Something New: Asakusa

Unlike the other places two weekends ago, Asakusa ended up being a great place I’m glad I explored. It reminds me of what I like about Japan and was just what I needed after a series of misses. 

After saving a trio of new places, that ultimately didn’t pay off the way I was hoping, I managed to save my night dancing away at my favorite bar. As the night grew late, I found a place to crash, and shockingly, slept pretty well. When I woke up, I had a surprising amount of energy, and somehow, I still wanted to go somewhere new. 

There was one place in Tokyo that I’d meant to go to for the longest time, but never seemed to make my way over to. It was even along my way home, meaning every time I headed home and heard the station name on the announcement I was reminded that I hadn’t gone there yet, Asakusa. 

So, being on my way home anyways, and feeling decently energetic, I decided today was the day. I took the usual route home, but on my second train home, I got off at just the next stop. The area around the station didn’t feel too different from the rest of Tokyo, but I imagine it would pretty quickly. 

Asakusa is well known for the Sensō-ji temple, which claims the title of oldest established Buddhist temple in Japan. The area was heavily damaged during World War II, and when the temple was rebuilt, it became a symbol of rebirth for Japan. 

As the temple came into view, the first thing I noticed was how busy it was. There were a number of tourists certainly, but there were also plenty of Japanese people also visiting the temple, some nicely dressed in fancy kimonos even. 

I know some people say if you’ve seen one temple you’ve seen them all, but frankly, I can’t seem to get enough. Like seeing cathedrals in Italy, I find a place that was built with such exquisite detail, and has meaning for a wide variety of people is always worthwhile. 

I slowly made my way up to the front, tossed in a coin, and made a quick wish for the health of my friends and family. I was glad I watched others as they made their wish, because I almost did the shinto tradition of bowing and clapping. I’d initially thought it was a shrine instead of a temple, but I guess I still need a bit more practice in discerning the finer details. 

I wandered around the rest of the temple, taking in the sights, even enjoying the energy of the crowds. I started to make my way towards Nakamise-dori Street, my other destination, when I was stopped by someone. An older gentleman began to ask me some questions in English, asking where I was from. 

I replied in Japanese, but he asked his next question in English, so I switched to English too. When I told him I was from Canada he began to list various facts about Canada, the provinces, capital cities, which years we held the olympics, it was pretty impressive really. Eventually he told me that he would often come here to practice his English with various tourists.  

It was a bit of a fun interaction, and for a bit made me think I should start trying something similar with Japanese, though I doubt I’d have the courage to drum up conversation with strangers. After a bit he thanked me for the conversation and I continued on my way, enjoying the exchange. 

Nakamise-dori street was a long row of shops right outside one of the temple gates, and had food, crafts, and various souvenirs. I hadn’t planned on buying anything necessarily, but there were a few things from Japan I had wanted to get before returning home, and I just so happened to stumble across one. 

I’d wanted to get some nice chopsticks to use and take home with me, and as I was walking along something just so happened to catch my eye. It was a pretty simple set of chopsticks, but something about it just drew my attention. I began to wander the small store, looking at other options, and while there were plenty of nice ones, I kept coming back to that same set. 

The middle set was the one I ended up buying

Eventually I decided I’d been stuck on that set for long enough and bought them. Their simplicity but elegance really appealed to me, and I thought it would be a good memory both of the day, and of being in Japan. 

I was also in search of a hand fan, and found a small store with only a few patrons. The fans were all quite nice, but I really didn’t know what I was looking for. There was a blue and green paper fan that piqued my interest, but I believe it was used for tea ceremonies, not really on a hot summer day. 

I figured getting a fan could give me a fun reason to go somewhere, and give me some time to decide what exactly I was after, so I gave up for the day. The whole area was certainly a bit touristy, but it also felt like it captured the charm of Japan, and was a nice reminder of what I really enjoy about being here. 

Taking in something that can be shared by both Japanese people and people around the world helps build a sense of connection, and makes being in Japan feel just a little bit less lonely. Eventually, after walking around for 2 hours, my feet were starting to protest, and I figured this was a good place to stop. 

I’m sure there’s plenty more to see in the area, but this was a great first taste, and hopefully leaves me with a reason to come back and explore more someday. When my time in Japan gets tough, I always want to remember days like this, when going somewhere new leads to experiences I never could have had back home. It reminds me of why I came, and what I love about Japan.