Asakusa

The Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo is a must visit for tourists. It's rich in history, dating back to the Edo period. It's best known for it's big red lanterns and is a Shinto shrine. You can expect for it to be very busy here at all times during the day. Make sure to give yourself ample time to explore the shops all around and eat at all the local food stalls. You can find local eats like melonpan, wagyu rice burgers, matcha, croquettes, and more! I've been here before and decided to come back a second time on this trip since it's such a landmark in Tokyo.

Lovely place, beautiful lanterns at Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Asakusa. Free entry and close to the Asakusa Station by taking the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line and Tobu Railway. I missed the tall glass modern visitor's center building directly across from the main entrance of temple where the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is located. Nakamise, the shopping street leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. A great bird's eye view of this location is to actually go up to Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center that is a contemporary building of timber and glass that was designed by Kengo Kuma has a free observation deck. Most visitors will enter the outer gate of Sensoji Temple where you can go upstairs to get a great view of the row of shops to the Asakusa Kannon Temple below which is a straight row of shops and food vendors selling stuff that leads directly to the pretty temple. Lovely architecture and art. You should just take your time walking and enjoying the sights and sounds of things. You see how the rituals are performed wash your hands at the fountain and don't forget to go to the smoke to also cleanse your body as you go up the temple to pay your respects there. It was nice observing everyone. If I had more time I would spend my entire day here eating and shopping here at local vendors. Definitely a place to must visit!

First of all, I'm not reviewing the shrine. It's a beautiful, cultural landmark and I highly recommend tourists to learnore about cultures, customs, and histories whole traveling. With that having been said, this is probably one of the most touristy things you can do in Tokyo. Pass on the Shibuya crossing, it's just a busy cross walk, of you REALLY want to feel overwhelmed by the amount of people around you, then this is your place. Except here you can see people dressed in yukata and other fancy couture that Tokyo is known for, eat street food, shop for touristy kitsch, including traditional clothes at a reasonable price. Can you find these items anywhere else, yes and they'll start to look repetitive after awhile. However, go for the street food and the architecture, at least.

It was my 3rd time in Asakusa and it's a very famous tourist spot and must-visit shrine when you are in Tokyo. However, it was super HOT that day. Many people dress up in Kimonos for photos and tons of shops and eateries for you to choose from. Since we've been there quite a few times, we didn't take many photos there because it was way too crowded and hot. We were going to take a cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba so we had to go there. Beautiful shrine and you can spend half a day there if you go there in the Spring time or Fall season.

The many sections of Asakusa... Once you see the famous Kaminarimon the huge lantern that greets you upon the arrival of Asakusa's Nakamise-dori Street you instantly need to capture the moment though I've been here countless number of times. So iconic and culturally pleasing to the eye it is a tourist attraction gone wild that I can't get enough of the various tenants selling boxed or freshly made treats many are made right before your eyes, each boasting their own uniqueness makes it quite entertaining if you take that time to explore. Souvenirs here are somewhat cheesy many are in the temple vibe of amulets of health, happiness and safety among many more the keychains and trinkets here are what makes Asakusa what it is. Once you're done shopping the hangry sets in and they choices can make your head spin and I've been fortunate to have tried many places...soba, monjayaki and of course snacks. They do have a great restroom right beside the rest area which is a great addition for the journey we all made to this beautiful temple. A great side trip if you have time is facing the temple to the left is a side street with an archway which will connect you to Kappabashi...restaurant/kitchen town filled with all things for the kitchen weather it's utensils, cookware, dishwater, or the famous fake foods all for the novice and professional. Asakusa is the historic Japanese we crave and though it's a bit commercial the vibe here is beautiful and healing. どうもありがとうございます！

Iconic shrine at the end of the alleyway full of street food vendors and souvenirs. Before you enter you can scoop water to cleanse your face and mouth. You can make an offering by throwing coins into the wooden container. You can also purchase charms for good luck.

A must visit shrine when we were in Tokyo. It was beautiful and spectacular. We took some photos at the front and tried some delicious food in some shops. We went to get some lucky charms inside and got stuck by the heavy rain for a while. After we left, shrine looked amazing at night view. Highly recommend for any visitors in Tokyo.

Really beautiful shrine! Free entrance and gift shops. Gets pretty crowded though especially because the shops around don't open till later. The grounds have many sites.

