14 Best Food Tours & Cooking Classes in Asakusa

Asakusa: the perfect blend of old meets new in Tokyo. Nestled to the west of the Sumida River, Asakusa enjoys a central location in the city that draws in both local and global crowds thanks to the stunning Sensoji Temple.

The Asakusa area is accessible from Asakusa Station, and just a five-minute walk from your train will see you reaching many of this district’s major sights. 

Giving visitors an authentic Edo Period (1603–1868) view and experience, Asakusa is full of traditional temples and shrines, shopping streets and food stalls. The bright red Kaminarimon gate, five-storied pagoda and temple are a must-see during your day trip, but there are plenty of other things to do in Asakusa!

Even so, we believe that the best way to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture is through food experiences. If you want to see the real Asakusa outside of the tourist hotspots, we have a list of our favorite food tours in Asakusa and cooking classes for all ages.

Whether you’re a foodie in search of the best Japanese street food or want to level up your cooking skills with a class, here are the best food tours and cooking classes in Asakusa that will guarantee a memorable experience during your Japan trip! 

If you want to discover the best spots of Asakusa while sampling tasty street food, this historic walking tour is right up your alley (pun intended).

Experience the enchanting allure of Asakusa after dark on this guided evening tour. Begin at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center and stroll through the tranquil Nakamise Shopping Street, where traditional murals and illuminated lanterns cast a whimsical glow. 

Your guide will share fascinating insights into the area's rich 1,400-year history as you sample classic street foods like pickled plums and rice crackers. 

As you wander past the iconic Kaminarimon Gate and serene Sensoji Temple, you'll appreciate the quiet beauty of this famous district, free from the daytime crowds. The tour concludes with a delightful seasonal dinner at a local restaurant, offering a perfect blend of culture, history and culinary delights.

Step into the world of sumo wrestling in Asakusa where you can even challenge a sumo wrestler, if you dare! At Asakusa Sumo Beya, you’ll not only watch a thrilling sumo show but also feast on a chanko-nabe meal prepared by a former wrestler. 

This hearty stew, packed with protein-rich jidori chicken and shiitake mushrooms is exactly what real rikishi (sumo wrestlers) eat to fuel their strength. The meal is accompanied by inari sushi and fried chicken, offering an authentic taste of the sumo lifestyle.

After the show, you can don a sumo suit or even a traditional mawashi loincloth and challenge a former wrestler. This is a rare chance to experience sumo firsthand, capped off with a group photo to commemorate your time in the ring. Get up close and personal with Japanese culture!

Find out more: Eat Like a Sumo: Simple Chanko Nabe Recipe

Discover the charm of Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district with the whole family. Explore iconic landmarks like Sensoji Temple and enjoy a close-up of Kaminarimon Gate’s giant red lantern. 

As you wander through the bustling Nakamise Street, you'll experience the lively atmosphere of Edo Period Japan, with its array of traditional crafts, textiles and souvenirs.

This tour is more than just sightseeing — it’s a tailored food tour. Indulge in a variety of street foods, from juicy Japanese beef and fresh sushi to crispy tempura and sweets. The best part? Kids can join for free, making it an ideal outing for families. 

The tour also includes stops at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, ensuring you soak in all the history and culture this ancient district has to offer.

Join a private tour through the Asakusa district where you can try delicious food stall snacks and even try on and wear a kimono throughout the district. 

Starting off with a traditional Japanese breakfast (an onigiri set), you’ll be ready to stroll through Asakusa. Learn local insights into the area’s rich past, from its origins in the Edo Period to its vibrant present.

The highlight of the day? A kimono-wearing experience. You'll be dressed in an authentic kimono and walk through Nakamise Shopping Street. The sights, sounds and flavors of Asakusa will transport you back in time. 

To end your journey, the group will eat at a traditional izakaya. It doesn’t get more authentic than this!

See Asakusa from new heights with a guided tour that blends history, culture and captivating views. 

Start your journey at the Asakusa observation deck, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the area and Sensoji Temple. Your guide will share fascinating stories as you descend to the bustling streets below, walking through the famous Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street.

As the day winds down, indulge in a delightful dinner at a traditional restaurant, where live performances using traditional Japanese instruments set the mood. Savor izakaya-style dishes as the sound of the music and singing transport you to a side of Asakusa you never imagined.

When the sun sets over Tokyo, Asakusa's vibrant nightlife is on full display. Experience its unique nighttime culture on an evening food tour that blends culture and cuisine. 

Visit Asakusa's iconic landmarks, including the Kaminarimon Gate and Sensoji Temple. 

The tour continues with a bar-hopping adventure along Hoppy Street, where you'll visit three izakaya. Enjoy a variety of Japanese alcoholic drinks and savor local dishes, experiencing the authentic flavors and atmosphere that make Asakusa a must-visit destination in Tokyo.

Good news, you don’t need to go all the way to Kyoto to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony!

Join an hour-long traditional tea ceremony in Asakusa. This experience offers a serene escape into Japan’s rich heritage, starting with an introduction to the art and history of the tea ceremony.

In a tranquil tea house adorned with tatami mats and elegant earthenware, you'll watch a live demonstration and enjoy a bowl of matcha and a delicate wagashi sweet. The best part of the ceremony is making your own matcha, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this timeless tradition that epitomizes Japanese hospitality.

