Asakusa Shrine

Whenever I’m asked where to go in Tokyo, Asakusa is always included in my suggestions of places to go.
This was also one of the places where my co-​worker took me on my first trip in Japan and I remember I was in awe with the place. I was buying stuff left and right. Of course it’s a tourist trap but hey is it not why we travel :).
Food, present, trinkets in all sort of shape in sizes can be found here as you walk your way to the shrine.
It’s a really amazing place. Always crowded and bustling with people both local and foreigners.
If it’s your first time in Japan or want to just join the crowd then this is the place to go.

[my 300^th review– thought I’d never get here]
I’m sure if I learned more of the history of this shrine, I would be more excited or find it more captivating. But it is very hard to feel like you’re at an historical landmark when there are hordes of people who don’t care for the actual religious rites. Though I am not a Buddhist, I tried to partake in the rituals: ringing the prayer bell, fanning of the incense smoke, and the water cleansing, which you will find at all the Japanese shrines.
The road leading to the large lantern is comprised of a ton of souvenir shops; this really killed it for me. Stalls upon stalls selling almost the same stuff can get tiring. It was a bombardment of sorts. What was worse: even though everyone was selling at almost exactly the same prices, haggling was heavily frowned upon; they literally didn’t care if they lost customers because they knew a new horde would be arriving soon. For better deals in the immediate area, aim for the side alleys.
I got a heavy dose of attitude when I tried to bargain since I was planning to buy 7 souvenirs. The lady just rudely X’d me (made a dumb ass X gesture with her arms; don’t say I didn’t warn you about it) and walked away. It was quite lovely. I doubt she was a devout Buddhist with those ice daggers flying my way.
The giant red lanterns offer great photo ops, but most of the photo ops come with at least a 100 people in the background. If you’re serious about that shot, your best bet would be at night when the crowd has dispersed.

Very busy place to visit. Bring a large bag or a luggage if you want to buy souvenirs at the Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street prior to seeing the shrine. There are many stalls to buy things. Eat snacks along the way too.
The shrine itself was pretty.

Some people came for the shrine. We came for the food and shops. Lots of stalls to go through. Lots of snacks to try. All good and fun.
This place gets super busy and crowded, though.

One of my favourite tourist attractions in Tokyo! If you are into Japanese culture?, This is a must for you. Located at the popular Asakusa district, going in the day time you will be facing the crowd in this exciting part of the city. Both tourists and locals mingle around, enjoying the day’s event with performance.
What I like is the food stalls that sell delicious local food and even though language is a problem, but we had no problem communicating with one another using the popular hand signs! Furthermore, one of the stall owners even went all the way to explain in mixed Japanese and English about the local dish I was eating — that’s great service!
Lots of shops that sell antique, biscuits and cookies, goodies for the loved ones back home, its definitely a place to come to as it relaxes your mind and even meet new friends if you are lucky enough. There is an amusement park nearby so you can make your way there from here.
Don’t forget to visit the Sensoji Temple which is main attraction over here! One of the oldest temple in Japan that is certainly worth visiting.
Enjoy!

This place is a great addition to your sightseeing adventure in Tokyo. IMHO I would recommend coming here just for the experience and the ability to photograph as this shrine is extremely photogenic. As you walk into Asakusa, you know that you’re in for something special. But once you see the gate to the shrine, out comes the camera and you go to work. The cool thing about this shrine in particular is the abundance of shopping that is right after the gates. There a ton of little shops where you can buy an assortment of Japanese trinkets as well as some awesome and unique breads and cookies. I have been to Japan several times throughout the years and I still try to find some time to visit this shrine as it tends to relax me. Highly recommend this place to visit.

Of all the places I visited in Tokyo, by far this is my favorite. Passing the Thunder Gate of Sensō-​ji (i.e. KaminariMon) with the red lantern gate was an excellent cultural experience to wrap up my trip.
I am a huge shopper and I love people and being in the oldest lively shopping arcade inJapan (i.e: Nakamise Street) was just fascinating. I was so amazed with all the local crafts, traditional sweets/​delicacies and unique Japanese souvenirs, which I did find cheaper than other places in Tokyo! The atmosphere just creates an exciting experience. Everything is cheap and reasonable in this colorful market. Tip: Try the Senbei rice crackers, so yummmmmmy.
I bought a vintage Kimono, which I really enjoyed and I learned that I should always wrap it left to right so as no to be taken for a dead person !!! Also, I bought a Yukata and that is a summer kimono for men and women and man I love to wear it at home as a robe.
Not to forget that Asakusa shrine is famous for the Sensoji Temple (i.e. Asakusa Kannon) which is also the oldest temple in Tokyo. What a touch of an awesome and exiting powerful art.
Four and half Unilocal

In my opinion, I think the Asakusa Shrine is just a side attraction to Nakamise Shopping Street and the Senjoji Temple. The shrine was located to the side of the temple and paled in comparison to the magnificence of the temple. But obviously, if you’re visiting Asakusa, the Senjoji Temple is a must and the Asakusa Shrine is right next door. So it doesn’t hurt to see that as well.

This temple thing is pretty cool (and culturally invigorating) especially since a lot of the people are tourists rather than practicing Buddhists. There are a lot of pretty lanterns (and a huge lantern at one of the gates) and a lot of food nearby and you can just eat under the shade of the trees and watch the hordes of people taking pictures, talking, eating, etc. Also check out the market with all the little shops between the two gates! So much food/​souvenirs/​toys etc. It is really crowded though so unless it’s something you really want to see, maybe skip this if you’re not up for claustrophobia.