When you're in Tokyo, it's a must to go visit Asakusa. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions that foreigners and Japanese visitors from around to see and feel as though you're back in time 1,000 years ago. You can easily get here by the JR Yamanote Line from Tokyo Station to Kanda Station through the Ginza Underground Subway or by JR Chuo from Shinjuku Station to Kanda Station also via Ginza Subway. Prepare to do a lot of walking because there are many different parts of this area. The route that my friends took us was from the Shin-Nakashime Shopping Street, to Nakashime Shopping Street, to the Kaminarimon Gate or Kaminari Gate, into the Sensoji Temple and finally the Asakusa Shrine. As January was the start of the New Year, my friends had told us they normally get their fortunes from the temple and see whether it's a good fortune or a bad fortune. Each person would deposit an offering and pick your reading. If it reads a good fortune, you'll keep it. If not, you'll tie that piece of paper into the wires and leave your bad fortune behind. What we also did was burn an incense and immerse oneself to bless yourself for good luck for the new year. Judging by what everyone was doing, I think I was doing it properly in a respectful manner. There was also a fountain with fresh water that you can bless yourself with it. Lastly, we all walked into the Sensoji Temple giving one more offering and saying a personal prayer for whoever or whatever you wish for. Once we were done, we walked over to the sitting shade area and enjoyed some fresh roasted potatoes underneath the trees as my friends traditionally would eat what their late mom liked to prepare for their family in the beginning of the year. What I would like to do on another visit is go to one of the many shops around the area and dress up in a kimono. You would see many visitors renting one as well as hire a rickshaw to get around the city without walking on a guided tour.

We spent a whole day here renting kimono, visiting the shrine, and eating so much Street food! A lot of places here are cash only so remember to bring cash. We got a fortune telling at The shrine and took lots of pictures. We made a reservation online for the kimono rental but there's tons of kimono shops that take walk ins.

This is another major shrine and tourist attraction in Tokyo. I don't think it's ever not crowded here but that should be no deterrent for any first time visitor. The site has a huge number of shops and eateries that's set up like a permanent street fair next to a historical temple and shrine.

Along with the Sensoji temple, the Asakusa Shinto shrine make up the two most famous sacred buildings in this area. This shrine is a 5 story pagoda that is a cultural landmark that was established in 1649. Notably, it is also one of the only structures that survived World War II bombings of Tokyo. Being here feels like a breath of fresh air among all the skyscrapers and modern buildings. This area is what you would typically see all over Kyoto, not Tokyo. The street that you walk along as you approach the shrine and temple is also lined with many stalls selling food and traditional items too. A visit to Asakusa is a must as long as you don't mind the large crowds.

Asakusa shrine is just next to Sensouji temple which is a famous tourist spot in Tokyo. So, many tourists visit to here, also. They enshrine Ebisu deity. He brings a good luck of money and business for us. He is one of Seven Gods of Good Fortune in Japan. They are called "Shichifukujin". And there is the pilgrimage round as "Shichifukujin" on Asakusa area. It's called Asakusa Nadokoro Shichifukujin pilgrimage. This shrine is the one of it. They hold an event in the middle of March. It's called "Douage, Dousage". On the event, they move 3 portable shrines to Sensouji temple on 2 days. It's really majestic and mysterious. And they hold Natsumoude which means the summer worship from 30/June to 7/July every year. During the period, they provide Chinowa circle in front of the main shrine. If you go through the circle, then you may get a happiness. In addition, the authentic way how to go through the circle is below. (1)Make a slight bow in front of the circle. (2)Go through the circle and turn to the left and go around and get back in front of the circle. (3)Make a slight bow in front of the circle again. (4)Go through the circle and turn to the right and go around and get back in front of the circle. (5)Make a slight bow in front of the circle again. (6)Go through the circle and turn to the left and go around and get back in front of the circle again. (7)Make a slight bow in front of the circle again. (8)Go through the circle and go straight to the main building. (9)Make a worship ordinary. We can get "Goshuin" (handwritten sign and stamp of shrines and temples) at here. If you want it, you should visit the shrine shop on the right side by the main building. They offer normal version of this shrine and Shichifukujin version ordinary. They charge 500 yen per one. In addition, we can get Goshuin of the limited version during the period which is holding the "Douage, Dousage" event in the middle of March. Also we can get Goshuin of the limited version during Natsumoude period from 1/July to 7/July. They are colorful one and so cool. And more, there is another shrine in the precincts of the shrine. It's Hikan Inari shrine. They offer Goshuin of it at here, also. If you want it, then you have to tell to want it to staffs. It charges 500 yen, too. Of course, we can get both, this shrine version and Hikan Inari shrine version. Details about Goshuin is below. http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html 浅草神社は東京の有名な観光名所である浅草寺のすぐ隣にある神社です。 浅草寺の観光客がついでに訪れるため、観光客がとても多いです。 この神社では七福神の恵比寿様を祀っていて、その恵比寿様は浅草名所七福神のひとりです。 そして、この浅草名所七福神を巡る浅草名所七福神巡りと言う巡礼があります。 この浅草神社はそのうちの1箇所です。 ちなみに、浅草名所の読み方は浅草「などころ」です。 浅草めいしょではないのでお気を付け下さい。 また、3月中旬に宮神輿堂上げ・堂下げと言う行事が行われます。 この行事では2日間、浅草神社の3つの神輿が浅草寺に移動されます。 その様は荘厳で神秘的です。 そして、この神社では毎年6月30日～7日に夏詣を開催しています。 この期間に参拝に訪れると、本殿の前に茅の輪が置かれています。 この茅の輪をくぐると厄落としになるとされていますので、ぜひ夏詣期間中に訪れてくぐってみて下さい。 ちなみに、茅の輪のくぐりかたですが、まず茅の輪の前で軽く一礼し、くぐって左回りで茅の輪の前に戻ります。 その後、再度軽く一礼し、くぐって今度は右回りで戻ります。 そして、再度一礼し、くぐって左回りで戻り、また一礼して茅の輪をくぐったら本殿へと進みます。 その後は通常の参拝方法と同じです。 御朱印は本殿右側にある授与所にて頂戴する事が出来ます。 通年で浅草神社の御朱印と、七福神の御朱印の授与を行っています。 初穂料はそれぞれ500円です。 また、上記の堂上げ・堂下げの行事期間は限定の御朱印を授与しています。 さらに、夏詣期間中は、夏詣限定の御朱印を授与して下さいます。 限定御朱印はカラフルで、なかなかカッコイイです。 さらに、この浅草神社では、境内にある被官稲荷神社の御朱印も頂く事が出来ます。 授与所にて、その旨を伝えると頂く事が出来ます。 初穂料は同じく500円です。 もちろん、浅草神社の御朱印と被官稲荷神社の御朱印を一緒に頂く事も出来ます。 御朱印については下記のリンク先にまとめてあります。 http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html

