Day 01
Asakusa Temples, Gates, and Nakamise Street
- Meet your tour guide and explore the beautiful sights of Asakusa. The charm of Asakusa lies in the convergence of old traditions. You will see one of the most famous temples in Asakusa: Senso-Ji. Your guide will begin the tour from one of the oldest structures in the temple complex, built in 1618. Here, you will see the idols of the "Guardians of the Gate." According to legend, they are here to protect the temple from ill will.
- You will pass underneath the Todi Gate and head towards the Shinto shrine, where your guide will teach you how to awaken the deities so that they listen to your prayers. He will also show you the water fountain and smoke pit, where devotees go to cleanse themselves before entering the shrine. As you approach the main hall, observe people offering coins and then entering to pray.
- Next on your list is the "Five Storey Pagoda." Your guide will explain what each storey signifies according to Buddhist beliefs. The pagoda was built to withstand earthquakes, as these are a common phenomenon in Japan. At the Hozo-Mon Gate, your guide will introduce you to its guardians as well and tell you why one idol has its mouth open while the other has its mouth closed.
- You will stroll through the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street, where your guide will show you local novelties such as Japanese sweets and souvenirs, including Maneki-Neko, Daroma toys, folding fans, and yukatas, all of which you can try when you visit.
- The third most important gate is the Kaminaimon Gate. You will see the guardians of this gate and learn why it is called the "Gate of Thunder and Wind." This is also a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Your guide will end the experience with you at the banks of the Sumida River, with views of Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in the city.
