Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street

Asakusa is known for the Senso-ji Temple – Japan oldest Buddhist Temple and the 5 store pagoda that is standing next to it. According to the legend 2 fishermen discovered an image of Kannon (Buddhist goddess of mercy) in the Sumida river in 628, and built a worship hall to worship the image. 20 years later a Buddhist priest built a Kannon temple on the spot.

The entrance to the temple area is throw the “Kaminarimon” gate which is a symbol of Asakusa.


As you go throw the gate you enter the best place to buy souvenirs in Tokyo – the Nakamise shopping street. Here you can find everything:
Japanese cookies (with different fillings such as vanilla cream or beans) – a must to taste.
China and ceramics – gorgeous sake and tea sets.
Fans and kimono
Swords
And many other things.

Note: Althought Japan is a safe country there are crowded areas in which you should keep an eye on you wallet, and Nakamise street is one of them.

In the end of Nakamise street located the Senso-ji Temple and you will see the 5 store pagoda on the right. The pagoda stands 53.32 meters tall, the second highest in Japan after the 56-meter high pagoda of Toji Temple in Kyoto.


If you go around the main hall of Senso-ji Temple you will see the Asakusa Shrine and if you are lucky as I was you may even see a Japanese traditional wedding.