“Where the ancients whisper and the moderns wander.”
Asakusa
Asakusa is Tokyo’s nostalgic soul—an atmospheric district where the rhythms of old Edo still echo through the streets. It’s a place of lanterns and low-rise buildings, where the air feels slower and the architecture leans traditional. The neighborhood hums with the chatter of shopkeepers, the clatter of rickshaw wheels, and the scent of roasted tea and sweet batter drifting from storefronts. You’ll find narrow alleys lined with mom-and-pop shops, retro cafés, and storefronts that haven’t changed in decades.
The community here feels close-knit and proud, with generations of artisans, performers, and vendors keeping traditions alive. Language is often local, gestures are warm, and time seems to stretch—especially in the early morning when shutters roll open and the streets are washed in soft light. Asakusa isn’t just a place—it’s a mood. It invites you to wander, linger, and notice the small things: the way a curtain sways in the breeze, the sound of geta on pavement, the quiet dignity of a handwritten sign.
It’s Tokyo with its collar unbuttoned, its stories intact, and its heart on display.
Aksakusa Shrine
Founded in 1649, Asakusa Shrine stands as a rare architectural survivor, having emerged unscathed from the bombings of World War II with its original structure intact. Nestled in Tokyo’s storied Asakusa district, this revered Shinto shrine—also known as Sanja-sama, or the Shrine of the Three Gods—honors the three men credited with founding the neighboring Sensō-ji Temple: Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Matsuchi. Commissioned by Tokugawa Iemitsu during the Edo period, the shrine features the distinctive Gongen-zukuri style and remains one of the few untouched relics of the area’s pre-war spiritual landscape. Its proximity to Sensō-ji reflects the once-interwoven relationship between Shinto and Buddhism, which persisted until the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Today, Asakusa Shrine is best known for hosting the exuberant Sanja Matsuri each May—one of Tokyo’s largest and most spirited festivals, celebrating the enduring legacy of its three founding deities.
Hikan Inari-jinja Shrine
Hikan Inari-jinja Shrine, affectionately known as the Fox Temple, is a hidden gem nestled within the grounds of Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo. Established in 1855, its origin traces back to a heartfelt story: Shinmon Tatsugoro, the head of the Asakusa fire brigade, prayed at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha for his gravely ill wife. When she miraculously recovered, he enshrined a division of the deity in Asakusa as a gesture of gratitude.
The elegant building that has withstood both the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Bombing of Tokyo, making it a rare survivor of history.
Though small and easy to miss, Hikan Inari-jinja offers a tranquil, spiritually rich experience—perfect for those seeking quiet blessings, career luck, or simply a moment of peace amid Asakusa’s bustle.
The shrine honors Ukanomitama no Mikoto, the Shinto deity of grain, agriculture, and the performing arts.
Its signature charm lies in the pure white fox statues—messengers of Inari—symbolizing purity, protection, and good fortune.
Wow—at the corner of the shrine, rows of miniature bamboo torii gates are neatly displayed. Each gate stands as a token of gratitude, offered by devotees whose prayers were answered, returning to honor the shrine with their heartfelt tributes.
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, was founded in 645 AD, built to onor Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, whose statue was said to be miraculously discovered by 2 fishermen in the Sumida River in 628 AD. Though the original statue remains hidden from public view, it’s considered the spiritual heart of the temple.
The large incense burner (jokoro)at Sensoji Temple is thought to be over a century old, though its precise origins remain undocumented. For generations, it has stood as a central fixture in the temple’s spiritual landscape, quietly serving countless worshippers. While no official record confirms the exact date of its installation, its traditional design and longstanding presence suggest it has been part of the temple grounds since at least the early 1900s. Today, it remains a cherished symbol of Sensoji’s enduring rituals and atmosphere.
In this video, I captured a moment where devotees immersed themselves in clouds of incense smoke, gently fanning it toward their bodies with cupped hands. This ritual, commonly seen in Chinese temples as well, is believed to purify the spirit—each waft of smoke a symbolic cleansing.
