctuary has an incredible 1,700-year history and is known to help ward off evil. The shrine itself is very peaceful and spacious, with abundant greenery, so it’s hard to believe that it’s only a 2-minute walk from Asagaya station. In the spring, when the cherry trees are in bloom, there is a special event called Kan-okai to enjoy the blossoms at the shrine, along with dances, performances, and of course, a hanami party.
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▶Tokyo Highlights Full Day Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There is no better way to explore an area than on a guided tour with an expert local guide. You’ll have the chance to learn about Tokyo’s interesting history and background, as well as discover hidden gems that can be difficult to do without a guide.
▶Asakusa Local Bar Crawl (Night Crawl)
Visit some of the locals’ favorite izakaya and bars, and soak up Tokyo’s drinking scene with your friendly guide. You will visit some fun bars to learn about Japanese sake, food, and nun-yaki (one of Tokyo’s specialties). Kampai (cheers)!
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