🍶 In-depth introduction to Asakusa Parkway (Taitto District)

I think if you want to experience Tokyo's most "shitamachi" atmosphere, besides Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori, Asakusa Hoppy Street is a must-see! Quiet during the day, it bustles with activity at night, packed with izakayas and small restaurants. Most notably, it embodies a rich Showa era atmosphere and popular culture, giving you the feeling of stepping back in time. ✨

🏙️ Geographical location and historical background

Asakusa Hotpi-dori is located in Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo , just west of Senso-ji Temple, close to the Nishi-sando and Hanayashiki Amusement Park. It is about a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

This street is nicknamed "Nibumi-dori" by locals because of the postwar period, when many taverns offering offal dishes such as "beef tendon nibomi" gathered here. Later, the beer-flavored low-alcohol drink "Hoppy" became particularly popular here, giving it the nickname "Hoppy-dori."

Today, Hotpi-dori is not only a hotspot for tourists to experience the common people's izakaya culture, but also a "little paradise" for local office workers and older residents to relax.

🛍️ The characteristics and atmosphere of the shopping street

The characteristics of Asakusa Hotpi-dori can be described as "small, lively, and nostalgic":

• 🏮The street is short : it is only about 80 meters long, but it is densely populated with 20 to 30 izakayas.
• 🍲The aroma of cooking is everywhere : the aroma of simmered hot pot, skewers, and fried food fills the entire street.
• 🍶Signature drink Hoppy : A beer-flavored drink mixed with soju, low in calories and alcohol, it is the soul symbol of this place.
• 🕰️Showa nostalgic atmosphere : red lanterns, wooden tables and chairs, and menus posted on the walls make people feel like they are in the 1950s.
• 🌍Locals and tourists blend in : During the day, you can see local grandparents leisurely enjoying a drink, while at night, a large number of tourists and office workers flock in.

When I first walked into this place, I really felt like I had accidentally stumbled into "Tokyo's common people's microcosm", which was completely different from the solemn atmosphere of Sensoji Temple.

🍜 Must-try food recommendations

Of course, you have to eat and drink at Hotpi-dori! Here are some must-try dishes:

• Beef tendon stew 🍲
  • This street food is the soul of this place! Beef tendon and offal are slowly simmered in a miso or soy sauce broth for a rich, savory flavor.
• Yakitori skewers 🍢
  • Chicken, chicken skin, and offal skewers are grilled over charcoal until crispy and fragrant, making them the perfect side dish for drinking.
• Croquettes and fried food🍤
  • The potato croquettes and fried chicken nuggets were crispy and delicious.
• Raw horse meat sashimi (马刺し) 🐴
  • Some restaurants offer it, and it’s considered a unique Japanese regional dish.
• Various side dishes 🥢
  • Edamame, pickles, and cold tofu are simple but go great with alcohol.

Of course, you can’t miss the drinks:

• ホッピー（Hoppy） 🍺
  • A non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beer-like beverage, often mixed with soju.
• Sake and Shochu 🍶
  • A classic choice, perfect with any dish.

🎨 Must-visit specialty shops and highlights

Although the shops on Hotpi Street may look similar, each one has its own unique characteristics:

• Long-established izakaya 🍢
  • It has been around since the war and retains its traditional flavor.
• Popular skewer shop 🔥
  • The restaurant is always packed in the evening and you often have to queue.
• Tourist-friendly shop🌍
  • Some restaurants provide English menus and picture menus to make it easier for foreign tourists to order.
• The open atmosphere of outdoor tables and chairs🪑
  • Many shops are located on arcades or along the streets. It is fun to drink while watching people coming and going.

🎭 Unique atmosphere and cultural experience

The charm of Asakusa Hotpi-dori lies not only in its food and drinks, but also in its cultural experience:

• 👫Human touch communication : The small table allows you to quickly chat with strangers next to you.
• 🎉Shitamachi culture : This place showcases the eating habits of ordinary people in Tokyo. There is no luxurious decoration, only simplicity and realness.
• 📸Photo spot : The red lanterns and bustling crowds are perfect for taking photos in the retro Showa style.
• 🕰️The atmosphere is different during the day and at night : leisurely during the day and lively at night, both experiences are worth trying.

The editor feels that this place does not feel like a high-end restaurant, but rather a scene full of "life atmosphere" that allows you to experience another side of Tokyo.

🚋 Basic traffic information

Getting to ホッピー通り is very simple:

• Subway 🚇
  • About a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
  • About a 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.
• Bus
  • Many bus routes stop around Senso-ji Temple, which is within walking distance.
• Self-driving 🚗
  • Driving is not recommended due to the limited parking spaces and the predominant drinking culture.

📸 Editor's Personal Tips

1. It is recommended to visit in the evening when it is busiest and has the best atmosphere.
2. The store is small , so it is recommended that 2 to 3 people come together.
3. Be brave and try it . Dishes like beef tendon cooked with simmered beef or spurs may not be familiar to everyone, but they are the best way to experience local cuisine.
4. Be aware of drinking culture . Although the alcohol content of hot pot is low, you should still be careful when mixing it with soju.
5. Be polite when taking photos and avoid taking random photos of customers in the store.

🌺 Summary

Asakusa Hotpi-dori is a small street full of common people, history, and human touch . Unlike the tourist-oriented Nakamise-dori, it is the best stage for you to get close to Tokyo's downtown culture.
Here, you can:

• 🍲 Enjoy Showa-style dishes such as beef tendon simmered in rice
• 🍶 Experience the unique way to drink hoti and soju
• 📸 Capture the bustling street scene with red lanterns and izakayas
• 👫 Raise a toast with locals and tourists and experience the atmosphere

I think Asakusa Hotpi-dori is like a "miniature of the common people" in Tokyo. It's not decorated in fancy ways, but it has a genuine human touch. If you don't stop by for a drink and a plate of beef tendon niboshi (beef tendon simmered in rice) in Asakusa, you're missing out on the authentic Tokyo nightlife! ✨