Nakamise-Dori: Tourist Shopping Paradise!

Nakamise-dori, the street that leads from the world-famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) to the world-famous Sensoji temple, is possibly Tokyo's #1 Don't Miss It When You Visit location.  When Vogue and Elle want to slap up a photo to go along with their latest Japan article (It's Cherry Blossom Season! Tokyo's Top 10 Yoga Studios! Look How In Touch with Nature The Japanese Are!), Nakamise-dori is the photo chosen, nine times out of ten.

Crammed with tourists all day long, Nakamise-dori is the place to stock up on Japanese souvenirs.  If you can't buy some version of what you want here, it probably doesn't exist.  Everything from the high (tea ceremony items) to the low (Hello Kitty and Anpanman characters) is here! Prices range from the ridiculously expensive (those hideous, neon polyester "kimono") to the surprisingly cheap (delicately painted, cotton washclothes).

Let's take a look!

Hello Kitty paraphernalia, galore! Our first stop was at one of the toy booths.  Little TF picked out (was bribed with) some Hello Kitty stuff, which kept her occupied for the rest of my shopping.  I bribe a lot during deployment.

Tons of Disney stuff!

Cutest kokeshi (wooden, painted dolls) ever!  This street offers a huge selection.

Use one of these little cuties as a phone charm, or throw one on your key ring or backpack.

Hideous, neon lanterns.  Don't buy one of these.  There is absolutely no justification.

Longed all your life for an Japanese-style, old-fashioned wig?  Here you go.

Wow, the bottom of that photo is super creepy.  I'll pay a little more attention the next time I crop!

Charming, metal bells.  Pick up a couple!  Their delicate chimes would sound beautiful near a window or on a porch.

Jinbei, the two-piece cotton outfits that young children wear to festivals.
Little TF wants you to know that they also make great jammies.

Where there are tourists, there is junk.

Your kid's Halloween costume: Done.

Tabi (Japanese, split-toe socks) so many colors and patterns.  How do you pick just one!?

These pint-sized coin purses (mini make-up bags?) make GREAT Christmas stocking stuffers.

Geta (casual, Japanese shoes worn with the casual, Japanese cotton kimono).  This is a great price.  Since these
shops cater to tourists, you might be in luck if your feet are on the (by Japanese standards) larger size.

Every little kid in Japan loves Anpanman, the red bean cartoon character.
 Red bean.  I don't really get it, either.  Little TF loves Anpanman, too!

It is incredibly hard to find noren (the split, Japanese curtains hung in doorways) in Japan.  They are
almost exclusively sold in touristy areas.  The noren sold on Nakamise-dori are especially lovely.

The shop selling paper parasols was the only shop that didn't allow photos.  So I had to content myself with photographing this red one at a more kitschy place.  I think Amazon sells the exact same cherry blossom pattern, so skip it.  Look for the parasol shop, instead.  The parasols sold there are red, black, cream, navy, patterned, plain, and graphic.  They are also sold at a great price.  I bought one last year for 1800 yen (just over $20.00)  I almost never bother trying to find a parasol at a shrine sale or flea market, as the paper is usually full of holes.  Parasols tend to be an item best purchased new.

More noren.  Look at that price!  1200 yen!  If I didn't already have a
blue noren, I would have snatched this morning glory one up immediately.

The Rickshaw drivers wear very distinctive, split-toe running shoes.  You can buy those on Nakamise-dori, too!

As far as sightseeing spots goes, heading to Nakamise-dori may seem a bit cliche.  But it has also been voted on as one of the top 100 Most Traditional Soundscapes In Japan.  A traditional, Japanese experience and great shopping?  Yes, please!  I usually keep a list of the traditional, Japanese items that I need or want to give as gifts, and then take my visitors here.  No one has ever complained and everyone has gone home happy, with bags full of stuff.  Plus, do you really want to be the only tourist in Tokyo (or foreigner living in Japan) who didn't check it out?


Naka-mise dori is located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.  The street starts just past Kaminarimon's enormous, red lantern, and ends in front of the massive gate of Sensoji.  If you bring your kids, make sure to take your smallest stroller.  The crowds can get very dense.  If your children look especially foreign (blonde hair, blue eyes), prepare for lots of photo requests.  If the crush of people gets to be too much, just scoot over a street!  The side streets are also chock-full of souvenir shops and not nearly as crowded.


The shops are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.  No credit cards, yen only.
Nakamise-dori is closest to Asakusa Station, which is accessed via the Tobu Isesaki, Toei Asakusa, and Tokyo Metro Ginza lines.


Leave some extra time to visit Sensoji temple!  It's the oldest temple in Tokyo.  If you have all day, consider swinging through neighboring Kappabashi, the kitchen district and one of my favorite places in Tokyo!


Disclaimer:  I do my best to make sure all my information is accurate.  However, details may change or I may just be flat-out wrong.  Please let me know if something needs a correction.  Thank-you!