Famous shrine at the end of Nakamise St, it is a beautiful building. The area is always busy with tourists, so you need to be patient when it comes to taking a picture.

This was an amazing experience! It's very peaceful and spiritual here! There is a temple to pray and donate. The temple is huge, and equally beautiful! There is a small tent/shop on the grounds to purchase prayer plaques, good luck charms and souvenirs. I was compelled to get a prayer plaque and write a wish of good health to my unborn cousin. I had a very spiritual experience in the statue garden and needed to clear my mind. The statues are meant to help stave off illness in children or help those who have passed find peace. I didn't know that at the time of visit, but I had a feeling that was confirmed after looking up this information. Please, if you visit the shrine, show the upmost respect. Don't touch the statues and give silent nods to show thanks and respect. Even if you're not religious, please be respectful to the symbolism of these statues and don't do anything to show disrespect!

We wanted to take part in some local tradition and the odds weren't good for waking up early and making it to the Imperial Palace which only opens to the public on New Year's Day. So on Dec 30 took the subway to Asakusa at about 10am to visit the temples and shrines and despite freezing temps and rain it was SO CROWDED bc Tokyo does big prep for NYE celebrations and it felt like we were at the epicenter. The temples and shrines we visited are Buddhist, but some of the traditions to ensure a prosperous new year felt like the superstitious rituals that are part of my daily OCD life (yet another reason I need to move to Tokyo). Tossing coins into fountains, taking a fortune and if it's bad leaving it behind, a larger version of saging and more...as Goethe once said "Superstition is the poetry of life." All week I had seen ads on the subway to rent kimonos and we found all of the people who responded - most who were doing IG photo shoots and some even had professional photogs. I didn't care about the crowds, we really felt like we were part of something - the pics illustrate the experience much better than my words. Yes, steps away there is an outdoor shopping area with tons of shops and food and that was fun too despite the touristy vibe. We sipped boba and debated the purchase of masks and giant samurai swords that would not fit in our luggage, but ended up with more practical items like silk art. For my friends at home I bought a bag full of Daruma dolls. Mine is still on my desk impatiently awaiting my wish so I can color in the first eye :)

Wayyyy too touristy to actually enjoy. ProTip: Go at night. Senso-Ji is honestly more a madhouse mall than anything else... In the daytime. On any given day it'll be packed with at least 10,000 tourists. It's cool if you want to go buy souvenirs and get your fortune read, but don't expect some authentic traditional Japanese vibe from here. That said, the temple is 24/7 so you can actually go around 8 at night when there's barely anyone there and get some great photos. Downside, the market will be closed.