Japan and vegan food are seldom heard in the same sentence, but we have one special dessert tour fit for vegans visiting Tokyo. Thanks to the many food stalls in the area, you can discover the sweet side of Asakusa with a special vegan dessert tour. 

Soak in the sights of Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Dori Shopping Street and sample four different types of vegan wagashi, each reflecting Japan's rich culinary heritage.

You'll learn about the ingredients and methods to make wagashi, and try azuki red bean paste alongside seasonal delights like sakura mochi. This 3-hour tour is a delightful journey through taste and tradition for vegan and plant-based-curious visitors. 

Want to try sushi, but don’t eat seafood? This vegan temari sushi cooking class in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district, led by the knowledgeable Ayaka-sensei, is the perfect solution. 

In this hands-on experience, you'll learn to create temari sushi, delightful sphere-shaped sushi that’s both adorable and easy to make at home. The class emphasizes sustainability, using fresh, locally-produced vegetables that support nearby farmers.

The class takes place in a restaurant with views of the Asakusa-Bashi skyline and Tokyo Skytree! After crafting your colorful sushi and a seasonal salad, you'll enjoy your creations while overlooking the city below.

For those who want a traditional sushi experience, learn a piece of Tokyo's culinary culture with a sushi-making class in Asakusa. Learn to make two types of sushi: maki rolls and temari sushi. 

The 2-hour class not only teaches essential sushi-making skills but also offers a glimpse into the history of this iconic Japanese dish. After creating your sushi, enjoy your handmade meal and capture a memorable photo with a famous Asakusa landmark.

Perfect for all skill levels, this class can accommodate various dietary needs, ensuring a fun and delicious experience for everyone.

Learn how simple it can be to make sushi at home in the heart of Tokyo with a fun, hands-on sushi class in Asakusa. In just two hours, you’ll become well adept at making maki sushi and temari. 

Your host will dive into the history of Japan’s most iconic dish while teaching you the best methods to craft both sushi rolls and adorable temari sushi. Maki rolls are a versatile snack, while temari sushi, with its cute bite-sized appearance, adds a festive touch to any meal.

Hosted entirely in English by friendly, knowledgeable instructors, this class makes sushi-making accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s the perfect mid-day activity after exploring the Asakusa.

Love soba noodles? There’s a class just for you in Asakusa! 

Master the art of soba noodle making with a hands-on class, nestled between Asakusa and Kappabashi Kitchen Town. Guided by Chef Masa, a classically trained chef who studied at a prestigious soba school, you'll learn to craft traditional soba noodles using authentic tools like wooden rolling pins and soba knives.

After mastering the techniques, enjoy the fruits of your labor featuring your hand-cut soba noodles and crispy kakiage (vegetable fritter). This experience not only teaches you the art of soba making but also offers a taste of Japan's rich culinary heritage.

Amezaiku is a traditional Japanese candy that is sculpted into cute or intricate designs.

Try your hand at Amezaiku candy-making in a private workshop! This hands-on class invites you to learn the traditional Japanese art of candy sculpting, where you'll create your very own candy rabbit using mizuame, a soft, moldable candy. 

With the guidance of an experienced candy artist, you'll practice sculpting and decorating your candy creation with scissors and tweezers.

After perfecting your design, you can either indulge in your sweet masterpiece or take it home as a delightful omiyage souvenir. Amezaiku has been a cherished art form in Japan since the Heian Period, making this workshop a unique cultural experience!

What better way to wrap up your Asakusa trip than with a taiyaki-making class? 

When walking around Tokyo, you’ve likely seen taiyaki, the iconic fish-shaped Japanese wagashi sweet. If you wondered how to recreate the sweet and fluffy snack, there’s a class for that! 

Create your own delicious taiyaki from scratch, starting with the dough and choosing from a variety of fillings. Go classic with traditional anko, red bean paste, or custard cream, or get wild with savory options like cheese, spicy curry, or even natto and kimchi!

You’ll learn how to use a special taiyaki hot plate to make six pieces to stack into a delightful taiyaki tower, perfect for an Instagram-worthy photo. Whether you indulge in your creations on the spot or take them home, this taiyaki-making class promises a sweet journey through Japan's dessert traditions.

Asakusa is a must-visit location when in Tokyo. Its 1,400-year-old history shines through at the famous Sensoji Temple. However, beyond the crimson gates and shrines lies hidden local izakayas, fun shopping streets and priceless food experiences and tours. 

Make the most of your Asakusa adventure by checking out one of the many aforementioned tours and cooking classes.

Want even more ideas of what to do while visiting Asakusa? Check out our list of things to do in Asakusa, best restaurants to eat at in Asakusa, and the most popular coffee shops in the neighborhood.

Visiting Asakusa is an enriching journey into Tokyo's best-kept culinary secrets and historic charm. Steeped in a 1,400-year-old history, the district offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences, from the iconic Sensoji Temple and vibrant Nakamise Shopping Street to intimate izakaya bars and innovative food tours.

Asakusa isn't a massive area of Tokyo, but it is packed with culture, history and good food, so you'll want to set aside at least a full day to stroll through its historic streets.