When you think of Nakamise-dori in Asakusa, it’s renowned as a popular street for food-tasting. In this article, we introduce five highly recommended shops on Nakamise-dori for couples on a kimono rental date.
About Nakamise-dori
Nakamise-dori in Asakusa is one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, famous for attracting numerous tourists from around the world. Stretching approximately 250 meters, there are 54 shops on the east side and 35 on the west, totaling 89 shops. Here, we highlight the most popular among them.
BEST 5 Recommended Shops on Nakamise-dori
- Asakusa Kibidango Azuma
This shop recreates the traditional "kibidango" (millet dumplings) that existed during the Edo period. The staff, dressed in an Edo style, add to the authentic atmosphere. Freshly made kibidango, as well as chilled matcha and souvenir-sized kibidango, are popular.
Hours: 9:00–19:00 (until sold out)
Closed: None
Address: 1-18-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tel: 03-3843-0190
URL: http://aduma.tokyo/kibidango/ - Ichibanya
Established in 1884 (Meiji 17), this shop specializes in "okogesen" (charred rice crackers) and "kaminari okoshi." Each senbei is carefully roasted over charcoal by skilled craftsmen. In addition to their signature okogesen, their black pepper senbei, peanut okoshi, and ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes) are also popular.
Hours: 8:00–19:00
Closed: None
Address: 1-31-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tel: 03-3842-5001
URL: https://www.senbei-yaketayo.com/ - Kokonoe
Located as the third shop from Senso-ji, this shop specializes in deep-fried manju. Their freshly fried manju, made from domestically produced adzuki beans, offer a perfectly balanced sweetness that’s hard to resist. They offer a variety of flavors including koshi-an (smooth red bean paste), pumpkin, black sesame, custard, sweet potato, and monja. Enjoy the unique taste that only high-quality ingredients can provide.
Hours: 9:30–18:00 (around 19:00)
Closed: None
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tel: 03-3841-9386
URL: http://www.asakusa.gr.jp/shop/kokonoe.html - Kimuraya Honten
Founded in 1868 (Meiji 1), this is the original and most famous ningyo-yaki shop in Asakusa. It is one of the oldest among the many ningyo-yaki shops in the area. They offer bite-sized freshly baked ningyo-yaki in four molds: Gojū no Tō (five-tier pagoda), Kaminari (thunder), Chōchin (lantern), and Hato (dove).
Hours: 9:00–around 19:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tel: 03-3841-7055
URL: http://www.kimura-ya.co.jp/ - Anshin-ya
This shop offers unique items such as Taiwanese fried chicken, mochi-dog, and Japanese sake-flavored gelato. Their signature "Mochi Dog" is made by wrapping mochi around a sausage and deep-frying it in rice oil, served with an original blend sauce. Their gelato comes in various flavors like vanilla milk and strawberry milk, but the most popular is the sake flavor—each bite releases the distinct aroma of Japanese sake.
Hours: 10:00–18:00
Closed: None
Address: 2-3-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tel: 03-5830-3288
URL: https://www.facebook.com/anshinya/
Conclusion
These are the 5 must-visit shops on Nakamise-dori in Asakusa for a kimono date. Nakamise-dori is renowned as a food-tasting haven, though wearing a kimono with a tightly tied obi might limit how much you can eat at once. But if you prefer to nibble gradually, these shops are especially recommended. The products here are deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture, so while enjoying the street food, you can also learn about Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
When planning your kimono date on Nakamise-dori, be sure to use this guide for an unforgettable experience!