Wonderful historical location in Tokyo and a must visit when in the city. Very simple to get to via the subway and worth spending time on all the side streets for the shops. Check out Orange Street also.

This shrine is so beautiful during the day and even more at night. There were awesome Japanese street food in the area along with a parade. We went at a perfect time. A parade and lots of street vendors were out for a holiday. Great souvenirs are also available in the little stands!

This is a lovely temple. You can take a nice relaxing walk around the grounds. You can make wishes at the temple. Great place for tourists and pictures. You can also pray at the shrine. There is also a large market place here where you can by kimonos and other souvenirs. Great for relaxing and shopping.

This is a definite shrine to visit to when visiting Asakusa Shrine. Its the most popular tourist spot that people all over the world visits, and locally as well to pray. There are lots of food vendors/souvenir shops along the way before you reach the shrine. So make sure you have a funny pack on you to hold your valuables, or keep your wallet in your front packet and purse close to you. It gets pretty crowded as everyone is walking all over the place. As you move toward the shrine, there are people heading towards to you as well as they are leaving the shrine. Moreover, definite try their temple shaped bakery goods! Its to die for. Its real good, yet not expensive, but is definite worth the indulging fresh baked goods! Other than that, I have no negative to say about this place. but just A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Side note: If you brought a lot of Yennies with you and you know you'll be spending a fortune on souvenirs, please bring a luggage. LOL! I see lots of people brought their luggage with them to put their souvenirs in them and stroll around the promenade. HAHAHa! Tourists. **cough cough** I swear I di'int bring a luggage with me, just a back pack to buy foods that I dont normally dont get to over indulge back in America. Namm sayinn...

Came here as part of the free walking tour led by the Asakusa Cultural Center. I would highly recommend seeing it this way. It was crowded! Almost too crowded to enjoy. One of the things I find most confusing about Japan, is how temples and shrines co-exist on the same grounds. This one is co-located with Sensoji Temple.

During the global pandemic Japan has opened for local Japanese to travel around the country. So during this time you won't find many westerners but it's still pretty busy now even with mostly local tourists . The country has opened up to some other countries from Asia but it's still limited. So if you are here. You must follow the local rules and conditions. Don't be like this idiotic anti maskers and come here.

This was the first shrine we went to in Tokyo. I was with a student group, and we got some great pictures here. It was very, very crowded- and hot. They have a nice misting area, near the temple, where you can sit and have mist fall on you- though it gets crowded, so you might have to wait for a seat. All around the shrine and temple you will find shopping- it's fun. Lots of interesting things to buy. They even have a drink you can have served in a light bulb that flashes on and off (my daughter loved that). The place isn't peaceful- at all- but it's lovely in its own way. I liked the gardens adjacent to the temple which were less crowded and very pretty.

By far Sensoji shrine and Nakamise Street were my favorite during my 10 day travel to Tokyo. Nakamise street's busy and bustling atmosphere makes for a lively day of marveling at the shrine, eating local street food and buying reasonable gifts for yourself or friends back home! Most of the locals are friendly! Even if you know little Japanese they get out of their way to try and help. Here's a tip: find the Asakusa bread! Totally worth it! If you visit Tokyo do yourself a favor and visit this place!

If you are a tourist, you must come here to visit at least once in your lifetime. This place is full of venders and is almost always packed with people. During special events and holidays, there are amazing displays with crafts and demonstrations. This shrine is most known for the giant gate in front with the equally giant lantern hanging off it. Also there are plenty of nearby sights and places to eat. The Sumida river nearby has a great view of the "famous" poo building, (Asahi beer Hall) across the way.

A great tourist attraction to add to your itinerary to soak in some Japanese culture. Shrines and temples are all over Japan and this is a pretty grandiose example that should impress. It's also a great place to get some good photos and enjoy and take in Japanese traditions that is entered around shrines and temples. Very peaceful and serene is the best way I can describe the area right in front of the shrine. It is A busy area with tourists. I can't imagine how insane it is here on the weekends. Walking up the promenade to the area where the shrine is located is a hustling and bustling area of tourist trap shops. Some look interesting but many I found to be similar. Lots of souvenir stands and shops of all kinds of food and snacks. Pricing here is a lot on the higher side. If tourist shop trinkets and shirts are your thing you will be able to find good gifts for Aunt Sally or that little Jimmy of yours. Think of Times Square shops or fisherman's wharf in SF. You will get the idea. Overall the temple and shrine are the highlight! Just breathtaking awesome!

