I visited in the late evening after checking into my hotel. It was late December, so it wasn't busy (a bit chilly), and it felt like we had the temple to ourselves! The side market was closed, but it contributed to a peaceful and serene first night in Tokyo. There are so many shops and restaurants nearby for a meal after visiting. Absolutely beautiful and tranquil. I recommend going at night; it's lit up and stunning.
It's always busy during the day, as it's the oldest and largest temple in Tokyo. As night falls, it becomes quite empty. Expect to spend a good amount of time exploring the attached shopping streets. If you wish to make purchases from the temple itself, keep in mind it's cash only. Definitely worth the visit, but make sure you budget enough time!
As a history enthusiast, I am always captivated when visiting places like this. The unique architecture, ancient stone work, and profound cultural history here are astonishing. It’s a spot in the world where global travelers come together to pay their respects and enjoy each other's company. You can feel the love for exploration and humanity here. Highly recommended.
I visited the famous temple during my trip to Japan and was really impressed by the exterior. It's an incredibly beautiful place, although it was quite crowded with both tourists and locals. I saw services where people could dress in traditional Japanese kimonos for a photo op, which looked really cute. The prices were a bit high, so it’s a splurge if you're looking to get pictures in traditional outfits. Inside, there was an interesting ritual involving coins and sticks to reveal your fortune. I got good fortune, which I kept, while my friend did too. There were also people praying near the statue and tossing coins, part of the blessing ritual to make wishes. I noticed a shop selling crystal bracelets for different purposes like fortune and safety, and we ended up buying some for our families. Outside, people were inserting incense sticks which enhanced the atmosphere. Overall, it was a very peaceful and cultural experience.
The temple is beautiful but was not very peaceful due to the crowds. The street leading to the temple is lined with small shops selling souvenirs and food. It's a lovely area, but I recommend visiting early in the morning.
