This year we went back again to the Asakusa area to visit the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Sensoji Temple (浅草寺). It’s also a symbol of Asakusa, which is commonly known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. A lot of visitors, both local and tourists come to this place to worshipping and praying, but most of them also enjoy snacking and shopping in small shops, just like us! Ha-ha.. Once we reached this place, we enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) where there’s a giant lantern hanging on the gate. It’s beautiful!
Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate)
Visitors can also take a traditional rickshaw ride (Jinrikisha: hand-pulled rickshaw) when in Asakusa, Tokyo. When you exit from the Asakusa Station, you will notice there are lots of rickshaw men crowded together to attract passengers. Some of them understand English, and they’re ready with a list of prices and tour packages as well.
Rickshaw rides lined up outside Asakusa Station
After crossing the Kaminarimon Gate, we walked through Nakamise Street. It’s a shopping street that consists of more than 90 small shops that sells a lot of cute Japanese souvenirs, ranging from Kimono, samurai, key chains, Japanese hats, umbrella, cloth, and more. I remember there was a shop that rents kimono with a wide variety of attractive patterns. I thought it’s a good idea to have a picture of myself wearing a kimono, but I did not do it. Ha-ha.. Well, you know! I’m more interested in trying the green tea ice cream and pancakes in the shop next door.
Nakamise Shopping Street
The Nakamise Street leads up to the Sensoji Temple. It’s a popular temple in Tokyo, built in the 7th century and is considered as the oldest temple. So, we are here again, yay! Psst, please note that the Sensoji Temple open only from 6 am until 17:00. While shops along the Nakamise Street is open every day from 9:00 until 19:00.
Yay! We’re here back again to Sensoji Temple
Aha! So, this was the refreshment that I talked about above. Yes! Nakamise Street is not only full of souvenir shops, but also lots of Japanese snacks, drinks, and desserts. There was a long queue at the ice-cream shop, and we were tempted to try it. I chose the Vanilla ice cream mixed with Green Tea (Macha) ice cream, and it tasted so refreshing. The warm pancake that is filled with sweet red bean and matcha ice cream, also tasted delicious. You should give it a try!
Matcha mix Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream – 300 JPY
Sweet Red Bean and Matcha Ice Cream Pancake – 240 JPY
Of course! We started hunting souvenirs right after we reached the Sensoji Temple. Ranging from key chains, to the frilly umbrella to take home. In my opinion, the souvenirs that we bought here can be found cheaper or reasonably priced than in other Japanese towns. But, maybe not all of them. However, it was an enjoyable experience for all of us. If you happen to be in Tokyo, don’t forget to visit the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa area. Happy shopping! 🙂
Oh!! I almost forgot! I just found some pictures from our trip last year, July 27, 2014, to Asakusa, Tokyo. Don’t forget to try the authentic Japanese snack called Fried Manju in Nakamise Street, Asakusa. Many flavors are available, and we enjoyed the one that filled with sweet red bean paste. It’s served warm, deep fried and coated with tempura-like batter, so yummy!
Fried Manju with Sweet Red Bean Paste at Asakusa
We took some pictures with the Tokyo Sky Tree Tower, one of Tokyo‘s famous icons located nearby with Asakusa. And we also went to Asakusa Don-Quijote, which has a theater look alike from the outside. It’s a convenient place where you can buy souvenirs, cosmetics, toiletries, etc. You should visit these places too!
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August 12, 2016
I really like the Senso-ji in Asakusa. But the problem is there are too many tourists… But sometimes at night there are less people so it’s better to take pictures.