Food In Sensoji Temple

Food History of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo

Sensoji Temple, located in the historic district of Asakusa in Tokyo, is not only a significant Buddhist temple, but also a place where you can experience traditional Japanese culture and cuisine. Established in the 7th century, it is Tokyo's oldest temple, and the vibrant streets surrounding it have been serving various types of traditional foods to the worshippers and visitors for centuries.

Nakamise-dori, the street leading up to the temple, is particularly famous for its rows of food stalls and souvenir shops. Over the years, these vendors have preserved the flavors of Edo (the former name of Tokyo). Snacks and sweets sold here are made using age-old recipes, some of which have been closely guarded and passed down through generations. Catering to the tastes of pilgrims and tourists alike, the area has become a hub for indulging in authentic Japanese culinary delights.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

1. Kaminariokoshi (Veg): A traditional Japanese sweet made from puffed rice mixed with sugar syrup, often gifted as a token of good luck.
2. Ningyo-yaki (Veg): Small sponge cakes filled with sweet red bean paste, shaped like dolls and various landmarks, including Sensoji's famous lantern.
3. Agemanju (Veg): Deep-fried buns filled with sweet bean paste, a local specialty that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
4. Taiyaki (Veg): Fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean, custard, or other sweet fillings - a popular street food snack.
5. Takoyaki (Non-Veg): Savory ball-shaped snacks made with wheat flour batter, filled with diced octopus, and topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, green laver, and bonito flakes.
6. Yakitori (Non-Veg): Skewered and grilled chicken, available in various parts and seasonings, served with a side of spicy or sweet sauce.
7. Dango (Veg): Chewy rice dumplings, often served on skewers and glazed with a sweet soy sauce.
8. Tempura (Veg/Non-Veg option available): Battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables, light and crispy, served with a dipping sauce.
9. Kibi Dango (Veg): A type of mochi made from millet flour, covered with a sweet and savory soy sauce-based syrup.
10. Soba noodles (Veg/Non-Veg option available): Thin buckwheat noodles, served either chilled with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth, often with various toppings such as tempura or scallions.

Top Famous Restaurants in Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

A visit to Sensoji Temple also offers a chance to dine in some longstanding and famous restaurants in the area:

Asakusa Imahan

Address: 1-18-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Famous Food: Sukiyaki and Shabu-shabe (Non-Veg)

Dorayaki Asakusa Usagiya

Address: 1-10-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Famous Food: Dorayaki (Veg): A bean-paste-filled pancake sandwich.

Daikokuya Tempura

Address: 1-38-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Famous Food: Tempura (Veg/Non-Veg option available)

Aoi-Marushin

Address: 1-41-16 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Famous Food: Tempura (Veg/Non-Veg option available)

Namiki Yabusoba

Address: 2-11-9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Famous Food: Soba Noodles (Veg/Non-Veg option available)

These renowned establishments offer a mix of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, providing something for everyone who visits this historic and cultural area of Tokyo.