Senso-ji Temple—A Must-Visit Spot in Tokyo

Transportation: Subway Ginza Line/Asakusa Line, get off at Asakusa Station. Ginza Line Exit 1, Asakusa Line Exit A4. Tips: Follow the signs inside the station, and follow the crowd after exiting the station. The fortune-telling tables are both outside and inside the temple. Each fortune costs 100 yen. Insert the money into the coin slot on the table; there is no supervision, so it relies entirely on honesty. Omamori (amulets) are also available both outside and inside the temple, cash only, priced between 500-3000 yen. Photography is not allowed inside the main hall of Senso-ji Temple. Next to Senso-ji Temple is the stamp office, which is somewhat similar to places in China where people go to resolve bad luck. Some foreigners also go there to resolve their issues. Asakusa is the birthplace of Tokyo, and Senso-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Japan. Senso-ji enshrines a statue of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), and the Thunder Gate is the symbol of Senso-ji Temple. The first thing to do when visiting Senso-ji Temple is to take a photo with the giant red lantern at the Thunder Gate. Standing on either side of the lantern are the gods of wind and thunder. Unfortunately, the netting makes it difficult to take a clear photo. Passing through Nakamise Shopping Street, the next large lantern is at the Treasure Gate, which is slightly smaller than the Thunder Gate lantern. Further inside, past the fortune-telling tables, is the main hall, the main building of Senso-ji Temple, which enshrines the statue of Kannon. The red lantern here is even smaller. The most important thing to do at Senso-ji Temple is to draw a fortune. There are 1-100 fortune slots. Shake the fortune box well, then turn the opening downwards and shake out a stick. The number on the stick corresponds to a drawer where you can find your fortune paper. If the fortune is bad, tie the paper to the rack beside it, symbolizing leaving the bad luck at the temple to be resolved. The 100 yen for the fortune is inserted into the coin slot on the table. Another must-do at Senso-ji Temple is to buy an omamori. Whether for yourself, friends, or as a gift, buying an omamori brings a sense of peace, and everyone hopes to gain a bit of luck from the temple's ancient heritage. The greatest joy of visiting Senso-ji Temple is exploring the various shops in the temple front street area. Although the main street shops have been recommended countless times by various bloggers, the side streets have inconspicuous yet high-quality small shops. The streets with arched glass roofs are truly enjoyable to stroll through. Whether it's specialty matcha drinks or the pickled cucumber shop that requires queuing (when I was about to queue, I was told they were sold out for the day), everything is delightful. What did you wish for at Senso-ji Temple?