Sensoji Temple is basically a must-visit photo spot in Tokyo. It feels like if you haven’t taken a picture at Kaminarimon Gate, you haven’t really been to Tokyo. The temple is huge and impressive, and it’s absolutely packed with tourists. There are also tons of people wearing kimono, and of course I had to join in too. I heard the omikuji fortunes here are really accurate.
The first time I went to Sensoji, my family and I somehow stayed for a full seven hours. We shopped, bought souvenirs, and had some amazing Taisho matcha ice cream. Time just flew by, and looking back now, I honestly don’t know how we managed to stay that long.
Of course, I also drew an omikuji. But two sticks accidentally came out, and I remembered both numbers. The first one turned out to be bad luck, so I quietly pushed it back in, haha. Then I opened the drawer for the second one, and although it wasn’t bad luck, all I could think about was that first bad fortune. I was afraid my mom would laugh at me, so I just pretended I didn’t see it.
When I went again the second time, I thought, whatever, good or bad, I’ll just accept it. It’s not a big deal. Plus, this time I was by myself!
I ended up drawing number 89, and I was like, 89? Is it secretly insulting me? But when I opened it, it was actually great luck! The fortune said I was like an unpolished gem and that I’d meet someone who would help me in the future. I was so happy in that moment. I was just about to enter the workforce and was honestly pretty anxious, so reading those words felt like a real confidence boost. I brought the great-luck fortune home to keep, and also to show it off a little〜🤭
It’s only been three months since then, so I haven’t met any special benefactor yet. But I heard omikuji fortunes are good for one year, so I hope when I look back a year from now, it really will have come true. I also hope I’ll have another chance to visit Tokyo again by then.
Sensoji Temple | Review by 雨妤魚
Other Reviews by 雨妤魚
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Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
A dome-shaped museum located on the low hill near the center of the explosion displaying 1500 preserved documents and personal mementos. You can get an easy understanding of atomic bombs with a design of exhibitions performing a plot with wishes for peace and also describing the devastating terrors of an atomic bomb and the history of nuclear weapons.
My friend wanted to visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, and since I didn’t have anything planned, I tagged along. It also let me check off my second atomic bomb site.
I wasn’t that interested at first, but seeing so many international visitors reading everything so seriously, I ended up following along with the translations for quite a while.
The video showing the power of the atomic bomb left the strongest impression. Even after watching it two or three times, it was still pretty shocking. -
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Cow Brand Red Box
This creamy lathering soap contains milk and squalene to help moisturize. It is a popular, long-selling product that has been on the market since 1928.
Does this soap have a fermented smell? It’s a bit like the smell of someone who hasn’t showered in several days.
Then it has a rose fragrance on top of that. To make sure I didn’t get a defective one, I even bought a second bar.
It has a carved cow and “COW” on it, and I actually really like that detail. It kind of makes me want to hurry up and wash it down until it’s flat, haha.
I think it lathers pretty well, and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling too squeaky-clean or tight afterward. Too bad I’m not sure if I’m just too used to synthetic fragrances, but I’m not really used to this scent. It’s a long-established brand, though. -
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Shiroi Koibito
Everyone in Japan knows Hokkaido’s sweets, “Shiroi Koibito.” Ishiya Co., Ltd.was an ordinary candy maker to begin with, but utilizing quality ingredients in Hokkaido changed them into the producer of the classic dessert. More than 40 years passed since its beginning, but it is still the beloved souvenir of Hokkaido to this day.
Shiroi Koibito was one of the souvenirs I loved as a kid!
It’s a super tasty white chocolate sandwich cookie.
It’s a classic choice that never fails!
Back then, whenever I craved it, I’d buy Oreos or a similar 4-piece pack from 7-Eleven for 25 dollars to satisfy the craving. But as a kid, that felt really expensive, haha.
Then when I actually bought some in Japan myself, I ended up letting them expire...? Such a waste...
The one in the photo was actually given to me by an auntie from my part-time job. I didn’t have a photo on hand, so I shamelessly asked her, “Could you bring me one to eat?” and she generously gave me one, hahaha.
So sweet... I feel like I’m getting old. I can’t handle really sweet cookies anymore.
I do have a sad memory about Shiroi Koibito, though. In elementary school, I went to a classmate’s house to play. I thought my best friend had gone to Japan and brought back a whole box for another friend. When I saw it, I started complaining, like, “Why does he get a whole box and I don’t? I only got one cookie...” Thinking back on it now, it’s so embarrassing.
When you’re a guest at someone’s house, you’re supposed to be polite. And it’s not like I didn’t get a cookie at all. Tsk tsk.
But it was just that kind of feeling, haha.
I just felt like, if I was supposedly his closest friend, why didn’t I get a whole box too? I don’t know why, but I’ve never forgotten that moment. -
