Asakusa Station sits on the banks of the Sumida River in Tokyo’s Taito special ward. Rather than just one ordinary station, it’s actually a complex of 4 different stations, combined in one but operated by various companies.
Built in 1931, Asakusa Station is a tall, imposing building with a clock tower, making it stand out from the surrounding architecture. It’s spectacularly illuminated at night and serves as a gateway to some of the city’s most cherished cultural landmarks.
If you’re in the area to explore local attractions, Asakusa Station is a convenient and memorable starting point. Read on to find out how to navigate the station and enjoy the vibrant area around it.
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Train and subway lines at Asakusa Station
Asakusa Station is served by several railway and subway lines, making it an easy access point to central Tokyo, nearby neighborhoods, and the city’s airports.
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line – Direct connections to Ueno, Kanda, Ginza, and Shibuya
- Toei Asakusa Line – Through services to Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Nihombashi, and Shinagawa
- Tobu Skytree Line – Access to Tokyo Skytree, Kita-Senju, and Nikko via limited express services
- Tsukuba Express – Fast connections to Akihabara and Tsukuba City in Ibaraki Prefecture
As a non-JR station, Asakusa does not serve any JR trains. This means the station’s lines are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass, so you must purchase a ticket to ride any of these services.
Getting to Asakusa Station
Asakusa is accessible via several types of transport including the Tsukuba Express, Tobu Railway, and the Tokyo Water Bus.
You can also reach the station via multiple subway lines, making it a straightforward journey regardless of your starting point in Tokyo.
From Tokyo Station
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station, which takes about 2 minutes. This journey is included in your JR pass.
Then, transfer to the Ginza Subway Line to reach Asakusa. This journey takes approximately 10 minutes and costs 180 yen.
From Shinjuku Station
From Shinjuku Station, board the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station, a 10-minute trip covered by your JR Pass.
Once there, switch to the Ginza Subway Line to continue to Asakusa, which also takes about 10 minutes. It will cost you an additional 180 yen.
Asakusa Station layout
The station complex consists of:
- Tobu Asakusa Station – Tobu Skytree Line (and Limited Express services)
- Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station – Ginza Line
- Toei Asakusa Station – Toei Asakusa Line
- Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station – Tsukuba Express line
Underground passageways connect Tobu Asakusa Station to Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station, and Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station to Toei Asakusa Station. There is no direct underground connection between Tobu Asakusa Station and Toei Asakusa Station.
Check the details below on how different services are arranged within the station’s layout. Though lines typically operate from the same parts of the station, you should always check your train’s platform details carefully when you arrive.
Tobu Asakusa Station
The Tobu Asakusa Station is integrated into the EKIMISE Department Store, operated by Matsuya. It has 3 island platforms serving 5 tracks. Tracks 1 and 2 serve local, semi-express, and express trains.
Tracks 3 and 4 provide access to the various Limited Express trains. Track 5 serves the Limited Express Revaty.
Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station
The two side platforms of the Tokyo Metro station are located underground. Look for green-roofed structures of traditional architecture covering the entrances to the station, which are inspired by traditional Japanese architecture.
Toei Asakusa Station
Located underground to the south of the Tokyo Metro part of the station is Toei Asakusa Station, which has two platforms. Through services on this line provide access to Haneda Airport and Narita Airport, depending on the train type.
Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station
The Tsukuba Express part of the station is located around half a mile (less than a 10 minute walk) from the west of the primary station complex. It has a single underground island platform on the fourth basement level.
Locker services at Asakusa Station
Each part of the station provides both key and automatic storage lockers. You can use IC cards such as Pasmo and Suica (including on your cell phone/digital wallet) to access the automatic lockers. They come in 3 different sizes.
Locker services are popular, and due to the high volume of passengers that use the station, you may find them to be full in busy periods. If so, you can use baggage delivery services in the EKIMISE building, in the same building as the Tobu station.
Things to do near Asakusa Station
You’ll find a large variety of restaurants and theaters right outside Asakusa Station. For shopping, there is the EKIMISE Department Store in the Tobu Station building, or the ROX shopping complex nearby.
One of the most notable attractions in the vicinity is Senso-Ji Temple, located a short walk to the west of the Tsukuba Express portion of the station. It’s the oldest and most significant Buddhist temple in Tokyo, and is often considered one of the best temples in Japan.
If you’re visiting the area as a family, then a trip to the nearby Hanayashiki Park is a must. Originally opened as a flower park in 1853, Hanayashiki evolved into Japan’s oldest amusement park in Japan, with vintage-style rides, gaming plazas, and attractions for all ages.