Day 3: Shrines, Sushi, and a Scenic Detour

Today marked the true beginning of the adventure.

We started with a hearty breakfast at one of the hotel’s restaurants before gathering in the reception area to meet our local guide. Once the group was assembled, we boarded our tour bus and set off for our first destination: Asakusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji, which dates all the way back to 645 AD.

The temple grounds were striking. A grand main hall, a five-story pagoda, and towering gates greeted us—each element rich in history and detail. Giant paper lanterns hung from the temple’s gates and entrances, lending a sense of reverence and importance to the space. Just beyond the entrance lay Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street lined with stalls selling everything from traditional snacks and sweets to souvenirs, trinkets, and accessories. The lively atmosphere blended seamlessly with the serene elegance of the temple itself. Every detail in the architecture reflected the care, dedication, and deep spiritual respect that’s so integral to Japanese culture.

After wandering the temple grounds, we hopped back on the bus for our next excursion—which also included lunch. This time, we weren’t just eating; we were making it.

At a local restaurant, we were taught the basics of sushi-making. Under the guidance of a skilled chef, we learned how to prepare nigiri, temaki, and ikura. The chef demonstrated each technique with precision and offered helpful tips to perfect our form. Once we’d made our own creations, we got to enjoy them as our lunch—a delicious and rewarding experience.

In the afternoon, we visited Japan’s most famous Shinto shrine: Meiji Jingū. Nestled within a vast forest of over 100,000 trees—donated by citizens in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken—the shrine feels like a hidden sanctuary, completely removed from the noise and pace of central Tokyo. It’s hard to believe that such peace exists in the heart of the world’s most populous city.

Approaching the shrine, we passed beneath giant torii gates that signaled the sacredness of the space. The shrine itself is a beautiful monument to the late emperor and empress, with one particularly memorable feature: two massive camphor trees, bound together with a sacred shimenawa rope, known as Meoto Kusu—the sacred married trees.

We returned to the hotel in the early afternoon with time to relax before meeting up again for a welcome drink hosted by our tour manager and guide.

Later that evening, another tour member and I decided to head out for dinner and a bit of exploring. We made our way to Akihabara, the city’s famous electronics and gaming district. Though we arrived too late to properly explore—one shop with vintage games closed shortly after we arrived—it was still fun to peek inside.

Eventually, we found a casual spot for dinner: a chain restaurant called Café Gusto. The food was affordable and surprisingly good. I ordered a pork cutlet, hamburger steak, and teriyaki chicken—all tasty, and even better for the price.

After dinner, we caught a train from Akihabara Station back toward the hotel. The train ride itself was easy enough, but once we exited the station, we realized we’d come out the wrong side and were nowhere near where we thought we were. Trusting Google Maps to guide us back, we soon found ourselves more lost than before—thanks to a combination of vague directions and our own distractions from the bright, captivating city streets.

What should have been a 20-minute walk turned into an hour-long detour. Still, the accidental adventure had its charm—we stumbled upon side streets and sights we might have otherwise missed. Eventually, we made it back to the hotel, tired but content, ready to rest up for tomorrows adventure.



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