Is Asakusa Underground Street still open and operational?

Yes, Asakusa Underground Street remains open as a functioning pedestrian passage connecting Asakusa Station's multiple transit lines. However, many of the original shops have closed over the years due to declining foot traffic and changing commercial patterns. Some traditional businesses, including small eateries and specialty shops, continue to operate, though the arcade is noticeably quieter than during its peak decades. The passage itself is maintained as part of the station infrastructure and remains accessible to pedestrians throughout regular station operating hours.

How is Asakusa Underground Street different from other Tokyo underground shopping areas?

Unlike major underground complexes such as Tokyo Station's vast commercial network or Shinjuku's sprawling subterranean malls, Asakusa Underground Street is relatively small at approximately 380 meters in length. It retains a distinctly retro, Showa-era atmosphere with vintage signage and architectural elements largely unchanged since the 1950s and 1960s. The arcade caters primarily to local commuters rather than tourists or shoppers, offering a more authentic and nostalgic experience compared to modern, heavily commercialized underground shopping districts found elsewhere in Tokyo.

What can I actually buy or do in Asakusa Underground Street?

The underground street offers limited shopping and dining options compared to its earlier days. Visitors can find traditional izakayas serving casual Japanese food and drinks, small specialty shops, and occasional service businesses. The primary appeal for tourists is the atmospheric experience rather than shopping opportunities—the preserved mid-century aesthetic, vintage storefronts, and nostalgic ambiance make it worthwhile for photography and cultural observation. It functions more as a time capsule of post-war Tokyo than as a contemporary shopping destination.

Do I need to pay to enter or walk through Asakusa Underground Street?

No, there is no admission fee to enter or walk through Asakusa Underground Street. It functions as a public pedestrian passage integrated into the Asakusa Station complex, connecting different train lines. Anyone can freely access the underground street through various station entrances without purchasing a train ticket, though you would need valid fare to pass through ticket gates if continuing to the train platforms. The arcade is open during regular station operating hours.

Is Asakusa Underground Street worth visiting if I'm already going to Sensoji Temple?

Asakusa Underground Street appeals to a specific type of visitor interested in retro Tokyo architecture, urban history, or off-the-beaten-path experiences. If you appreciate Showa-era nostalgia, vintage aesthetics, or want to see a less tourist-oriented side of Asakusa, a brief 10-15 minute detour through the underground passage can be worthwhile. However, if your time is limited and you're primarily interested in traditional temples, gardens, and major sightseeing spots, you may prefer to focus on above-ground attractions like Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, and the Sumida River area.

Asakusa Underground Street, Taito

3.9 (894)Shopping MallPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 23, 2026

Asakusa Underground Street, known locally as Asakusa Chikagai, is a subterranean shopping arcade located beneath the streets of Asakusa in Tokyo's Taito ward. This underground passage was developed in the early 1950s as part of Tokyo's post-war reconstruction efforts, designed to connect the bustling Asakusa Station with the surrounding entertainment and shopping districts. The arcade represents a distinctive example of mid-20th century urban planning in Japan, reflecting the era's approach to maximizing limited space in densely populated areas.

The underground street stretches approximately 380 meters and connects multiple transit lines, including the Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Tobu Skytree Line. While more modest than some of Tokyo's larger underground shopping complexes, it serves as both a practical pedestrian thoroughfare and a nostalgic reminder of Showa-era Tokyo. The arcade maintains its retro atmosphere with traditional storefronts, though many shops have closed over recent decades as foot traffic patterns shifted with urban development changes.

Visitors to Asakusa Underground Street will find a mix of small specialty shops, izakayas, and traditional Japanese eateries that cater primarily to local commuters rather than tourists. The arcade offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Tokyo life, contrasting sharply with the tourist-oriented atmosphere of nearby Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street above ground. Photography enthusiasts particularly appreciate the vintage signage and preserved architectural elements that evoke Tokyo's mid-century aesthetic.

