Discover Tokyo’s most iconic temples, traditional Japanese culture, delicious food, and a travel hack every visitor should know.

A New Day Begins in Tokyo

After spending a few memorable days exploring Tokyo, it was finally time to prepare for our journey to Kyoto. However, before leaving Tokyo, we had planned an exciting day covering two of the city’s most iconic attractions – Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and Meiji Shrine in Harajuku.

The day started at our hotel in Shinagawa, where we experienced one of Japan’s most convenient travel services – TA-Q-BIN luggage delivery.

TA-Q-BIN: Japan’s Brilliant Luggage Delivery Service

One of the best travel tips we can give anyone visiting Japan is to use TA-Q-BIN (Yamato Transport).

Instead of dragging heavy luggage through crowded stations, trains and stairs, travellers can simply send their bags directly from one hotel to another.

We arranged for our luggage to be delivered from our Tokyo hotel to our Kyoto hotel.

TA-Q-BIN Cost

🧳 2 Medium Trolleys

💴 Total Cost: 4,420 Yen

The process was incredibly simple. The hotel reception staff helped us fill out the delivery form, and within minutes our luggage was booked for delivery.

For anyone planning to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, TA-Q-BIN is highly recommended and can make your Japan trip significantly more comfortable.

Breakfast at Shinagawa Station

Before starting our sightseeing adventure, we stopped at a café inside Shinagawa Station for breakfast and coffee.

While the food and coffee were decent, they were honestly among the least memorable meals of our Japan trip. We later discovered that some of the breakfasts we had elsewhere in Japan and even Starbucks in Tokyo offered a much better experience.

Still, it was a quick and convenient start before a long day of exploration.

Our Funny Train Confusion at Shinagawa Station

Like many first-time visitors to Tokyo, we quickly discovered that Japan’s railway network can be confusing.

Our plan was to travel to Asakusa, but after tapping our IC Card and entering the JR section of Shinagawa Station, we realized we actually needed a different line.

Things became even more interesting when we found another IC card gate inside the station that wouldn’t allow us to pass through.

After speaking with the station staff, we learned that if we exited incorrectly and re-entered another section, we would need to pay an additional fare.

Rather than complicating things further, we decided to continue our journey through the JR network.

Train Journey: Shinagawa → Kanda → Asakusa

Leg 1

🚆 JR Keihin-Tohoku Line

📍 Shinagawa → Kanda

💴 IC Card Fare: Included in journey

Leg 2

🚇 Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

📍 Kanda → Asakusa

💴 Total Journey Fare

IC Card: 253 Yen

Paper Ticket: 260 Yen

After a smooth journey, we finally arrived at Asakusa Station.

First Impressions of Asakusa

We exited through Exit 1, one of the most convenient exits for reaching Senso-ji Temple.

The atmosphere immediately felt different from the modern business districts of Tokyo.

Outside the station we saw:

• Traditional Rickshaws
• Street vendors
• Tourists from around the world
• Kimono rental services
• Traditional Japanese architecture

Many women dressed in beautiful kimonos welcomed visitors with warm smiles while promoting kimono rentals.

One thing we consistently noticed throughout Japan was the friendliness and politeness of the people. Almost everyone greeted us with a smile.

Asakusa was bustling, vibrant and incredibly crowded.

Within minutes, we understood why this remains one of the most visited destinations in Tokyo.

Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s Oldest Temple

Eventually we reached the magnificent Kaminarimon Gate, instantly recognizable by its giant red lantern.

The gate serves as the symbolic entrance to Senso-ji Temple and is one of Tokyo’s most photographed landmarks.

History of Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.

Founded

📅 AD 645

Age

🏯 More than 1,380 years old

According to legend, two fishermen discovered a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, in the Sumida River in 628 AD.

Although they repeatedly returned the statue to the river, it continued to reappear.

A temple was eventually built to honour Kannon, giving birth to what is now Senso-ji Temple.

Today, millions of visitors come every year to pray, seek blessings and experience one of Japan’s most important cultural landmarks.

Nakamise Shopping Street

Between Kaminarimon Gate and the temple lies the famous:

Nakamise Shopping Street

🏮 Approximately 250 metres long

🛍️ Nearly 90 traditional shops

One of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, Nakamise Street offers:

• Traditional Japanese snacks
• Souvenirs
• Fans
• Yukata
• Handcrafted gifts
• Lucky charms
• Local sweets

Walking through Nakamise Street feels like stepping back into historical Japan.

