This video is a travel guide and things to do in Tokyo, Japan. It covers the Kaminarimon Gate, the most popular tourist attraction in Asakusa. We also cover the varied attractions and things to see in Asakusa. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, make sure to check out this video!
What is Kaminarimon Gate?
The Kaminarimon which is also known as Thunder Gate is the outer of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan.
The gate, with its lantern and statues, is popular with tourists.
It stands 11.7 m tall, 11.4 m wide and covers an area of 69.3 m2.
The first gate was built in 941, but the current gate dates from 1960, after the previous gate was destroyed in a fire in 1865.
Where is Kaminarimon Gate?
Kaminarimon Gate is location in Asakusa District which is on the north-east fringe of central Tokyo, at the eastern end of the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line subway, approximately one mile east of the major Ueno railway/subway interchange.
As the name suggests, the area has a more traditionally Japanese atmosphere than some other neighborhoods in Tokyo do.
How to reach Asakusa?
Asakusa Station is on Tokyo Metro’s Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line and Tobu Skytree Line.
The boarding pier for the waterbus is just a three-minute walk from Asakusa Station.
History of Kaminarimon Gate?
The Kaminarimon was first built in 941 AD by Taira no Kinmasa, a military commander.
It was originally located near Komagata, but it was reconstructed in its current location in 1635.
This is believed to be when the gods of wind and thunder were first placed on the gate.
The gate has been destroyed many times throughout the ages.
Four years after its relocation, the Kaminarimon burned down, and in 1649 AD, Tokugawa Iemitsu had the gate rebuilt along with several other of the major structures in the temple complex.
The gate burned to the ground in 1757 AD and again in 1865 AD.
The Kaminarimon’s current structure was dedicated in December 1960 AD.
Ninety-five years after the last fire, Kōnosuke Matsushita, the founder of Matsushita Electric Industrial Company (now Panasonic), was asked to rebuild the gate.
With monetary donations from Matsushita, the gate was rebuilt in 1960.
What is there in Asakusa?
Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji Temple.
First built more than 1000 years ago, it is the symbol of Asakusa.
The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds.
Sensoji (“Senso” is an alternative reading for Asakusa and “ji” means temple) is Tokyo’s most famous and popular temple.
Built in the 7th century, it is also one of its oldest, although the current buildings are postwar reconstructions.
Asakusa Shrine, also known as Sanja-sama, was built during the Edo Period and survived the air raids of 1945.
The shrine’s festival, the Sanja Matsuri, is one of Tokyo’s most spectacular and popular event.
It is held every year on a weekend (Friday to Sunday) in mid May.
Visiting the garden by appointment is not possible either anymore.
What to do there in Asakusa?
Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and the most popular landmark of the city to visit in Asakusa.
Around the historical site, there are many picturesque building to visit and take photos.
Nakamise Shopping Street is a small street connecting the front gate and the main hall of Sensoji temple.
This small street is full of local shops and food stalls and it’s a great place to taste local flavour.
Kappabashi street is located between Asakusa and Ueno.
It’s an arcade dealing only with kitchen tools and fascinates chefs internationally.
Opening Hours & Entrance Fees of the Kaminarimon Gate?
Kaminarimon Gate is located in public area and always open.
There is not any entrance fee to visit.
What to buy around Kaminarimon Gate?
The Nakamise shopping street stretches over approximately 250 meters from Kaminarimon to the main grounds of Sensoji Temple.
Shin-Nakamise or “New Nakamise” runs perpendicular to the Nakamise Shopping Street.
It is a covered shopping arcade lined by various shops and restaurants.
What to eat around Kaminarimon Gate?
There are many restaurants in Asakusa where you can experience a variety of Japanese food.
In addition, you can easily find Italian or American cuisine such as pizza, pasta and burgers and franchise fast food restaurants around.
Best Time to Visit Kaminarimon Gate?
As you can imagine, Sensoji Temple is so popular that it gets super crowded quite easily, especially on weekends.
But also on weekdays the place can be full of people.
You can watch the sun set over Sensoji Temple and the night lights turn on.
Worth Visiting Kaminarimon Gate?
If you’re planning on coming to Tokyo, it is most likely that one of the places on your “must go” list, is Asakusa.
You can be sure that it is one of the most worth visiting location in Tokyo.
Alp Galip
http://www.youtube.com/alpgalipcy
#asakusa #tokyo #japan
1 Comment
What a picturesque gate