Asakusa - Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is one of the oldest cities in the world but you will find most of the architecture is considered quite modern. This is because through natural disasters and war the city has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. However there are still aspects of traditional Japan scattered all across Tokyo. One of the most famous places where culture from the Edo Period (1603 - 1867) can still be recognised is Asakusa. Asakusa is extremely popular with visitors from across Japan and abroad. Asakusa Station is easy to get to accessible by the Tobu Skytree Line, the Toei Asakusa Line and the Tokyo Metro Giza Line.

Asakusa is a wonderful place to explore even if you are travelling alone. The last time I visited Asakusa I was waiting for a friend at the entrance to Senso-ji Temple and a Japanese couple around university aged asked if I would like a guided tour. Japanese people are extremely friendly and will go out of their way to make sure you are enjoying your time in their country. Oh and they are always eager to practice their English too!


The most famous landmark in Asakusa is Senso-ji Temple. Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple and was founded in 645. Every year around 30 million people from all across the world take the time to visit this ancient Buddhist Temple. Senso-ji Temple is also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple because it is dedicated to the God of Mercy and Compassion.

When you arrive at Senso-ji Temple you first pass through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) these lanterns are very famous and distinctly recognisable in Japanese culture. After Kaminarimon you enter Nakamise where there are various stalls selling a wide range of tradition Japanese omiage (souvenirs). Along Nakamise you can expect to find a little bit of everything such as clothing, food, toys and trinkets. Once you've finished looking through all the stalls you reach the steps to the main hall. If you wish to enter please be respectful as this is a place of worship.


Surrounding Senso-ji Temple there are beautiful gardens, statues and a five story pagoda. But if you continue past the grounds of Senso-ji Temple you are greeted by the bustling streets of Asakusa. These streets are an amazing place to wander around with lively restaurants, bars, and small shops. You can even see or enjoy a ride at Japan's oldest amusement park - Asakusa Hanayashiki. This area has a mixed atmosphere of animated Tokyo and a more historic neighbourhood therefore it allows visitors to completely immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

Heading in the opposite direction is the Sumida River. After only a short distance you will begin to see the Asahi Beer Hall and Tokyo Skytree. It's the perfect place to take a photograph you will see people stop and take out their cameras all along the bridge. I highly recommend continuing the walk over the bridge and visiting Tokyo Skytree in the same day. It is a lovely 20 minute walk with a whole bunch of quirky features along the way. However if walking isn't an option a train will get you there in half the time leaving Asakusa station every 10 minutes.

Before you leave Asakusa I highly recommend choosing your fortune (Omikuji).  It's a wonderful Japanese custom where you can randomly select a fortune after donating one coin. At Senso-ji Temple you shake a small box until a bamboo stick falls out. Written on the stick will be a number and you match it against the drawers and take out your fortune. The best part about experiencing this at Senso-ji Temple is because of the large volume of tourists the fortune is also translated into English - just like pictured below. Whereas at smaller temples the fortunes will only be written in complicated Japanese. This is because they are often read as poems. Also at other temples it may be slightly different as to how you receive your fortune. You might find boxes where after contributing your small fee you draw out a folded strip of paper and unfold it for your fortune. Omikuji range from a great blessing (大吉) to a great curse (大凶). I've never been very lucky when choosing my fortune as you can see below I received a bad fortune. This means that I tied my paper onto the poles and left my bad luck behind. If you are happy with the fortune you draw take it with you for goodluck.

kirsten