Hozomon Gate and the Nio Guardians

At the end of Nakamise Street stands the impressive:

Hozomon Gate

This gate serves as the entrance to the inner temple grounds.

Guarding the gate are the powerful Nio Guardian Deities.

Agyo

Represents the beginning of all things.

Ungyo

Represents the end of all things.

Together they symbolize protection, strength and the eternal cycle of existence.

The massive gate, giant lanterns and guardian statues create an unforgettable first impression.

The Sacred Incense Smoke

Before reaching the Main Hall, visitors encounter a large incense burner.

Many worshippers gather around it and gently waft the smoke towards themselves.

According to tradition, the smoke brings:

✨ Good fortune

✨ Health

✨ Blessings

Watching the smoke rise while hundreds of visitors quietly pray creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Inside the Main Hall

Inside the Main Hall we discovered one of the most fascinating aspects of Senso-ji Temple.

Visitors offer prayers at the large:

Osaisen Offering Box

People throw coins into the box before praying.

Unlike Shinto shrines, where worshippers clap their hands, Buddhist temples typically involve silent prayer.

The Hidden Kannon Statue

One of the temple’s greatest mysteries is that the original sacred statue of Kannon remains hidden from public view.

The statue is considered so sacred that visitors are never allowed to see it.

Instead, worshippers pray towards the sacred space where it is enshrined.

Beautiful Artwork and Temple Interiors

The interior and surrounding buildings contain stunning traditional Japanese artwork, intricate carvings and vibrant decorations.

Every detail reflects centuries of Japanese craftsmanship and Buddhist culture.

The Five-Storey Pagoda

Standing proudly within the temple grounds is the beautiful:

Five-Storey Pagoda

Height: Approximately 53 metres

The five levels represent:

🌍 Earth

💧 Water

🔥 Fire

🌬️ Wind

☁️ Sky

The pagoda is one of the most iconic features of Senso-ji and a must-see for photographers.

Strawberry Mochi and Strawberry Candy

No visit to Asakusa is complete without trying the famous street food.

Strawberry Mochi

🍓 Price: 400 Yen

Strawberry Candy Stick

🍓 Price: 500 Yen

Both were delicious and perfect for enjoying while exploring Nakamise Street.

Lunch in Asakusa

Finding lunch turned out to be more challenging than expected.

Despite Tokyo’s popularity with tourists, communication proved difficult at one local restaurant.

After several attempts using Google Translate, we finally managed to place our order.

Salmon Sashimi

🍣 Price: 1,720 Yen

Premium Prawn Tempura Don

🍤 Price: 4,700 Yen

Total Bill

💴 6,450 Yen

The food was excellent and beautifully presented, though dining in Asakusa can be surprisingly expensive.

Journey to Meiji Shrine

After lunch, we travelled via:

🚇 Asakusa

➡️ Shibuya

➡️ Harajuku

From Harajuku Station, a short walk brought us to one of Tokyo’s most peaceful and spiritual destinations.

Meiji Shrine

Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji Shrine was established in 1920.

Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Asakusa, Meiji Shrine is surrounded by a vast forest of over 100,000 trees.

Walking beneath the enormous wooden Torii Gate feels like entering another world.

Why Meiji Shrine Is Special

Meiji Shrine represents:

• Peace
• Nature
• Spirituality
• Japanese tradition

Despite being located in central Tokyo, the shrine feels remarkably calm and tranquil.

The Meiji Shrine Food Court

After exploring the shrine grounds, we visited the nearby food court area where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments.

The contrast between the peaceful shrine grounds and the lively atmosphere of Harajuku makes this part of Tokyo particularly unique.

Final Thoughts

From navigating Tokyo’s complex train system and learning about TA-Q-BIN luggage delivery to experiencing the spiritual beauty of Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, this was one of the most memorable days of our Japan adventure.

Tokyo is a city where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side, and this day perfectly captured that contrast.

🎥 Watch Our Full Video Vlog

If you’d like to experience the journey firsthand, including the train confusion, TA-Q-BIN process, Senso-ji Temple, Japanese food and the beautiful Meiji Shrine, be sure to watch our complete video vlog on YouTube.

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