Like much of Asakusa, Nakamise-dori is best explored on foot. The lively pedestrian street is lined on both sides by stalls displaying colorful Japanese-style goods. Fans, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimonos, Buddhist scrolls, and traditional sweets are among the items attracting both locals and tourists to the street. The row of shutters at the front of its stores functions as well as large canvas murals depicting traditional holidays and local scenes.The beautiful art on display, even when stores are shut, transforms the street into a unique cultural landmark. Served by the Ginza, Asakusa, and Tobu subway lines, the street is easily accessible at all times from various parts of Tokyo.

Nakamise-dori, a historic shopping street located in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s low-lying areas, is best known both for its traditional architecture and its proximity to the famous Senso-ji Temple. The 250-meter long street extends from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate, where the entrance of the temple is located. It features over 90 different stores that have been run by local families for generations. Dating back to the Edo era in the 17th century, Nakamise-dori is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan and it is believed to have been founded by neighbors of Sensō-ji who received permission by a governing warlord to set up shops near the temple’s entrance. Stalls are open daily from 9am to 6pm, but the street is accessible at all times, inviting many to experience the surviving streets of downtown Tokyo even at night.

Image credits: Cromely via Flickr, Matthew Hine via Flickr, Mun Keat Looi via Flickr, Francesca Gonteri via Flickr, RW Sinclair via Flickr, Mike Desisto via Flickr