Sensoji Hozomon
Hozomon is the imposing inner gate of Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, standing as both a symbolic and architectural threshold between the bustling Nakamise shopping street and the temple’s sacred inner grounds. Originally built in 942 AD and later reconstructed in 1636, the gate was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1964 using steel-reinforced concrete, a modern tribute to its enduring legacy. The name “Hōzōmon” means “Treasure-House Gate,” and its second story lives up to that title by housing valuable temple scriptures and artifacts.
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| This is the back view of the gate. |
Flanked by two fierce Niō guardian statues, the gate also features a massive red lantern and a pair of giant straw sandals (waraji)—symbols of protection and strength. Passing through Hōzōmon marks a shift from the lively energy of the marketplace to the solemn atmosphere of worship, making it one of the most photographed and spiritually resonant landmarks in Asakusa.
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| The front view of the gate, after I came out. |
Omikuji Fortune Telling Booths
These photos show traditional omikuji setups—where visitors pay 100 yen to draw a fortune slip. The process involves shaking a tube to get a numbered stick, then opening the matching drawer to retrieve your fortune. If the fortune is bad, it's custom to tie it at the shrine to leave the misfortune behind.
Each booth has its own style, but all reflect a beautiful blend of ritual, hope, and personal reflection in Japanese culture.
Nakamise Street
AKA Nakamise-dōri is a storied shopping street stretching roughly 250 meters, lined with 89 traditional stalls—54 on one side, 35 on the other—offering everything from senbei rice crackers and yokan sweets to matcha-flavored treats and charming souvenirs like folding fans, parasols, and woodblock postcards.
Though not officially part of Sensō-ji’s sacred grounds, it serves as the temple’s ceremonial approach, guiding visitors from the outer Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) to the inner Hōzōmon Gate, which leads to the main hall and pagoda.
Just as I was leaving Nakamise Street, something caught my eye and gently halted my stride. Before I knew it, my feet had turned and led me straight into the shop. To find it on Google Maps, simply enter “さくら浅草仲見世店” in the search bar.
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| Here is the clearer picture of the shopfront that I got from google |
Its offerings range from yuzu-flavored candies and honey teas to bath items and beautifully packaged souvenirs that blend traditional Japanese ingredients with a modern twist.
A quick look at my four yuzu-themed finds:
Yuzu Tea – A honeyed citrus concentrate from Kitagawa Village, perfect for soothing hot drinks.
Yuzu Non-Oil Dressing with Honey – Light and tangy, great for salads or grilled dishes.
All-Purpose Yuzu Pepper – Spicy and aromatic, ideal for meats, noodles, or hot pot.
Yuzu Salt – Bright and zesty, perfect for tempura, edamame, or even cocktails.
Kaminarimon
Just a few more steps, and you’ll arrive at the iconic Kaminarimon—the grand Thunder Gate that marks the threshold of the Sensō-ji compound. Whether you're beginning your journey into Tokyo’s oldest temple or wrapping up a stroll through Nakamise Street, Kaminarimon stands as both a gateway and a farewell, its towering lantern and fierce guardian statues welcoming pilgrims and bidding travelers goodbye. It’s more than a landmark—it’s a moment of transition, where the energy of the marketplace gives way to the serenity of sacred ground.
Asakusa Observation Deck
The Free Observation Deck at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets—an eighth-floor terrace with sweeping views of Asakusa’s historic skyline, and it won’t cost you a single yen.
Once the elevator opened its door at the top floor, I was greeted by a surprisingly peaceful open-air deck. From here, I can gaze down Nakamise-dori, spot the rooftops of Sensō-ji Temple, and catch a glimpse of the Tokyo Skytree rising in the distance. There’s even a café on the same floor, so you can sip a drink while soaking in the scenery.
The center itself offers multilingual support, free Wi-Fi, and travel info on lower floors, but the deck is the real gem. And because it’s not super high up, the view feels intimate—like part of the neighborhood, not just looking down on it. Whether you’re escaping the crowds or just want a quiet moment with a view, this spot delivers charm, calm, and a little bit of Tokyo magic.
