Excellent the asakusa richmond is a great home base for traveling within tokyo. Sensoji temple the heart of asakusa sensoji temple in asakusa is the oldest and most famous temple in tokyo with a history going back 1,400 years. The yogodo is also where i bought my first goshuincho. I also really enjoy sumida park, named after the river. In the city center, asakusa view hotel is in tokyos taito neighborhood, an area with good airport proximity and shopping. Opened in 2017, apa hotel asakusa kaminarimon is located a 2minute walk from asakusa station. Sensoji temple is considered as the oldest temple in tokyo and one of the most important landmarks of asakusa. There is the kaminarimon, the first of two large entrance gates leading to sensoji, built more than years ago, that is a symbol of asakusa sensoji is asakusas main attraction and is a very popular buddhist temple. This article will introduce you to a very unique view of sensoji at night. Asakusa, its history it is believed that in the 7th century, fishermen brothers scooped up a kannon statue in a fishnet. Other options are to take the eponymous toei asakusa linea18, which carves a path through eastern and southern tokyo, or by taking the toei oedo line to the kuramae statione11, or by using the tobuisesaki line. A great place to visit if youre not heading to kyoto.
Book and bed tokyo asakusa is located in tokyo, 12 feet from sensoji temple. That day, it was late in the afternoon after our visit to tokyo skytree and our guide knew that the main shrine in sensoji would already be closed, but she asked us anyway if we wanted to pass by right before we headed off to dinner, and we decided to just go for it. Book the 2hour or 3hour tour options and you will also see the sensoji temple, while guests on the 3hour option can choose a memorial gift of a special hello kitty doll. The brother decided to enshrine the statue and then sensoji temple was built by local peoples to worship the statue. Nov 05, 2019 sensoji draws thousands to pray for good fortune, and is often a background feature in comedic anime, manga, and dramas. Sensoji temple is quite unlike anything else in the cityand as one of tokyos most popular attractions, its included in many city sightseeing tours that may also visit the tokyo skytree, tokyo tower, imperial palace plaza, the tsukiji fish market, and the nakamisedori. While it might seem hard fathom at first, the relationship between japans native religion, shinto, and the imported buddhism, is very syncretic, so having these two structures side by. Described below are some notable annual events at sensoji and asakusa shrine. Asakusa is best known for its famous sensoji temple. Sensoji temple in asakusa tokyo japan web magazine. The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva kannon goddess of mercy and compassion.
Once you reach asakusa, go visit asakusa culture tourist information center for tourism information. Lying along the sumida river, asakusa is in the heart of tokyos shitamachi. Dec 18, 2019 book discount tickets to tokyo skytree. Take this opportunity to find souvenirs or tasty treats while weaving through the busy shops. Asakusa sensoji temple and nakamise shopping street. Jan 16, 2020 asakusa is considered the old town tokyo and sensoji is definitely a landmark of this rustic, traditional japanese town. Asakusa is one of the best tourist spots here in japan. Admire the beautiful asakusa shrine next to the citys oldest temple, and experience the everyday street life en route to the famous shoe shopping district of hanakawado. Sensoji temple, the oldest temple in tokyo, draws visitors from around the world to admire its lavish main hall and imposing gates. It is unfailingly on any travel guide list, and deservedly so. Asakusa is a hub of traditional japanese cultural festivities.
Book and bed tokyo asakusa is located in tokyo, 1,300 feet from sensoji temple. Previously on sekai ichi, i made a brief stop in the asakusa district, walking up from the kaminarimon gate to the main hall of sensoji, sensoji temple. Sensoji, the heart and soul of asakusa the origin of this striking temple is the stuff of legend. For most people traveling in japan, at least one day is spent visiting sensoji temple and looking for fun things to do in asakusa, tokyo. Off to the right of sensoji temple, you will notice a tall torii shrine gate and long pathway this is the entranceway to sensojis neighbor, asakusa shrine. This sidetrip to sensoji temple in asakusa wasnt technically in our itinerary. Experience the illuminated sensoji temple as well as the unique street art that can be seen only at night on nakamisedori. Ive chosen to focus on this one to deal with the famous and heavily visited tokyo district, which ive never been able to enjoy as much as others eg the west of the capital. Fun things to do in asakusa with kids tokyo travel blog. Asakusa is rich in culture and one of the capitals most important historical places. Even those with little interest in religious architecture should include this top sight on their tokyo itinerary. Available on select highlights of japan tours and guided japan cherry blossom tours located in asakusa is sensoji temple, also known as asakusa kannon temple, the oldest and most popular japanese temple in tokyo. Sensoji, sensoji, also known as asakusa kannon temple is a buddhist temple located in asakusa.
