陳泰任 's page

Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street (Main Approach to Asakusa Temple)

Located on the approach to Asakusa Temple, this shopping street consists of food and souvenir shops lining the approximately 250m stone-paved path from Asakusa Temple's main gate, the Kaminarimon Gate, to the "Treasure House Gate". Known as "Nakamise", about 90 stores are built across the approach, bustling daily with visitors to Asakusa Temple and tourists from both Japan and abroad.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Shopping Streets

Nakamise Shopping Street: The Atmosphere of a Century-Old Tokyo Street
After passing through the majestic gate of Sensoji Temple, you are greeted by Nakamise Shopping Street, filled with the atmosphere of old Edo. One of Tokyo's most iconic historic streets, it has about 90 shops lining both sides of the approach. From traditional ningyo-yaki and wagashi to Japanese fans, handicrafts, and souvenirs, every shop has a distinctly Japanese feel.
Walking through the bustling street, the traditional lanterns and colorful signs on both sides, together with the old-fashioned storefronts, make it feel as if you've stepped into the Edo period. Looking at the dazzling array of souvenirs in the display windows, I couldn't resist picking out a few sweets bearing the "Asakusa" name, as well as several fans decorated with kimono-clad women, Mount Fuji, and traditional patterns.
This is more than just a shopping street; it's like a time tunnel preserving Tokyo's memories. The crowds come from all over the world, while the long-established shops continue to preserve their familiar flavors and craftsmanship. The solemnity of Sensoji Temple and the liveliness of Nakamise come together along this one street to create a travel scene that feels distinctly Tokyo.

Sensoji Temple

This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Shrines & Temples

Memories of Asakusa Beneath Kaminarimon
A trip to Tokyo wouldn't be complete without visiting Sensoji Temple. This ancient temple, one of Tokyo's most iconic, attracts tens of millions of worshippers each year and has long been an important landmark where travelers can experience Tokyo's traditional culture. Before entering Sensoji Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the imposing Kaminarimon Gate. A huge red lantern hangs in the center of the gate dedicated to the gods of wind and thunder, and the gold characters for “Kaminarimon” on a black background are especially striking. It has also become one of the most classic photo spots of the trip.

Passing through Kaminarimon and walking along Nakamise toward the inner temple grounds, the Hozomon Gate and five-story pagoda gradually come into view. The vermilion beams and pillars, intricate bracket work, and layered gray-tiled eaves look solemn and magnificent against the blue sky. Looking back from in front of the temple, amid the bustling crowds and curling incense smoke, the modern vibrancy of Tokyo and the history of the ancient temple come together in this moment.

Kato Shrine at Kumamoto Castle

This shrine enshrines Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) as its principal deity. He was active as a Sengoku warlord and, in the Edo period (1603-1868), ruled Higo Province as the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain, earning the affectionate nickname “Seishoko-san” among the people. It stands in the Honmaru (the castle’s main bailey) of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s Three Great Castles, which Kiyomasa built.

• Kumamoto
• Shrines & Temples

Kumamoto · Kumamoto Castle (Ginkgo Castle)
The journey began in Kumamoto and also came to an end there. Standing in front of Kumamoto Castle, looking at the black-and-white keep, the massive stone walls, and the traces of history still being restored, I truly understood that even the strongest fortress is no match for the power of nature. Kato Kiyomasa built this famous castle, which remained standing through wars and fires but was severely damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Today, it is being rebuilt step by step using historical construction methods so that its cultural legacy can continue.

On this journey, I saw not only a magnificent old castle, but also the Japanese people's respect for cultural heritage and their indomitable spirit in the face of disaster. History is not just words in a book, but stories that truly remain in every roof tile, every stone, and every wooden structure. A person's life will eventually become a page in history, and the value of travel lies in broadening one's horizons and gaining knowledge with every stop, making life richer by visiting more places and witnessing more stories.

SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto

Opened in 2019, "SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto" is a large multi-complex facility featuring approximately 150 stores, including fashion, cosmetics, and restaurants. It also houses a major event venue, "Kumamoto-jo Hall," a 9-screen cinema complex, "TOHO Cinemas," "KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto," as well as offices and condominiums.

• Kumamoto
• Commercial Buildings

SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto—Between the Historic Castle and the Future, Bringing the Journey to a Close
At the end of our trip, we arrived at SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto. The glass curtain walls reflected the drifting clouds, modern streetcars traveled through the streets, and department stores, the transit center, and urban green spaces came together to create a new way of life. Not far away, Kumamoto Castle still stood quietly, preserving centuries of historical memory.
The new and the old may seem at odds, yet they find the most natural balance in this city. The historic castle reminds people not to forget where they came from, while modern architecture leads the city toward the future. Technology makes life more convenient, but it cannot replace the warmth left by history; nor should the marks carved by time hinder the steps of progress.
Our five-day, four-night trip through Kyushu came to an end amid this contrast. Perhaps what we truly take away from travel is not just the scenery captured by our cameras, but an understanding of a city—progress and old-world simplicity have never been an either-or choice, but rather complement each other through the passage of time. As the train departed once again, I left with this feeling, looking forward to returning to Kumamoto someday to see how the city will write its next chapter.

Koinoki Shrine

Located within the precincts of Mizuta Tenmangu Shrine, which was built in 1226 to worship Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, this is the only rare shrine in all of Japan dedicated to Koinomikoto, the god of love. This shrine is popularly known as the "god of good marriage and happiness" and the "god of love.

• Fukuoka
• Shrines & Temples

Fukuoka, Chikugo | Koinoki Shrine—Discovering Love in Its Purest Form Amid the Ordinary

Located in Chikugo, Fukuoka Prefecture, Koinoki Shrine is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to Koinomikoto, the deity of love. It is also one of the few shrines in the country devoted specifically to prayers for good relationships and success in love. From the approach and amulets to the ema plaques and shrine crest, hearts are everywhere, making it feel like a sanctuary filled with happiness and hope.

Unexpectedly, there were no other visitors when I went. The only sounds were cicadas, the breeze, and the quiet warmth of the sunshine. There was none of the romance of Tanabata or the bustle of Valentine’s Day, which made it easier to appreciate the shrine’s true charm. From Lovers’ Bridge and the sacred Koinoki tree to the guardian statues of the 12 zodiac animals, every detail carries blessings for love, destiny, and happiness.

Perhaps I’m already past the age of butterflies, but in this peaceful setting, I was reminded that love does not have to be dramatic. It can simply mean cherishing the person beside you and continuing to walk hand in hand through ordinary days. Koinoki Shrine watches over more than romance—it celebrates the kind of bond that lasts a lifetime. Among all the heart-shaped symbols, this visit helped me rediscover the simplest joy of happiness.