Nakamise

Nakamise Dori

Nakamise-dori is the central path approaching Sensoji temple in Asakusa. It is a riot of souvenir stalls and food stands. Gifts range from cheap plastic toys to elegant handcrafted jewelry, with everything imaginable in between. You can find wigs and kimono and woodblock prints, senbei crackers and ice cream.

Nakamise-dori en el Templo Senso-ji, Tokio

It may seem incongruous to have this commercialism next to a Buddhist temple, but many famous sites are paired this way. The reason is that pilgrims would travel from all over the country to visit special sties, and when they got there, they wanted something to remember the occasion. Some bought Buddhist-related items such as prayer beads or protective talismans, others wanted gifts for family members. Food and drinks were a natural addition to feed the hungry traveler.

… Cats …

If you are interested in souvenirs from Japan, this is a good place to find a wide variety. Check to see that the product really was made in Japan. Good suggestions for a standard budget are the cloth-bound mirrors, card cases, and coin purses made from traditional chirimen cloth. Handkerchiefs, postcards, folding fans, and yukata, or casual cotton kimono, also are popular. There are several booths near the Kaminarimon gate selling local candies which travel well in suitcases.

Asakusa-nakamise dori new year decoration

Some of the food establishments in Nakamise-dori have been there for centuries. About halfway down the walk you will see a senbei shop on the right, where they are making rice crackers behind a window. Try one while it is fresh, and you will see why the store is so popular. If you want a fuller meal, the Asakusa area is known for excellent unagi, or eel, monja, a type of omelet, and sushi. It is easy to spend a whole day in Asakusa!

 

photos by: Michael Cornelius & pablo.sanchez, mlle-madeleine, cipangu2001