Hoppy Street Asakusa – The Beer & Food Scene
Hoppy Street – Beer like Drink, Culture and Food in Asakusa
Are you ready for a taste of Tokyo’s vibrant street food scene? Then hop on over to Hoppy Street, which is also sometimes called Hoppy Dori, Nikomi Dori or even Stew Street, located in the bustling Asakusa neighbourhood. This lively street is home to an array of food stalls, but what really sets it apart is the iconic drink it’s named after – Hoppy!
The reason Hoppy Street is also known as Hoppy Dori, Hoppi Dori, Nikomi Dori and Stew Street, is intertwined with the street food scene. Hoppy refers to the “Hoppy Japanese Beer” drink, and Nikomi refers to the affordable beef and vegetable stew, which is made at the local bars (Izakaya). Each business has its own “secret” variation of the Nikomi dish. The word “Dori” is simply the Japanese word for street.
Hoppi Dori – Contents
- Hoppy Street Asakusa – The Beer & Food Scene
How to Get There
You can get to Hoppy Street using the Metro from your hotel or the area you are staying in, and take the Metro to Asakusa station, which is closest. If you are nearby you could also walk.
Nearest stations Hoppy St:
Ginza Line (G18) Asakusa Station – 0.6 km
Tobu Skytree Line (TS1) Tawaramachi Station – 0.6 km
Ginza Line (G19) Tawaramachi Station – 0.6 km
Asakusa Line (A18) Tawaramachi Station – 0.6 km
Asakusa Line (A19) Honjo-Azumabashi Station – 1.1 km
The other fun alternative to get there is to arrange for one of the tours to pick you up. We recommend some awesome tours for couples, individuals and families or groups further down.
What is Hoppy Beer?
Hoppy is a low-alcohol beer-like beverage that’s been a staple of Tokyo’s drinking culture since the 1940s. But here’s the twist – it’s not actually beer! Yet people always say “hoppy Japanese beer”!
What is the Hoppy Drink made from?
Hoppy is made from malted barley, hops, and water, but doesn’t contain much alcohol at less than 0.8% ABV. Instead, it’s typically mixed with shochu, a Japanese spirit, to create a refreshing and crisp drink that pairs perfectly with the savoury and bold flavours of the street food in Asakusa.
Back to Hoppy’s Street Food Scene
Asakusa Street Food
Now back to the street food. You’ll find everything from savoury yakitori skewers to crispy tempura in Hoppy Street’s Restaurants, but make sure to try the classic pairing of Hoppy and grilled beef tongue. Yes, you read that right – beef tongue! Don’t be intimidated by the thought of it, because once you take a bite of the tender and flavorful meat, you’ll be hooked. The beef tongue is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled to perfection, and served with a side of grated daikon radish and a squeeze of lemon. The acidity of the lemon and the coolness of the daikon radish perfectly balance the richness of the meat, making it a dish you won’t forget.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Hoppy Street is also known for its lively and festive atmosphere, with street performers and vendors adding to the excitement. You might even catch a glimpse of a traditional Japanese festival procession, complete with music and dancing. And what better way to join in the celebration than with a cold glass of Hoppy in hand?
So, next time you’re in Tokyo and craving a taste of the local street food scene, head over to Hoppy Street and try the iconic drink that’s been a beloved part of the city’s culture for decades. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Tokyoite, the vibrant flavours and lively atmosphere of Hoppy Street are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Kampai!
Our Selection of Tours in Asakusa and Hoppy Street
If you would prefer to get local knowledge into the area, we recommend 3 of our favourite tours below. If there are more than a couple of you, check out the Family and Group tours further down.
Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
While you’re in the Asakusa neighbourhood, be sure to check out Senso-ji, the oldest and most famous Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Located just a few steps away from Hoppy Street, Senso-ji is a must-visit attraction that offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage.
Highly recommend you try out the rickshaw tours around Tokyo, especially in Asakusa. The insight these legends have is amazing and gives you a totally different perspective on the area. We liked that it allowed us to avoid the hustle of the crowds.
The temple complex features a main hall, a five-story pagoda, and a large gate called Kaminarimon that is recognizable by its large red lantern. As you pass through the gate, you’ll see a bustling shopping street called Nakamise, which is lined with vendors selling traditional Japanese snacks, souvenirs, and crafts.
After browsing through the shops and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, take a moment to visit the main hall and pay your respects to the Buddhist deity enshrined there. You can also participate in a traditional ritual by purifying your hands and mouth with water from the fountain, and then wafting incense smoke towards your body for good health.
As you explore the temple grounds, you’ll notice that Senso-ji is not only a place of worship but also a hub of cultural and community activities. From festivals and markets to traditional performances and workshops, there’s always something happening at Senso-ji that reflects the dynamic spirit of Tokyo.
So, whether you’re looking for a taste of Tokyo’s street food scene or a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage, Hoppy Street and Senso-ji are two must-visit destinations that should be on your Japan itinerary.
These tours are a great way to check out the area, below are four of the best.
Family and Group-Friendly Tours in Asakusa
Essential Travel Toolkit
π Rideshare Apps – The most complete guide to Rideshare, Ride-hailing and taxis in Southeast Asia.
π 12Go.com – The easiest way to book transport, public or private in Southeast Asia, Japan and Beyond.
π¨ Trip.com β Consistently great accommodation and hotel deals.
π©οΈ Trip.com β Get the best flight deals.
π Trip.com β Find your perfect rental car.
πΊοΈ Getyourguide.com – Looking for an amazing local guide or tour. Get Your Guide will have something for everyone.
πΊοΈ Viator.com β Easily book tours and experiences at the lowest rate. Amazing options all over the world.
π¨βπ» NordVPN.com β Reliable VPN service that is guaranteed to keep you and your data safe anywhere in the world.
Dan’s a windsurfing, adventure-seeking nomad with a passion for exploring the globe overland and an Engineer. Having grown up in the Middle East, he brings a unique perspective to Getting Lost Again, sharing his love for discovering hidden gems and embracing the unexpected. When he’s not on the road, he finds inspiration in windsurfing and other creative pursuits β and is equally at home under a vehicle solving problems as he is exploring a new place.
Pingback: Tokyo Top 10 Free things to do – Getting Lost Again