Senso-ji is a spectacular shrine in the Asakusa area of Tokyo that deserves a spot on your itinerary. HOWEVER, if you want to go and not be overwhelmed by massive crowds you'll need to go either early in the day or late afternoon / evening. It gets very VERY crowded during the most convenient hours. Since my husband and I were staying at a hotel nearby we got to experience it without the crush of foreigners with selfie-sticks, and Instagram "influencers" vying for the perfect pose / photo spot by breezing through early in the morning and late in the evening when it's all lit up. Be aware that the shopping arcade leading to the temple has some great buys if you're looking for souvenirs, and munchies if you're looking for a snack. And it's easy to get to via the metro if you're coming from outside the area. Highly recommended!

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.

Lovely area to see in person. Shrine and temple is gorgeous. Tons of food options and souvenir shops around the shrine. Love the lanterns that hang everywhere in this area. This area is easy to get to via train. This is a must while in Tokyo

it is so beautiful here in the day,evening, and at night. On our second visit to tokyo we stayed near by so it was nice to walk by at different times of the day . its super touristy area but it definately worth a visit

This shrine is sooo busy. A lot of tourist come here. Lots of tourist attraction spots in this shrine. However it is beautiful. There's a kimono rental spot nearby so sometimes you will see people in beautiful traditional garments. Asakusa district itself is lovely. I enjoyed waking up everyday, walking from my hotel, right next to the river all the way to the shrine. Here, I got to eat the best little mochi balls covered in I believe almond flour? Omg so delicious. Also the best iced green tea ever! On the sides on the shrine there are little alley ways of sorts. I didn't go into the shops much. We found a lovely coffee shop in one of the corners, owned by a chinese woman and her daughter. We fell in love with their egg sandwich, which is so simple yet one of the best things we've ever had. We came back every morning for her egg sandwich and coffee like a routine. She was so sweet too. Once they took a long time making the sandwiches, we weren't even mad and we didn't even complain, yet they brought over free ice cream for us to say sorry with a smile! Too sweet. The ice cream was amazing too! On another alley side. We found a revolving sushi place, which was so good as well. It tasted so fresh every time and so cheap too! The owner was very nice as well. It was always very pact here and well deserved. I only went to one shop in the shrine area, which was a dried seaweed shop owned by an elderly man. What drew me into this store was no matter how crazy busy the shrine was...his shop was dead! I felt so bad I just had to go in and support his business which I'm so happy I did because he gave us a sample and his seaweed was one of the best tasting ones I've ever had and trust me in Asian so I've had a lot. So I bought a whole pack for my parents and some more for myself. I definitely recommend coming here and to asakusa district to explore as much as you can. So much beauty to be found in every corner.

This is THE shrine inside the city of Tokyo that one should pay a visit, at least during first time visit. While I could not remember how many times I have been here, this was actually my first time drawing a divination, and getting the most lucky draw! Hopefully a most fortunate year next year!

Asakusa Shrine is super touristy but I really liked the experience. It's a shrine but as you walk out the back there's lots of stalls for shopping and eating small snacks. As with everything in Japan there are lots of nice photo opportunities. I recommend seeing this!

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 Yelps!

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.

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.

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!

The shrine itself is so beautiful. The entire place oozes with culture and heritage. The surrounding grounds are large with many other buildings. You could spend all day here easily. Don't forget to check to the little shops and the food vendors along the way!

You can go to Asakusa to enjoy exploring the shrines and the Japanese culture (esp the shinto culture). If not so interested in the shrine itself, you can also just go for the Nakamise or Shin-nakamise where you can eat amazing food and buy other Japanese cultural goods. The Shin-nakamise has more diverse types of goods you can buy so I'd recommend going there after exploring Nakamise.

This is a great place to visit and people watch. It's crowded with locals and tourists having fun and soaking in authentic Japanese culture. People offering incense, people interpreting fortune telling sticks, people washing their hands with holy water, families posing for selfies. The temples are well maintained and look gorgeous providing great backdrops for picture taking. The smoke & smell of incense drift in the air. The surrounding alleys some with covers are lined with all kinds of shops ad restaurants. This is the place to try street foods such as shaved ice as well. What a great experience.

We went to the Asakusa shrine at New Year's. It was very crowded but very well organized as well. It is a beautiful place in the middle of Tokyo and I think it is a must see, if you visit. Make sure to always wash your hands and mouth at the designated areas. Enjoy

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.

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.

Commotion, serenity, tradition, eateries, scenery and shopping. Appreciated the spiritual experience the shrine presents its attendees, but large set up for tourism and humdrum as well.