My Japanese colleague recommended visiting Asakusa to truly experience Japanese culture and tradition. Asakusa used to be Tokyo’s leading entertainment district many centuries ago. After it was heavily bombed during the World War 2, it was rebuilt but it lost its glory.
The main entrance of Asakusa is the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). There is a gigantic lantern at the middle of the gate.
From the gate, you will pass by the Nakimase Shopping Street before arriving at Sensoji Temple. There were plenty of local delicacies and traditional souvenirs along the street.
Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple and it is the oldest temple in Tokyo (built in the 7th century).
Sensoji Temple (浅草寺)
Operating Hours
Main Hall: Daily 6.00am - 5.00 pm (from 6.30am from October to March)
Temple Grounds: Always open
Admission: Free
Informative Website: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html
With so many local delicacies, I do not need to have a proper meal for today.
Soy sauced dango at JPY150. A dumpling made of rice flour. The texture was a little tough and chewy. The taste was not to my liking.
Senbei at JPY90
Melon pan at JPY200. This is one of the more popular snacks in Asakusa. It does not have any melon filling in it. It is just a sweet bun whick looks like a melon. The outer crust was crunchy whereas the inner part was soft.
This was the most crowded stall at Namikase Street. I must definitely check it out. It turns out to be mochi with peanut + cold green tea. This costs JPY250.
Soft serve green tea ice cream at JPY300.
It was really convenient to have the 72-hours subway pass as I can just take the subway to anywhere I want. I headed over to Shibuya with two missions in mind; Hachiko and Shibuya Crossing.
Alighting at Shibuya Station, I walked to the Hachiko statue by taking the Hachiko exit. In case you didn’t know, Hachiko was a very loyal dog who greeted his master at the railway station every day when the latter was back from work. One day, his master passed away during work and did not return. But, Hachiko still waited at the railway station for the next 9 years. Hachiko really deserves a statue for his loyalty.
At the same location of Hachiko Statue is the famous Shibuya Crossing. Shibuya Crossing is the world’s busiest intersection. The best view of Shibuya Crossing is from the 1st floor of Starbucks at QFRONT building. There are limited seats in Starbucks that are facing the crossing. I noticed many people standing at the “best viewing spot” behind the seated customers. It might make the seated customers a little uncomfortable but I guess that is what you get by being seated at the “best viewing spot”. I decided to join the group of standing people and took some photos and videos of the Shibuya Crossing. Mission completed and I didn’t have to spend money for a cup of coffee.
Next, I took the train to Shibakoen Station. Tokyo Tower can be viewed from this park.
I also wandered around Ginza area which is like Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang area. This is the total opposite of Asakusa. Asakusa is all about culture and tradition whereas Ginza is about the modern lifestyle.
I met a Malaysian friend for dinner and she brought me to Gyukatsu Aona (牛かつ あおな) in Ameya Yokocho. I ordered the Beef Cutlet Rice for JPY1879. At first glance, the semi-raw beef looks scary but it was quite tasty especially after you dipped it with some salt.
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