Exploring Asakusa: Senso-Ji Temple
It's no secret, I visited my fair share of temples while I was in Japan. Some days, I felt like that was the only thing we did, but there was simply so much to see! As we approached Senso-Ji, I was absolutely awestruck. From the vibrant colors, the blossoming sakura and the clamoring of the crowds, these picturesque scenes were like no other.
According to legend, two brothers found a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the Sumida river. Every time they went to place the statue back, it would always return to them. Recognizing the sanctity of this statue, the chief of the village enshrined the idol by remodeling his own house allowing all of the villagers a chance to worship. Who would have imagined that it would evolve into this?
Nakamise
Once you enter through Kaminaarimon, you may notice hordes of people gathered along the street. This area, commonly known as Nakamise, is the perfect place to purchase classic Japanese souvenirs like spinning tops, Kokeshsi dolls, folding fans and omamori (Japanese charms). Once you've fulfilled your gift list for friends and family, make sure you spend some time wandering through the booths and treat yourself to an ice cream or typical Japanese street food. You can find some real gems buried among the booths.
Below are a few of the images I captured while wandering through Senso-ji. We spent several hours wandering through the temple and the gardens capturing shots a sunset. In my opinion, it was one of the best times to go. The area closes down relatively early but if you've worked up an appetite from exploring, there are several izakaya and yakatori options nearby.
Until Next Time!