Introducing 5 Great Souvenirs You Can Get in Asakusa for Under 1000 JPY, From Gourmet Snacks to General Knick-Knacks
When you are looking for Japanese-style goods, there are plenty of stores to visit in Asakusa and plenty of ways to find souvenirs. This special feature introduces the places to go to find reasonably priced souvenirs in Asakusa, suggesting goods that are perfect to buy for yourself or to stock up on and take home to give out to friends.
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1. Asakusa Kibidango Azuma: Kibidango
As you are approaching Sensoji Temple, you will find Nakamise Shopping Street, a popular tourist spot with shops lining either side of the road for around 250m. With many souvenir shops aimed at tourists, it is a great place to do some shopping! Asakusa Kibidango Azuma, located on Nakamise, sells freshly cooked kibidango (millet dumpling) that are loved by locals and tourists alike (350 JPY for 5 skewers). Made from a grain called takakibi (an Indian millet or sorghum), the dango are covered in powdered kinako (roasted soy flour) which gives them their sweet, fragrant aroma. They come in a takeaway bag illustrated with a cute rabbit, and as they are made fresh, they are usually still slightly warm. Try them out! If you like them, why not buy some \'Souvenir Kibidango\' to cook at home? (650 JPY for 10 Skewers. Keep refrigerated.)
2. Shinshu Mokkokan: PIPEROID Cat Series Kabuki
PIPEROID is a fairly simple handicraft made by cutting and folding paper pipes and inserting them into one another. The PIPEROID Cat Series Kabuki (800 JPY (excl.tax)), allows you to make cats wearing Kabuki costumes. As it is lightweight, made from paper, and easy to pack, this gift makes the perfect souvenir.
Incidentally, Shinshu Mokkokan also sells woodwork made by modern craftspeople with goods such as household furniture, toys, and musical instruments. All of the works are stunning, so it is worth going just for a look around.
3. Asakusa Roman: Yaki Mini Castella Cakes
You can buy these cute panda-shaped mini castella (500 JPY) at Omiya Shimai which opened in April 2018. These sweet treats made from flour come in a cup so they are perfect for eating as you walk around!
The \'shimai\' or \'sisters\' in the shop name is because it is run by the two eldest daughters of the owner and chef at Omiya, the Western-style restaurant across the street. It is no surprise then that the mince cutlets and curry bread also taste great!
4. Asaka Sakura Kagetsudo: Melon Pan
Melon pan is made by placing cookie dough on top of a bread roll. The result after baking looks just like the skin of a melon. It is a common Japanese snack you can buy at most bakeries and convenience stores. However, Kagetsudo’s Premium Melon Pan (220 JPY) takes things to another level. With its soft, light texture as its main selling point, it is so popular, they can sell up to 3,000 of these in a day!
5. Kurodaya Honten: Bookmarks
Just to the right of Asakusa’s biggest landmark, Kaminarimon, you will find the main branch of Kurodaya, a specialist store that has been selling Japanese paper for over 150 years. With rows stuffed full of Japanese style stationery and accessories, it’s easy to waste more time than you planned looking around here.
Shown in the picture is the Ninja! Nin! Nin! GRAY Bookmark (600 JPY (incl.tax)). The bookmark becomes a sculpture when folded, so it should be a nice surprise for anyone who receives it.
If you are looking for Japanese souvenirs, Asakusa is the place to go! When you are out sightseeing in the area, look out for some of the suggestions in this article.
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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