Asakusa is one of the top must-visit spots when visiting Tokyo, Japan.But before we delve into the top 5 things to do in Asakusa, I’d like to talk a little about my outfit.


May 2017 Update: This dress is currently on display at the Cool Japan Exhibition in Leiden, Netherlands, as the current exhibition of Museum Volkenkunde. I was contacted by a museum curating representative in late 2016 and asked if I would be willing to lend the dress for their exhibition. I have personally visited this exhibition in June. Read about this amazing experience here


Today’s outfit is one of my most prized possessions – the Alena Akhmadullina “Great Wave of Kanagawa” dress (as I like to call it). I noticed this Russian designer’s pieces a year or two back when I saw its Resort 16 trunkshow at Moda Operandi. I was in awe of how beautifully she interpreted the ocean and creatures of the sea. In July of this year I had the opportunity to travel to Moscow, Russia and managed to snatch up this dress from the resort collection at Tsvetnoy Central Market at half price!

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The Great Wave of Kanagawa is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Hokusai published around the 1830s. It is one of the most famous of all Japanese artworks and has been reprinted and reinterpreted in many forms. I believe it is also the inspiration for my dress in today’s outfit by Alena Akhmadullina.

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The Kimono Lady Bag is by Olympia le Tan (Similar shaped bag here). I love all her quirky fun pieces – especially the Japanese influenced ones.

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Shoes by Saint Laurent (Similar here)


So, without further ado, let’s jump right into….

5 THINGS TO DO IN ASAKUSA

1. Visit the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate 雷門)

Kaminarimon means “Thunder Gate” and is an icon of Asakusa. This is the first major attraction once you exit Asakusa Station. The gate is guarded by two Guardian Gods – the Wind God and the Thunder God. Be sure to arrive early if you want to get any good photos in. We arrived around 8:30am and there were already tourists gathering. 

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2. Purchase souvenirs at Nakamise Shopping Street (仲見世通り)

This is a 200 meter long shopping street featuring souvenirs, sweets and traditional crafts such as paper umbrellas (wagasa). The shops generally start opening around 8:30-9:30am. I found a bag with the Great Wave of Kanagawa on it and HAD to take a photo with it. 

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3. Visit the Main Hall of the Sensoji Temple (淺草寺)

Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple and dates back to more than 1300 years ago. The temple houses Kannon Bodhisattva, a Goddess who has great power to give people advice and help. Millions of people visit every year and many come to say prayers and pay respect. 

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4. Purify yourself at the Temizuya (手水舍)

Before entering a shrine or temple, there is a water purification basin for visitors to rinse their hands and mouth. This ritual is meant to purify the mind and body before entering a sacred building. Please do not drink this water!

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5. Tell your fortune with an Omikuji (おみくじ)

Omikuji is a piece of paper that predicts your fortune. One omikuji at Sensoji costs 100 yen. Insert the money into the collection box then shake the omikuji box until you get a rod poking out with a number on it. Search for the drawer with the correct number and take a sheet of omikuji. You can receive anything from “excellent luck” (大吉) to “extremely bad luck” (大凶). In the case of a bad fortune, do not fret. You can fold your omikuji and tie it onto the iron rods nearby to banish the bad fortune. For me, this was one of the most fun things to do in Asakusa because I got “excellent luck”! ; P

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2 thoughts on “Tina Travels: 5 Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo”

    1. Thank you so much Gigi! I just visited this year in July too and will be posting more from Japan 🙂 Feel free to ask if you need any suggestions!

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