During our family’s recent trip to Japan, I had the pleasure of visiting the iconic Asakusa Shrine, also known as Sanja-sama, or, my favorite of all its appellations, the Shrine of the Three Gods. This is the second stop on our first day in Tokyo.

As I approached the shrine, the vibrant Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate with its bright red hue and massive lantern suspended in the middle drew me in. People bustled around, snapping photos and soaking in the atmosphere. Passing under the lantern felt like stepping into a different era.

Sensoji Temple, completed in 645 AD, holds the title of Tokyo’s oldest temple. Legend has it that two fishermen brothers fished a statue of the Bodhisattva of compassion (known as Kannon Bosatsu in Japanese) from the nearby Sumida River in 628. Inspired, they transformed their home into a temple, allowing the entire village to pray to the sacred statue.

Over the centuries, Sensoji faced destruction—both natural and man-made. The original main temple building fell victim to World War II bombings but was later rebuilt. The two gates leading to the temple, Hozomon and Kaminarimon, have also risen from the ashes multiple times.

Across from Sensoji Temple stands Asakusa Shrine, affectionately known as “Sanja-Sama” by locals. It’s a shrine dedicated to the three men who built the temple.

Below are more sights from the shrine including barrels of sake, alley market, Nishi Sando shopping street, and a five-story pagoda.

Asakusa Shrine, where history whispers through cherry blossoms and modern Tokyo hums in the background. I’m glad to have stepped into its story. Even for just a few hours.