Top 3 Attractions in Oku-Asakusa
※updated on July 19 2025
Oku-Asakusa is a quiet and peaceful area located just north of Tokyo’s famous Senso-ji Temple. While adjacent to one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo, this lesser-known neighborhood is often considered a hidden gem in Asakusa, offering a more relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds. The area retains the nostalgic charm of Tokyo’s traditional downtown culture (shitamachi) and is dotted with local eateries, unique cafes, and artisan workshops loved by residents.
Despite being within walking distance from major Asakusa attractions like Senso-ji and Kaminarimon Gate, Oku-Asakusa sees fewer tourists, making it an ideal place to enjoy a more local and authentic Tokyo experience. Historical landmarks such as Imado Shrine, filled with lucky beckoning cat statues (maneki-neko), and Matsuchiyama Shoden, where visitors offer daikon radishes, reflect the area's deep cultural heritage.
Oku-Asakusa is a great destination for travelers seeking to explore Japan’s traditional culture and everyday life. Take a peaceful stroll and discover the true charm of Asakusa beyond the main sightseeing spots. When visiting Senso-ji, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of Oku-Asakusa as well.
1) Imado Shrine - photogenic shrine near Senso-ji
Imado Shrine is a peaceful and photogenic shrine in Tokyo’s Asakusa area, known for its numerous maneki-neko (beckoning cats) placed throughout the grounds. Located about a 15-minute walk from Tobu Asakusa Station and northeast of Senso-ji Temple, this hidden gem in Tokyo has become increasingly popular—especially among young people—due to its reputation as one of the best love and matchmaking shrines in Japan. Here, we’ll explore what makes Imado Shrine special, including its history and blessings.
・Recommended For:
▶︎ Those seeking new relationships or soulmates
▶︎ Couples wishing to strengthen their bond
▶︎ Visitors who want to take Instagram-worthy photos at a cute, traditional shrine
Founded in 1063, Imado Shrine was originally built to pray for victory in battle. At the time, Japan was plagued by wars, and the shrine served as a place for warriors to pray for good fortune in combat. Over the centuries, the shrine suffered from fires and earthquakes but was repeatedly restored. Today, it is widely visited for its matchmaking blessings, as well as being known as one of the birthplaces of the lucky cat. Along with Gotokuji Temple, Imado Shrine attracts tourists with its charming cat figures.
・Deities and Blessings
The shrine enshrines the following deities:
・Emperor Ojin (Ojin Tenno) – Revered as a god of victory due to his legendary archery skills, he is still worshipped today by those praying for success and triumph.
・Izanagi and Izanami – The first divine couple in Japanese mythology, said to have created the land of Japan. They are worshipped for bringing good relationships and marital harmony.
・Fukurokuju – One of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), bringing happiness, good fortune, and longevity.
Imado was once known for Imado-yaki, a traditional pottery craft from the Edo period. The most famous product was the lucky cat figurine.
According to local legend, a poor elderly woman was forced to part with her beloved cat due to poverty. The cat later appeared to her in a dream and told her to make figurines of its image and sell them. She did so using Imado-yaki pottery, and they became extremely popular. This origin story links Imado Shrine to the birth of the maneki-neko and explains the abundance of cat figures on the shrine grounds today.
・Stone Lucky Cats “Nagi-chan” and “Nami-chan”
Next to the main hall, you’ll find two stone maneki-neko statues known as “Nagi-chan” and “Nami-chan.”
Visitors gently rub them while making a wish for good relationships and happiness. These statues are so popular that their paint has worn off over time. There’s even a rumor that setting their photo as your phone wallpaper can boost your love luck.
・Nagi-chan : said to bring good luck in relationships and human connections.
・Nami-chan : believed to attract financial luck and family well-being.
・Maneki-neko Throughout the Shrine
All around the shrine—near the prayer boards, office area, and main hall—you’ll find cute ceramic cat figurines perfect for photos. The entire area is highly photogenic and makes for an ideal Instagram backdrop.