Shin-Nakamise Street
Shin-Nakamise Street, officially Asakusa Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street, opened in the 1930s as a modern counterpart to historic Nakamise. Stretching 380 meters, it’s longer and fully covered—making it ideal in any weather. Unlike Nakamise’s temple-focused charm, Shin-Nakamise blends tradition with trend: wagashi shops, fashion outlets, cosmetics, and street food all coexist here. With around 120 shops across five zones, it offers a more local, practical vibe and is often less crowded. Its quirky mascot, Asakusa Shin Nyaka, even greets shoppers on Fridays. For vibrant storefronts and a glimpse of everyday Tokyo, it’s a worthy photo stop.
Aksakusa Rox Complex
At the end of my stroll in Shin Nakamise Street, I found myself at Asakusa Rox—a multi-building shopping and entertainment complex that anchors the Rokku district with style and convenience. Rox 3G was my first stop, where GU and Fashion Center Shimamura caught my eye and slowed my pace. I spent some quality time browsing racks and grabbing goodies, from trendy basics to cozy seasonal finds.
With my hands full and my senses overwhelmed by everything I saw, I completely forgot to take any photos—so the three images below are sourced from the internet
Then came Rox 1, the heart of the complex and a paradise for my favorite brands. With my YouTrip card in hand, I made repeat appearances at the cashiers of Coca, Muji, 3Coins, Daiso, and more—each swipe a small celebration of practical design and playful discovery. Rox 1 spans nine floors above ground and three basement levels, offering everything from fashion boutiques and lifestyle stores to a 24-hour supermarket and even a public bath (Rox Matsuri-yu) for those seeking a relaxing soak after shopping.
PS: The entire Rox complex includes Rox 1, Rox 2G, Rox 3G, and Rox Dome, each with its own flavor. Rox 2G and 3G lean toward dining and casual fashion, while Rox Dome adds entertainment options like arcades and events.
Immersed in the experience and distracted by the vibrant surroundings, I missed my chance to photograph the interior—only managing one shot of the outside.
Hoshino Coffee
Founded in 2011, Hoshino Coffee quickly became known for its kissaten-inspired ambiance and meticulous hand-drip brewing method. The Asakusa location continues this tradition, offering a cozy retreat from the bustle of Nakamise Street and Sensō-ji Temple. The star of the coffee menu is undoubtedly the Hoshino Blend, a deep, full-bodied roast with a velvety finish—perfect for pairing with their famous desserts.
The decor at Hoshino Coffee Asakusa evokes a nostalgic elegance: dark wood paneling, antique-style clocks, tufted leather seating, and soft lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both timeless and distinctly Japanese. It’s a space designed for lingering—whether you’re catching up with friends or savoring a quiet moment alone.
Don Quijote Asakusa
Don Quijote Asakusa is a lively, multi-story discount haven that never sleeps—open 24 hours and adored by both locals and tourists. Spanning seven bustling floors, it’s crammed from top to bottom with an eclectic array of goods: from snacks and cosmetics to electronics, cosplay gear, home essentials, fashion finds, and even luxury surprises. Okay, sorry again… limited photos—my hands were juggling goodies and my senses too dazzled to reach for the camera.
And just like that, we’ve arrived at the final stop on this blog journey—thank you so much for walking alongside me through every story, snapshot, and sensory moment. If you’d like to continue exploring, I’ve gathered links to my other posts from this trip below. Each one offers a different glimpse into the places, flavors, and feelings that made this adventure unforgettable:
In the meantime, I’d love to share a few reflections from our earlier journeys through Japan. Below you’ll find links to blog posts from past trips—each one capturing a different slice of the country’s charm, from quiet shrines to bustling street corners.
It would mean so much if you had a moment to dive into a few more of the unforgettable adventures we've shared. Each one holds its own story, waiting to be rediscovered.
You're warmly invited to explore my other travel blogs, featuring adventures across France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and even a few unforgettable cruises.
Our upcoming travel adventures will take us to the vibrant landscapes of China and the captivating charm of Taiwan. We’ll be sharing stories, sights, and discoveries from both destinations very soon—so stay tuned and journey with us!
To stay connected and catch the latest updates, feel free to follow me on social media: Facebook page: followblueginger, Instagram page : followblueginger , TikTok page: bluegingerkaren and Tumblr page :followblueginger.
Thanks for being part of the journey!
"I travel because seeing photos in books and brochures was not good enough for me, To be there, that was everything"
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