The underground street is accessible through multiple entrances near Asakusa Station's various exits. There is no admission fee as it functions as a public passageway integrated into the station complex. The location is easily reached via the Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, or Tobu Skytree Line, all of which converge at Asakusa Station. The arcade can be incorporated into a broader exploration of the Asakusa district, situated just minutes from major attractions like Sensoji Temple and the Sumida River waterfront.

Traveler reviews

This is a hidden gem. Best to come after 3pm when all the pubs are opening. Definitely a great place to spend a few hours and enjoy the vibes of Tokyo’s oldest underground street.

Jason Smith

Mar 16, 2026

As I entered the underground area of Asakusa, a strong smell hit my nose. It was early morning, and most of the shops were closed. Asakusa is a place where old and new coexist. Other reviews clearly mention the atmosphere of the Showa era, but to me it reminded me of America's Chinatown. It wasn't clean and looked very cheap. Anyway, after walking for about five minutes and climbing the stairs, I saw modern Asakusa. It was a very memorable five minutes. Arigato.

A lot of things can be found underground in Tokyo, so having a specifically-designated "underground shopping street" sounded intriguing to me; I do love places that are secret or hidden away. This is a bit more public (hell, there's a sign pointing you to it), but it's no less awesome for it: a series of shops, restaurants and pubs, tucked away under the street, nestled between the infrastructure that makes this city of cities tick, complete with wires, pipes, leaky plumbing and interesting aromas; the sound of lively chatter and pulse-pounding music from at least one dance club; racks of old VHS tapes and DVDs with aging, light-bleached covers; yeah, this place was made for me. This is my jam. Hopefully, it is yours as well.A lot of things can be found underground in Tokyo, so having a specifically-designated "underground shopping street" sounded intriguing to me; I do love places that are secret or hidden away. This is a bit more public (hell, there's a sign pointing you to it), but it's no less awesome for it: a series of shops, restaurants and pubs, tucked away under the street, nestled between the infrastructure that makes this city of cities tick, complete with wires, pipes, leaky plumbing and interesting aromas; the sound of lively chatter and pulse-pounding music from at least one dance club; racks of old VHS tapes and DVDs with aging, light-bleached covers; yeah, this place was made for me. This is my jam. Hopefully, it is yours as well.

Stepping into Asakusa Underground Street feels less like entering a shopping mall and more like stumbling through a hole in the city's memory. Forget the polished, bright chika-gai of Shibuya or Tokyo Station. This place is shitamachi, Tokyo distilled and preserved in a damp, low-ceilinged time capsule. It's one of Japan's oldest, and you can tell. The air has that specific, slightly musty smell of old concrete and cooking oil, with a perpetual, gentle sizzle coming from the legendary Fukuchan Yakisoba stand. The lighting is weak—just fluorescent tubes that make everything look a bit yellowed and slightly sinister, in the best possible way. The floors might even be a little slick, but that's just authenticity. You’re not going to find luxury brands or even chain coffee shops here. What you will find are tiny, grimy-beautiful spots: a classic, old-school barber still offering cheap cuts, a fortune teller tucked into a cubbyhole, little izakayas (pubs) with sticky counter tops, and a fantastic stand-up soba shop that locals actually use. It's a short, unglamorous tunnel, but every single inch is crammed with character. If you’re the type of traveler who gets bored with neon signs and wants to see a slice of post-war Showa-era Tokyo that’s still stubbornly breathing, this is it. It’s wonderfully rickety, a little confusing to find, and a necessary counterpoint to the tourist crowds swirling around the Sensoji Temple just above it. Don’t come for the shopping; come for the atmosphere. It’s absolutely fantastic.

A cozy underground street with a very nice vibe. There a stores and restaurants down here and give a nice break from all the tourists upstairs. It was also featured in the movie Perfect Days!

Asakusa Underground Street, Taito

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