Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo

Nakamise-dori is a shopping street that leads from the Kaminarimon Gate to the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. The shopping street is popular with both locals visiting the temple and tourists looking for souvenirs.

The Nakamise-dori was established in 1685. The 12 subsidiary temples that lined both sides of the Senso-ji Temple were allowed to put stalls in front selling souvenirs after promising local residents that the area would be maintained and kept clean by them. The name Nakamise means inner shopping street because it is sandwiched between two other larger commercial areas. In 1885, the government evicted the shopkeepers and built a line of brick and vermilion lacquered shop buildings. The market was damaged by the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and rebuilt only to be destroyed again during the bombings of World War II.

Approximately 90 shops line the 250-meter street. The shops sell ningyoyaki, a baked confectionary, handmade rice crackers, local crafts, masks, dolls, casual kimonos and happi coats or short kimono styled coats. Professional performers come here to purchase accessories used for traditional dances and theatrical performances. Visitors can also buy tourist souvenirs like t-shirts and caps in Nakamise-dori on their way to the Senso-ji Temple.

Why You Should Visit:
If you're hunting for a souvenir this is your stop. Then again, some are not here for the shopping, but for the atmosphere and the wide range of street foods and restaurants :)

Tip:
Do bring cash, as not many vendors accept cards.