Oct 11, 2019 for most people traveling in japan, at least one day is spent visiting sensoji temple and looking for fun things to do in asakusa, tokyo. Book and bed tokyo asakusa, tokyo updated 2020 prices. It is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities in the world because i love the way tradition and modernity intertwine in tokyo. Ultimate guide of sensoji temple in asakusa japan web magazine. Get off at asakusa on the ginza metro line last stop. Offthe beatenpath spotsbest hidden gems in asakusajwwebmagazine.
But we know you want to get off the beaten track and discover hidden spots and tasty treats that most tourists will never find. Sensoji temple is the oldest temple and one of the most visited tourist spots in tokyo. It is also best to visit the temple during festivals and other seasonal events. The kaminarimon gate marks the entrance to sensoji temple in asakusa. The following is a suggested half day itinerary for medium paced travelers of tokyo s touristy, yet historic asakusa district, home of sensoji temple. Asakusa shrine is a shinto shrine located in the asakusa district of tokyo, japan. The story goes that all the way back in 628, two fisherman brothers pulled a statue of kannon, the buddhist goddess of mercy, from the sumidagawa river. It is one of tokyos most colorful and popular temples the legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the sumida river, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Completed in 645 ce, sensoji temple holds the status of being the oldest temple in tokyo.
Sensoji temple in asakusa is just a 15minute train ride from tokyo station 20 from. Sensoji by night experience the famous temple in a. From japans oldest temple sensoji to asakusas landmark raimon gate, the area. Along one of the walls in the cafe is a bookshelf lined with books. Check out an event or a game at tokyo dome, and consider making time for ueno zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flatscreen tv, desk, refrigerator and electric kettle. Sensoji temple in asakusa is just a 15minute train ride from tokyo station 20 from shinjuku, 30 from shibuya or just 5 from akihabaraheres what to know and how to explore the place. Sensoji sensoji is an ancient buddhist temple located in tokyos cultural capital, asakusa. Interestingly, asakusa hosts its buddhist temple, sensoji, and shinto shrine side by side on the same ground. Sensoji temple and tokyo sky tree are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit lalaport toyosu mall and tokyo solamachi. When passing through the tori gate, be sure to walk on either the left or right side to walk with the god as the middle is the gods path. Nothing was too much trouble and she was kind enough to accommodate all our needs stopping off at markets along the way, translating, photos, directions. Asakusa travel guide video i had less than 24 hours to find 14 best things to do in asakusa do, see and eat in asakusa.
Enter through the imposing thunder gate and walk the shopping street, lined with about 90 food and souvenir shops and dating back. Off the beaten path this article is based on a visit made on november 2016. Marion, our tour guide was so knowledgeable and such a fantastic guide. Whether its experiencing bartering for lucky rakes during the torinoichi, seeing the portable shrines of the sanja matsuri shaken through the backstreets and alleyways, or experiencing the golden dragon dance at sensoji temple, asakusa consistently offers glimpses into its. The japanese people who visit sensoji for the new years dont mind the crowds, often enjoying the time spent with family members at the expansive temple. Book your asakusa shrine tickets online and skiptheline. The markets around sensoji and asakusa are really nice too. With that said, it is highly recommended that you add it to your itinerary if you are planning to go to asakusa in the future.
Being one of tokyos oldest neighbourhoods, its almost no question what things to do in asakusa. Its an easy 2025 minute walk from asakusa sensoji temple, across the kototoi bridge over the sumida river, to tokyo skytree. Where is book and bed tokyo asakusa hostel located. Book and bed tokyo asakusa hostel is located at 2169 6f, kaminarimon, taitoku in taito, 2. You can buy some traditional japanese souvenirs at nakamise shopping street and have japanese cuisines in asakusa. As well as guidance in japanese,english,chinese and korean, they offer free wifi and use of internet pc. Sensoji temple has seared its impression on locals and tourists alike, and its imposing kaminarimon gate serves as one of the most prominent images of the country. Id like to guide all things to do at sensoji temple in the old town asakusa. Sensoji temple is a 0yearold structure, dating back to the 7 th century even though the current temple was mostly reconstructed after world war ii. In this post, i will show you how to access to asakusa from major stations in tokyo by jr pass. While there are certainly more than 14 things to do in asakusa, these are what i found the easiest to get around on foot. Asakusa taito 2020 all you need to know before you go. Sky hop opentop double decker sightseeing bus you can hop in and off at several tourist sites in tokyo. Not only is sensoji tokyos oldest temple, it is one of the most significant.
