Japan 2015: Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Tourist Center

We stopped by the Asakusa Tourist Center right in front of the Sensoji Temple entrance.  There's an observatory terrace at the top of the 8 storey building, where one can see an overview of the Sensoji Temple, the Tokyo Sky Tree and parts of the Asakusa town.

Next we braved the crowd heading to the Sensoji Temple, also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple.  The temple entrance is a big red gate, Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), with a massive red lantern.

Beyond the Kaminarimon is the Nakamise-dori, a street approaching the temple lined up with shops selling Japanese souvenirs and traditional, local snacks.

The Sensoji Temple consists of a main hall and a five storey pagoda.  The temple has a nice architecture and well maintained grounds, with the buildings recently constructed.  Sarah did the water cleansing purification, the incense ritual of waving the smoke towards you and the paper fortunes.


From Wikipedia:

Sensō-ji (金龍山浅草寺 Kinryū-zan Sensō-ji^?) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II. Adjacent to the temple is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Shrine.^[

Atop the Asakusa Tourist Information Center overlooking the Kaminarimon gate, the Nakamise-dori street of shops and the Sensoji Temple at the end

The Tokyo Sky Tree also viewed at the Asakusa Information Center

The Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate

Selfie!

Giant paper lantern at the Kaminarimon gate

Rows of shops at the Nakamise-dori 

Green tea ice cream break

The main hall

Incense ritual, pulling the smoke towards your person

Water purification - cleansing your hands and mouth

Full of locals and tourists

Paying respect

She normally follows what she sees others do.

The old (Sensoji Temple entrance) and new (Tokyo Sky Tree)

Giant straw sandals

The adjacent five storey pagoda

Sensoji Temple