📍 Address: 5-22, Imado 1-chome, Taito city
🕒 Opening hours: Shrine office 9:00-16:00
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 15-minute walk from Tobu Asakusa Station
2) Matsuchiyama Shoden (Honryuin Temple)
Matsuchiyama Shoden, officially known as Honryuin Temple, is a hidden gem in Asakusa, Tokyo, located on a small hill about 10 meters high in Taito city. Established in the 7th century, legend says a sacred mountain suddenly appeared here, and the great deity Daisho Kangi-ten—a form of the Eleven-Faced Kannon and the Golden Dragon—emerged to protect the people.
This lesser-known Asakusa temple is devoted to Daisho Kangi-ten (known affectionately as “Shoten-sama”) and Bishamonten. Worshippers come here to pray for good health, marital harmony, business prosperity, and family fortune.
Throughout the grounds, you’ll notice unique motif: daikon radishes, symbolizing health and positive relationships.
Recommended for
・Travelers looking to explore traditional temples beyond Senso-ji
・Visitors interested in unique spiritual traditions and symbolism
・Those who want to experience a rare Japanese festival in a peaceful setting
A Unique Festival: Daikon Matsuri
Every January, the temple holds the Daikon Festival (Daikon Matsuri)—a rare event where worshippers are served cooked daikon radish that was previously offered to the gods. This special ritual reflects wishes for health and harmony, making it one of the more unique traditional festivals in Tokyo.
While just a short distance from the bustling crowds of Senso-ji Temple, Matsuchiyama Shoden offers a quiet, spiritual retreat where visitors can experience authentic Japanese culture, local beliefs, and hidden symbols. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Tokyo temple, this site is a must-see.
📍 Address: 4-1, Asakusa 7-chome, Taito city
🕒 Opening hours: 6:00~16:30
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 10-minute walk from Tobu Asakusa Station
3) Sanyabori Park – A Hidden Gem near Asakusa Temple
Sanyabori Park is a charming, photo-worthy park located just a 10-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Known for its adorable animal sculptures and peaceful atmosphere, it's a hidden gem in Tokyo—off the beaten path yet easily accessible. From the park, you can enjoy stunning views of the Tokyo Skytree, making it a perfect stop for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Stretching approximately 700 meters in length, this narrow urban park was originally the site of the “Sanyabori” canal, a waterway that connected the Sumida River and Otonashi River during the Edo period. The canal was later filled in and transformed into a public green space. Throughout the park, you’ll find remnants of its history—bridge columns and railings constructed after the Great Kanto Earthquake, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the area’s past.
In spring, cherry blossom trees line the park, blooming in full beauty. Compared to the nearby and more crowded Sumida Park, Sanyabori offers a more relaxed and local-style hanami (flower viewing) experience.
This park also features several charming Imado-yaki ceramic animal statues, adding a touch of playfulness and local flavor to your visit. Below, we’ll introduce a few of these whimsical creatures.
・Dancing Sparrow
Sparrow appears in Japanese traditional proverbs
"Suzuma hyaku made odori wasurezu" is a Japanese proverb that means:
"Habits formed in youth stay with you even into old age."
It suggests that once you learn or get used to something, especially at a young age, it's hard to forget—even when you're older.
・Fukusuke and Ofuku
These two charming figures represent a married couple and are often seen in traditional Japanese kabuki theater. Made in the style of Imado-yaki pottery, they were typically displayed in homes and shops. Their cute appearance gives the impression that they are warmly welcoming family members or guests as they return.
📍 Address: 4-9, Higashi-Asakusa 1-chome, Taito city
🕒 Opening hours: 24 hours
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 8-minute walk from Tobu Asakusa Station
How to get to Okuasakusa
・About a 5-minute walk from Tobu Railway's Asakusa Station
Oku-Asakusa is a charming neighborhood in Tokyo full of traditional downtown (shitamachi) atmosphere, with retro shops and nostalgic shopping streets. In this article, we introduced some of its temples and parks, but there are still many more hidden gems to discover. If you're visiting Senso-ji Temple, take a little extra time to explore the quieter side of Asakusa—Oku-Asakusa offers an authentic, lesser-known Tokyo experience.
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