The Secret by the Incense Burner: Exciting New Explorations that Awe Tourists in Asakusa, Tokyo
- byVic

讀後心得
Asakusa in Tokyo is a popular tourist destination that combines retro streets with modern features, attracting visitors from all over the world. Many foreign tourists are amazed by Asakusa's culture, shops, and service attitudes. Especially at the incense burner in front of Senso-ji Temple, many people gather to bathe in the smoke, which is a novel cultural experience for those unfamiliar with Buddhism. Additionally, visitors find that the locals adhere to queuing rules, showcasing the rigor and politeness of Japanese culture. Iconic attractions in Asakusa, such as Kaminarimon and Tokyo Skytree, form a striking contrast and have become hotspots for many tourists to take photos. Travelers of all ages and backgrounds can find enjoyment here, leaving with wonderful memories.
What to do standing next to the incense burner? Fun new discoveries that surprise tourists in Asakusa, Tokyo
Asakusa in Tokyo is a very popular tourist area, preserving the retro street scenery that holds a special Japanese charm in the eyes of the Japanese. The uniqueness of Asakusa has deeply moved foreign tourists who have visited, and beyond the positive impressions, many aspects of Asakusa are surprisingly delightful.
This time we invited travelers from different countries to share their experiences and emotions in Asakusa, let's take a look at what this world-class tourist destination is like through their eyes!
In Asakusa, no matter where you go, you can encounter many people, creating a sense of crowd at the attractions.
The famous landmark in Asakusa is Senso-ji Temple, which has the Kaminarimon Gate, surrounded by many handicraft shops, food vendors, and trendy cafes, as well as the Japanese amusement park "Asakusa Hanayashiki." The famous tallest landmark in Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree, is also located in Asakusa, attracting a large number of tourists.
As a result, when tourists arrive at the bustling Asakusa, their first impression is usually "There are so many people!" A man from Canada stated: "As soon as I stepped out of Asakusa Station, I noticed the crowd, and I didn't know where to go. I just followed the flow and ended up in front of the Kaminarimon."
"The crowd at Kaminarimon surprised me; it’s really not easy to take a good photo!" added another man from Germany.
The crowds at well-known tourist spots often make it difficult to take photos. As Kaminarimon serves as the representative landmark of Asakusa, the crowds here are indeed overwhelming. To avoid the crowds, it would be better if everyone could plan their itinerary for the morning when there are relatively fewer people.
Why do people gather around the incense burner at Senso-ji Temple?
People often gather around the incense burner in Senso-ji Temple, bathing in the smoke, which can be quite astonishing to some foreigners. A woman from England expressed: "This is my first time seeing such a scene at a temple in Japan, and at first glance, it was incredibly fascinating."
In Buddhist culture, the smoke produced by the incense burner has a purifying effect; bathing in it is believed to remove misfortune and negativity. In many shrines and temples in Japan, it is common to see people gathering around the incense burner, which can indeed be a culture shock for those unfamiliar with Buddhism.
In Asakusa, not only are the cultural differences significant, but the demeanor of the people also impresses foreigners. For instance, in Nakamise Street, even with long lines, people still abide by the queuing rules. A man from Germany remarked: "I bought some Japanese rice dumplings here, and the friendliness of the vendor took me by surprise."
In Japan, "queuing" is regarded as a fundamental behavioral norm, and the rigor of this attitude can astonish foreigners. The orderliness displayed persists even in times of disaster.
The entrances to facilities in Asakusa are often not obvious, and many people may inadvertently walk past them.
The facilities in Asakusa often surprise foreigners. A man from Canada shared: "I once went to 'Asakusa Hanayashiki,' and the entrance was so small that I almost missed it. But the fact that there is an amusement park in the city center is itself astonishing."
"I was surprised that many shops in Asakusa close early; it’s not what I expected, where I could enjoy everything continuously," another woman from England mentioned.
For foreigners, the shops and attractions in Asakusa can sometimes be difficult to find, and this is not only in Asakusa; in almost all densely populated areas, the store sizes tend to be relatively small, which can lead to missing even when there are signs.
Japanese staff always exhibit a friendly attitude towards customers, which impresses foreign tourists greatly.
"Japanese people are really polite, and I was moved by how the staff used body language to introduce products, worrying whether I might commit a rude act," a man from Germany lamented.
In many countries, service attitudes are often equated with prices; however, in Japan, almost all industries provide excellent service, which greatly astounds foreign tourists.
Asakusa harmoniously blends modernity and tradition, making it truly touching.
Many foreigners greatly praised the scenery of Asakusa. "I was really touched when I saw the Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa; it was amazing to capture a beautiful photo of the old Japanese streets alongside the modern Skytree!" shared a man from Canada.
In Asakusa, foreigners can simultaneously see the retro-style streets and Tokyo’s modern landmarks, and this contrast leaves a lasting impression, with the memories captured in photos worthy of cherishing.
People of all ages can find joyful activities in Asakusa. The charm of Asakusa is everywhere, and it will undoubtedly attract more people to explore in the future. I hope everyone can enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere here and create their own beautiful memories!