Get ready to be amazed! Sensoji Temple is a must-visit destination in Tokyo, Japan. As the city’s oldest temple, its immense size will leave you speechless. I’m kicking off my Japan posts with this incredible site because it was hands-down my favorite while I was in Japan. And lucky for me, our hotel was just a short subway ride away!
A Journey Through Time: Exploring Sensoji’s Heart
Sensoji Temple is snugly tucked away in Tokyo’s Asakusa district. Don’t worry about getting lost! The subway stop you need is conveniently called Asakusa Station. It’s clearly marked in both English and Japanese. A short walk from the station brings you face-to-face with the iconic Kaminarimon Gate (also known as the “Thunder Gate”). This magnificent gate, with its enormous lantern, is the perfect starting point for your Sensoji adventure. It leads you to a vibrant shopping street filled with enticing street vendors.
Morning Magic: A Calm Start to Your Day
My family and I decided to visit Sensoji Temple early in the morning, around 10 or 10:30 am. It was the perfect time! Most of the stalls were open, and while there were already visitors, it was far less crowded than later in the day. Don’t worry about missing out on any shops, you can always revisit the street later. However, spending some peaceful time at the temple before it gets packed is a must!
A Treasure Trove of Souvenirs and Treats
Nakamise is the charming street lined with vendors that leads you to the temple. Be sure to bring some yen, as you’ll definitely want to pick up some souvenirs! There are a few stalls selling lovely postcards and woodblock prints, but the majority are food-focused – which is totally fine with me! I especially loved the seasoned rice crackers (some vendors have free samples – score!) and the sweet cakes filled with red bean paste.
Sweet Delights: A Taste of Japan
For non-Japanese readers, the idea of “cake” with “red bean paste” might sound unusual. But trust me, it’s a delightful combination! The bean paste is incredibly sweet with a slightly gritty texture. Inside the mild, sweet cake, it’s pure deliciousness! Almost every food stall sells these cakes, often shaped like the temple or a fish. But only a few make them fresh in front of you. Don’t miss out on the fresh ones! They’re super affordable and well worth experiencing.
Exploring the Temple: A Journey of Wonder
While most vendors don’t speak English, they’re all incredibly polite. Just be aware that some stalls don’t allow photos, so always ask politely if you want to snap a picture.
Sensoji Temple itself is truly awe-inspiring! It’s enormous! My camera lens struggled to capture the entire temple in a single shot. As you enter the second gate, you’re greeted by a raised, smoking pit. It’s believed to be a place for purification (I saw others doing it, so I gave it a try!). There’s also a spot for washing your hands, again for cleansing before entering the temple.
Moments of Serenity: Finding Peace Within
The temple has a stunning vaulted ceiling, and a special area for worshippers to pray. While you can’t take pictures here, the entire temple is open-air, so it made its way into some of my shots. Even though many people were chatting, it’s a good idea to keep your voice low to respect those who are praying.
Seeking Fortune: Unveiling the Future
One of my favorite parts of the temple was getting my fortune told! It’s a simple but fun experience. You pay 100 yen (about $1) to shake a box filled with wooden sticks. One stick pops out, and you match it to a numbered box. While the numbers were all in Japanese, a friendly couple helped me find the right box.
Don’t worry if you get a bad fortune like I did! It just means a little rough patch, right? Maybe 2017 will be my year!
Beyond the Temple: Exploring Asakusa’s Charm
Asakusa itself is a wonderful area to explore. The side streets are picture-perfect, and there are plenty of restaurants to try if you get hungry. Orange Street, just a short walk from Nakamise, has some cool boutiques. If you’re not into window shopping, simply hop back on the subway from Asakusa Station and head to another nearby hotspot. The Imperial Palace and gardens are just a few stops away, so that would be a great place to start!
A Must-Do for Every Tokyo Visitor
I won’t tell you how to spend your time in Tokyo, but if you don’t visit Sensoji Temple, you’re missing out! You can easily spend half a day exploring the temple and its surrounding streets without feeling rushed. Take your time and soak it all in!
Window Shopping: A Personal Preference
Are you a window shopper? I definitely am, but many of my friends aren’t. I find it surprising! I do get bored in sports stores though, so I can understand their perspective.
I can’t wait to share more of my Japan adventure with you! Stay tuned!
