Braving Asakusa

Just about every touristy destination has an epicenter where the most popular attractions are located (e.g. the Statue of Liberty in New York City). As for Tokyo, I consider the Asakusa district as somewhat of a ground zero for tourism. Having spent a year studying abroad, I typically avoided the crowded parts of the city, preferring to experience the local culture. Yet on this overcast Monday I found myself on a train bound for Asakusa, having decided to make this a photography day and allowing myself to lapse into tourist-mode. Upon arriving at the station, I was soon in search of a sushi restaurant I had read about online. Glancing quickly at the sign and confirming the name, I stepped inside what I mistakenly assumed to be the shop.

It turns out that the conveyor belt sushi shop I was looking for has a second location, without conveyor belts and standing room only. Extremely flustered, I decided to stay and eat despite being the only customer in the shop. As the sushi chef prepared my order in silence, I made a mental note to pay more attention to any future signs I come across. That being said, the sushi was very good.

Across the street from the sushi shop stood the Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), one of the main entrance gates to the grounds. Statues of two protector deities, the gods of wind and thunder, were displayed on the gate's front while a large red and black paper lantern hung overhead. Rickshaw drivers stood nearby, offering to take photos of tourists in hope of winning over a potential customer. Foot traffic was reduced to a sluggish pace, as those passing through the gate had to navigate around the numerous photo ops. Finally weaving my way through the last few groups, I reached the Nakamise shopping arcade.

Countless cramped shops selling various souvenirs and trinkets lined this passage leading to the temple. I surprisingly discovered a store selling film, a rarity in today's digital world.

Several of the businesses specialized in the sale of ningyoyaki, small snack cakes typically filled with a red bean paste. While some people dislike the taste of red bean, I am rather fond of it and opted to buy a bagful for later.

As these cakes are a very popular souvenir, it was unsurprising to find out that they were made on site to meet customer demand. The machine used to assemble the snacks however was very impressive, whirring away as it continually spewed out individually packaged cakes.

After making my purchase, I decided to take a slight detour from the crowded main road, slipping into a peaceful nearby alley. In the distance loomed Tokyo Skytree, a broadcasting tower and tallest structure in Tokyo. Construction of the tower had just finished before I left the city two years ago, so it was a fairly unfamiliar sight to me.

I continued to wander back toward the temple, taking photos of whatever caught my eye along the way:

Sensoji, the main attraction of Asakusa, is Tokyo's oldest temple. The temple complex is very picturesque; next to a five-story pagoda sits Hozomon, a large ornate gate which leads to the inner grounds.

I ran into two Japanese women who asked me to take a photo for them in front of this gate. After doing so, one of the ladies was insistent on returning the favor, and so began a five minute photo shoot while she kept on trying to get the "perfect shot." In the end, she had me make a peace sign... It was that final photo that she decided on, informing me that it was "truly the Japanese way."

After the photo ordeal, I took a quick peek inside the inner complex. Affixed to the back of the gate were giant sandals, meant to ward away evil spirits.

Several people were gathered around an incense burner, fanning some of the smoke towards themselves (doing so is supposed to bring one good health).

I climbed a short flight of steps and walked inside. The atmosphere of the temple interior was serene; groups of people were scattered throughout with their heads down in silent prayer.

After having my fill of Japanese temple culture for the day, I began a roundabout route back to the station:

Reaching Nihonbashi Bridge, I was met with a much clearer view of Tokyo Skytree, along with the Asahi Beer Hall. The Asahi building, supposedly shaped like a goblet of beer with a perfect head on top, is often referred to as "Golden Poo" by the locals. Regardless of what it was supposed to resemble, it made for a very interesting landscape shot.