This market is one of the oldest shopping areas in Japan.
Nakamise is the best place in Tokyo to buy souvenirs. It's a 250 meter (800 foot) shopping street that leads to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple. Located between Kaminarimon and Hozomon gate.
There has been a tourist market here since the 17th century. Many of the shops have been run by the same family for many generations.
Since Shogun Tokugawa Shogunate created Edo, the population in Edo (old capital, now Tokyo) increased along with the increase in visitors to Sensoji Temple.
1688-1735, people - people who accept and serve visitors Sensoji Temple, given special rights to sell around the temple. This is said to be the origin of Nakamise.
May 1885, the government rebuild Nakamise according to western style known as modern Nakamise.
Destroyed by an earthquake in 1923 and rebuilt in 1925.
There are around 90 shops on the street that sell snacks and souvenirs to the throngs of domestic and international tourists who visit the area.
Now there are 54 stores in the east, 35 stores in the west.
Nakamise main road length is about 250 meters.
What To Expect
Nakamise is a good place to try Japanese street food.
The souvenirs on the street target both domestic and international tourists. They range from outrageously cheesy items to authentic and useful souvenirs. Amongst the later category it's possible to find traditional items such as Japanese chopsticks, yukata, geta, wooden combs, fabrics and folding fans.
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