However, asakusa isnt limited to sensoji temple and other attractions are there to capture your attention, such as asahi beer museum and golden flame sculpture designed by philippe starck. Asakusa is the terminus of the metro ginza line g19, which is the best way to get into the area, perhaps by connecting from the yamanote line at ueno. Asakusa is considered the old town tokyo and sensoji is definitely a landmark of this rustic. Visiting sensoji temple should be your first thing to do in asakusa. The temple grounds contain an independent buddhist temple and a shinto shrine. Sensoji is the closest landmark to book and bed tokyo asakusa hostel. In spring, sumida park is a popular spot for viewing the pretty sakura blossoms. Every guide book and checklist will tell you that the asakusa area is a must see. One of those unmissable things to do in asakusa tokyo, japan some posts on this site contain affiliate links. Apr 15, 20 a great place to visit if youre not heading to kyoto. Kaminarimon at sensoji temple is a 2minute walk from apa hotel asakusa kaminarimon.
Learn the history of the area while trying snacks, sweets and having a local seasonal lunch. This itinerary can be extended with a few additions or combined with odaiba into a full day plan. Sensoji draws thousands to pray for good fortune, and is often a background feature in comedic anime, manga, and dramas. But if you access from downtown core of tokyo, such as tokyo or shinjuku station, jr pass does not cover the access to asakusa because jr does not have a station in asakusa. If you want to, your guide can show you how to offer prayers and draw fortune slips called omikuji. Near sensoji temple asakusa station lilia401 apartment tokyo. Tokyo skytree observation decks are open from 8am to 10pm daily. Asakusa japan visit sensoji temple, the oldest temple in.
There are actually plenty of buildings which make up the sensoji complex. The temple was built on a safe plateau where local people used as an evacuation zone. This colorful buddhist temple, known for its entrancing festivals and traditional artistic features, is considered a mustsee on any visit to tokyo city. Asakusa and tokyo skytree barrierfree tour accessible japan. This temple is dedicated to kannon, the buddhist goddess of mercy, and it is incredibly popular with millions of people visiting every year. Sensoji temple was the reason the insignificant village of asakusa became a town. Unforgettable asakusa and sensoji tour wlunch in tokyo, japan. If you book or buy something through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you read our privacy policy for more information. Book and bed tokyo asakusa is located in tokyo, 450 yards from sensoji temple. You can buy incense and other offerings in prayer too.
Nakamise shopping street, the area surrounding the temple and its fivestory pagoda, has been a tourist favorite for many years and is often ranked within the top 30 tripadvisor destinations. It is famous among tourists and locals alike for sensoji, the most visited temple in tokyo. After eating so much good food, it is time to burn off some calories. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in tokyo. Asakusa sensoji let the gigantic red lantern of sensoji greet you as you make your way to the temple. Situated in the asakusa area, book and bed tokyo asakusa is the perfect place to experience tokyo and its surroundings.
Asakusa is the terminus of the metro ginza line, which is the best way to get into the area, perhaps by connecting from the yamanote line at ueno. Visit sensoji temple on your trip to asakusa or japan. The 8 storied building has a cafe, exhibition hall and also the observation deck on 7th floor with a great overlook view of nakamise street and sensoji temple. The yogodo, yogodo is a hall off to the west of the main hall, enshrining disciples of the boddhisatva kannon, the main deity of this temple. Sensoji temple the heart of asakusa asakusa station. The area is very wheelchair accessible and definitely a mustvisit.
See our full list of recommended hotels in asakusa and also compare the prices with airbnbs in asakusa. About 5 minutes by foot from asakusa station is the beautiful sumida park along sumida river, where you can enjoy a breezy stroll lined with about 1,000 sakura cherry trees. Sensoji temple is the oldest temple in tokyo, you can learn about japanese history, culture and religions shinto and buddhism. Its right next to sensoji temple for night viewing after the crowds of tourist leave, and among all the other restaurants is a convenient 711 just a few store fronts down.