Asakusa

What to do

Hanayashiki

If you haven't got anything nice to say...Did we have some fun there? Sure. Was it really worth it, really? No.

This is essentially just an old amusement park. I guess when bigger and better things came along (like Disneyland) they had a choice of go out of business, or lean into the naff old theme park. So here they are! You have to buy tokens to then use on rides, like you do at the local show, and all that kind of thing.

About the best thing we found here was the inside play area for kids. This was in no small part due to being air-conditioned and it being about a million degrees outside at the time.

Sensō-ji

If a little bit of buddhist temple action is your thing, then this is a yes! If that really is not your thing, well, clearly it's a no. There is quite a nice little garden around here.

Kappabashi Dougugai Kitchen Town

This is essentially a really long street with lots of kitchenwares shops. You will find a million and one recommendations for which particular shops to go to with a little googling, but really, I think vibes based is the best method here. Walk along and see what seems inviting/interesting to you!

Do remember that if you buy a knife, pack it in what is definitely checked baggage. Don't let a thin black package get hidden against the black backdrop of your carry on case and have a very awkward moment at airport security. It's not worth it.

Food

Benitsuru

This one is perhaps the most unique of those we've tried. It's not a chain, so maybe that helps. The menu isn't as full, but I think that's fine. The ability to go savoury and add bacon and eggs with hollandaise I like. But, I don't know, it was decent but just didn't hit the spot for us.