Yusukes
It is true choice to go round the Asakusa area if you stay at hotels in Tokyo. Many people seem they don’t want to waste any time but they wonder what to do on their arrival day. “I have more than a half day but can’t have far to go, so I decide to relax at the hotel.” That will be not so bad, however, what if there are a number of attractive spots, tasty foods and exciting activities nearby? Only 3 or 4 hours will satisfy you!
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple is also called Asakusa Kannon. According to website of Sensoji, a renowned Buddhist priest visited Asakusa and built Kannon Hall in 645. Asakusa used to be only a fishing village, but the district thrived because of the number of people who arrived to worship increasing. The temple was provided with generous support by the Shogun of the Kamakura period (1192–1333) and the Tokugawa Shogun (Ieyasu) of the Edo period (1603–1867.) So, the temple flourished and was looked on as the center of the Edo (Original Tokyo) Culture.
That’s why it can be said that Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and it’s one of the reasons 30 million visitors are drawn there every year.
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Kaminarimon Gate
Once you get to Asakusa Station, what you should head for is Sensoji Temple. It is mostly famous for its main Kaminarimon Gate and the giant lantern hanging. The best place to take a picture is in front of it.
Nakamise Shopping Street
Beyond the Kaminarimon Gate, the main street Nakamise Shopping Street stretches to the Sensoji Temple. Many stores sell Japanese souvenirs and portable snacks along both sides of the street.
Sensoji Temple
Finally, you find the temple beyond another biggest gate waiting for you at the end of the street.
It is not enough to just feel the majesty of the temple. Here is the introduction for you to worship as if you were Japanese.
Wash your hands
At first, you wash your left hand with the scoop and right hand and then, rinse your mouth. It finish washing handle of it with the same water.
2. Touch the incense smoke
The smoke is said it makes a part of your body which is wrong or injuried better, so draw it toward the part by waving your hand.
3. Pray
Stand in line firstly, if there is a line and wait for your turn. Now your turn comes, throw the money (it doesn’t matter how much it is) in the offertory box before you pray with your hands clasped.
That is it, but there are more attractions if you want.
4. Read your fortune by OMIKUJI
・Insert a JPY100 coin into the table
・While praying for your wish, shake the box politely a few times. A stick marked fortune number will come out
・Make sure your number and put the stick back.
・Take out a sheet of OMIKUJI from the drawer of your number, and take it home
This is written in Japanese and English. When you draw good fortune, you should not be careless and arrogant. Even if bad fortune, have no fear. Try to be modest and gentle. And it is recommended to fasten the OMIKUJI sheet which is Bad Fortune here.
5. Get an OMAMORI charm
Omamori is a kind of lucky charms and people believe it brings you good fortune. You can purchase it for from JPY500.
If you have time, I strongly recommend to visit Tokyo SKYTREE Town. As you may know, Tokyo Skytree is the 2nd highest building in the world. So it is worthy of seeing the scenery from the high point at least once. Additionally, you can enjoy shopping, Japanese foods, and other attractions like aquarium and planetarium.
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