Goshuin number 15 is from 浅草寺 (Sensō-ji). Located in Asakusa, Tokyo, I often think of tourists when I think of this temple. It’s easily accessible, and the pictures people take of its giant lanterns seem to be used on everything related to Japan on Pinterest. What should you see in Japan? *picture of lanterns* What should you pack for Japan? *picture of lanterns* What do you wish you had known before coming to Japan? …..*picture of lanterns*

Look…. Lanterns…

So… As excited as I was to finally visit the temple everyone seems to have already visited, it seemed more like I was going just to take a picture with the lanterns and check something off my list. That being said, Sensō-ji is still a beautiful temple, complete with a magnificent pagoda. When Hunter and I went, on the 9th of January, it was still packed with people making offerings for the new year. There was even a huge blanket set up in place of the offering box, so you could throw your money from far away, pray, and leave which helped the flow of people. We bought charms from the temple to protect and help our relationship; mine is pink and his is green 🙂 I got us similar charms when I studied abroad, but apparently the protection of the charm wears off after a year or so, so it was definitely time to get another!

All in all, I feel you should visit Sensō-ji if you get the chance while in Tokyo; just be prepared for lots of tourists. There are also lots of tourist-y shops leading up to the main temple, so it’s a perfect place to pick up some souvenirs.

Date received: January 9th, 2018