 | Tokyo Asakusa Reviews | Tips 41 - 50 of 129 |  |
Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest temple, it's dedicated to Kannon, buddhist Goddess of mercy, the legend says 2 fishermen pulled up a golden statue of Kannon from the sea and the temple was founded in 7th century. This sacred statue is still housed in the temple, but unfortunately you cant see it-it's preserved inside of 3 boxes and never on display, but people is paying their respect to it anyway.
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It seems like a study in abstract. From the Sumida River, this gold tower with a worm-like monument in front of it will surely catch your attention. It's the Asahi Beer Tower and Asahi Super Dry Hall with its characteristic Flamme d'Or. Built in 1989, it serves as the headquarters of Asahi Breweries. Looking for a place to grab a bite? There are several restaurants there. Leave a Comment
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The main focal point of Asakusa is Senso-ji Temple . Located just a short walk from the subway (Ginza Line) and its surrounds are well worth a visit during your stay in Tokyo. The shops found along Nakamise Dori , which runs from the spectacular Kaminarimon Gate to the Temple itself, are a a great place to shop for Japanese souvenirs. There is a tourist information center located opposite Kaminarimon Gate.
Asakusa was traditionally the entertainment center of Tokyo however after being burned to the ground twice (Great Kanto Eartquake and World War Two) it has become a more relaxed part of town. Leave a Comment Directions: You can reach Asakusa on the Ginza Subway Line and TOEI Asakusa Line by train. There is also a quaint river cruise down the Sumida River that ends and departs near Azumabashi Bridge.
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Nakamise is shopping street of over 200 meters just behind the Sensoji Temple. You can shop for souvenirs here and also try some of their local snacks.
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The original main hall was built around 645 to commemorate a small buddhist statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kannon, which was found in a river nearby. But that building was destroyed and the present identical main hall is quite new (from 1958). Don't expect to see the statue, I don't think anyone has ever seen it.
People come here to pray for healing and to inhale the insence smoke for good luck. There's also a five storey pagoda. A shinto shrine for the two fishermen who found the little statue is located next to the main hall. You need to purify yourself by washing your hands and mouth before approaching the Gods. Leave a Comment
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it's said if anything remains from old Tokyo Asakusa is it-with it's oldest and most popular shrine (Sensoji), women in kimono, small residential homes, markets, traditional shops, restaurants..
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This is a great place to shop!! you can find a lot of japanese stuff to take home, since a key-ring to a kimono. The prices are ok compared with what you can find on the street. This is a shoppers' paradise!!! Leave a Comment
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Once upon a time, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the boddhisattva of mercy, out of the Sumida River in Tokyo. They tried to throw it back to the rive but somehow, it always returned to them. Finally, the two brothers decided to build a temple to house the statue. The temple was finished in 645.Today, the Sensoji Temple claims the oldest temple title in Tokyo.
It's a major tourist spot, not only because of the Sensoji but there are many other things to see and do in the area like visiting the Shinto shrines nearby, an amusement park or the souvenir market.
To reach the SEnsoji, you will enter through Kaminarimon, aso called the Thunder gate. You will then pass through a shopping street called Nakamiseto reach the main hall of the Sensoji.
Beyond the Hozomon main gate stands the temple's main building and a five storied pagoda. To the left of the main hall stands a five storey pagoda.
Inside the main hall, you can buy several Buddhist religious items and goodluck charms or get your fortune. YOu need somebody who can read Japanese though. Leave a Comment
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Right down the centre of Nakamise Dori, you'd see the impressive Sensoji Shrine.
There's a big courtyard flanked by small buildings on both sides that lead up to the shrine. What these buildings hold are numbered boxes -- more like pigeon hole drawers. What are these for?
Observe what the people do...
First, drop in 100 yen into the slot at the table counter under the boxes/drawers. This is the fee you pay to have your try at fortune telling.
Next, pick up the silver metallic box that's on the counter. You'd see that there's a small hole on top of it.
Shake it as vigorously or as gently as you wish and tip it over so that a bamboo stick falls out of it.
On the stick, you will see a number has been inscribed on it. It's in Japanese but don't worry -- just match it to the symbol you see labelled on the box/drawer. It shouldn't be too difficult.
Next, open the drawer and pull out a sheet with your fortune on it.
Read it -- :) if it's good, keep the paper.
If it's not good -- just fold it lengthwise and tie it to the metal stand you see that's already filled with a couple of these...
The belief is that the wind will blow your bad luck away! :) Leave a Comment
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Nakamise means "inside shops", vendors were selling here since late 17th century, it's lined on both sides and multiple stalls are following each other, it's said some of them are owned my same families generation by generation. But surprisingly enough not that many religious artifacts to be found here, mostly they sell sweets, umbrellas, dolls, fans, masks..and i would say if the aim of your visit to Asakusa is Sensoji Temple it will be pretty hard not to be distracted by all these goods laying on both sides on your way to it:)
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