Asakusa (浅草) has the most famous temple in all of Tokyo, but Asakusa's attraction is not only the temple. The temple is also surrounded by shops, restaurants and there are other attractions nearby. Please take the time to enjoy is bustling downtown area.


Sensoji Temple（浅草寺）




30 million people visit this temple every year and its history dates back to about 1300 years ago. Two fishermen accidentally netted a golden statue of the Kannon Bodhisattva at 7th century. After finding it, Sensoji temple was built immediately to house this priceless item. The Kannnon has the great power to give people advice and help, which is why Sensoji Temple to a popular place to say prayers and pay respects.



Kaminarimon gate(Thunder gate　雷門)





Kaminarimon means "Thunder gate" and isn't the only the symbol of Sensoji Temple but also a famed Asakusa landmark. You can see two powerful Guardian Gods, the wind god and thunder God.



Nakamise shopping street（仲見世）




Nakamise shopping street is 205 meters long and has 89 long-time-business-history shops. You can buy nice gifts and souvenirs for yourself and friends.



Five story Pagoda（五重塔）

five story pagoda


It's five stories tall and is said that at the top are the ashes of Gautama Buddha. Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism in India and each roof has its elemental meaning, such as earth, water, fire, wind and air.



Incense burner




People offer sticks of incense and are purified and healed by the vapors. To take in the healing powers of the incense you must cup your hands and move the smoke towards your head or any other parts of your body that is ailing you. It will surely be cured.



Temizuya(手水舎)




After purifying yourselves at the washbasin, enter into the main hall of Sensoji Temple. Please follow these steps on how to properly purify yourself.
1: First, scoop up some water with the ladle.
2: Next, wash your left hand and then your right hand.
3: Then, scoop up another cup of fresh water, make a cup with your left hand and pour the water into your left hand.
4: Then, then rinse your mouth, but please don't drink the water.
5: Finally, the water left in the ladle is used to clean the handle for the next person.



Main hall




The stature of Kannnon Bodhisattva found near the Sumida river is enshrined inside the Main hall and it's a hidden Buddha, so you are not allowed to look upon it because it's a holy item.



Asakusa Jinja shrine(浅草神社)


Asakusa jinja shrine


The Asakusa shrine is dedicated to the three people, the fishermen brothers and their master. The Sanja festival is held every May and portable shrines called Mikoshi are carried on the shoulders of the Asakusa people. This festival is one of the three most popular festivals in Tokyo.



Omikuji(おみくじ fortune-telling)




Omikuji are fortunes which are written on slips of paper and the written fortunes are grades as so, excellent fortune, good fortune, so-so fortune and bad fortune. In case you receive a bad fortune, please don't worry. You can fold the paper and there is a special place you can tie it to get rid of the bad fortune.



Kappabashi wholesale street(合羽橋)




Kappabashi, a wholesale steet is located near Sensoji Temple. This street has over 150 stores and it's a place where you can find everything to decorate your kitchen. Also you don't have to buy in bulk and is famous place to see fake food samples.



Tokyo SKYTREE




Tokyo SkyTree is the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower and opened in May,2012. Named after Musashi, the old name of the Tokyo region, it's about 634 meters tall.

================================
There are many more things to do in Asakusa. If you are interested, let us know. We also have a 1-hour Asakusa walking tour!