Traipse Through Tokyo's Oldest Temple
Indeed, once you pierce its surface only a little bit, you'll realize that Asakusa is definitely one of Tokyo's more ancient wards. Senso-ji Temple, for example, is technically the city's oldest temple, having first been built in 645 AD. Of course, the Japanese go to great lengths to be faithful to original architectural and design principles whenever they have to re-build something. Senso-ji will charm you as if it's original, even though it's not.
Go Back in Time
Rickshaws and temples aren't the only relics of the past you'll find in Asakusa, either. The district's excellent museums help you piece together a picture of what Asakusa was like during Japan's Edo period, presenting an alluring survey of art, cuisine, culture and beyond.
Watch a Sumo Match
While it's difficult to find sumo matches in Asakusa proper, the veritable home of sumo is just next door, in Ryogoku district. Given the size of Tokyo and the distance between its wards, you can think of this as something amazing to do in Asakusa, even if you technically have to exit the ward. You'll need to plan relatively far in advance if you want to take in a full sumo fight at Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium. Other options exist, however, whether you book a tour to watch a morning sumo practice, or simply ask one of the sumo wrestlers you're sure to see on the streets here if you can take a photo with him.
Start Your Trip to Nikko
Most onward journeys from Japan's capital begin from busy train stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shinagawa, and use trains operated by the national Japan Rail (JR) company. While you can technically get to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Nikko using JR trains from Tokyo station, the most direct way to get there is to ride the private Tobu line, which leaves from Asakusa station.
Taste Tempura
It's difficult to say exactly where in Japan tempura comes from. After all, this deep-fried delicacy only began after foreign traders began arriving in Japan after its ports opened in the mid-16th century after hundreds of years of isolation, in some ways, it's the earliest form of fusion cuisine. With this being said, the array and quality of tempura in Asakusa are truly impressive. For a more casual experience, have a quick lunch at Tentake. Daikokuya, on the other hand, is best experienced at dinner and provides the fried cuisine in a surprisingly classy setting.