Beyond the Crowds: A Sacred Blessing and Hidden Tea Ceremony in Asakusa

There’s an interesting point in life when you find yourself somewhere doing an activity you never imagined possible. 

An existential moment. A memory so surreal, where you ask yourself, “Did that really happen?” or “Was it a scene in a movie I once saw?” 

This happened recently to me in Asakusa, an area of Tokyo that is most tourists' first stop on arrival, the hustle and bustle of the long street of shops selling trinkets, food, and souvenirs that lead to the great Senso-ji. It is an iconic image and one that most will be familiar with, even if they have not been to Japan.

Stepping Beyond the Asakusa Everyone Knows

I’ve always liked Asakusa; there are some great spots around the main area, and as much as it is completely overrun with tourists, there are still a few hidden gems in and about the town. From the little Yatai-style izakayas that line Hoppy Street to the historical back alleys of Yoshiwara (the old red light district), there is a lot to see outside of that one main street.

I never thought, though, that there would be not just more but a whole other underneath to one of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods. 

So when we at Untold Japan were given the opportunity to meet a gentleman who could be described as the "Chairman of the Asakusa Appreciation Society”, I was excited to see what would be on offer. 

A Personal Temple Blessing at Asakusa Shrine

Our day started with a meet and greet outside Asakusa Shrine, a literal stone's throw from Senso-ji, but very few people know about. I had no previous knowledge of what was going to happen, so when escorted into the shrine and met by its head priest, I was asked a few questions about what I would like to pray for, the name of our company, and a few other details. Not knowing, I would then be taken into another room and asked to wear a ceremonial garment. It was then that it hit me that they would be blessing me; I’d seen it happen from the outside, but this was my first time stepping into the body of a shrine and being part of a sacred ritual.

Guided by the priest, I was led in a prayer for the growth and success of our company. It was an honor to be part of such an experience firsthand, and although I am not religious, the spirituality and warmth of being there was something else. The ritual ended, and I was given a small charm, and I left feeling blessed, clean, and invigorated.

A Hidden Kimono Store and a Private Tea Ceremony

From the temple, our guide took us to his Kimono store, located on the 9th floor of a building off the main road in Asakusa—this is not your standard kimono rental place; you will need an attendant to get you in through these doors. The store was lined with exquisite fabrics and kimonos, beautiful pieces from traditional to modern patterns, ranging from hundreds to 100s of thousands of dollars.

Before we spent time looking through the collection, we were taken into the back where a beautiful Japanese-style room was hidden, and we were offered tea. We were given a full tea ceremony.

Our attendee (a man in his 70s) sat us down one by one and performed a tea ceremony with absolute precision and perfection. Drinking matcha from a 300-year-old cup (Raku Porcelain—found in Kyoto) was itself an honor, but it was the trust and respect I felt to be able to experience this whole day that really blew me away.

Moments You Cannot Simply Buy

These are rare experiences that simply money cannot buy; this is an honor acquired by years of relationship building, mutual respect, and an overall love for a culture and tradition that prides itself on it.

I have lived in Japan for 17 years now, and I am still uncovering the Untold even in places that are well-trodden, behind a door, down an alley, or just turning a corner can take you away from the crowds and into your very own out-of-body, movie-esque experience.

Asakusa still has secrets left to tell, if you know where to look.

This story is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we continue uncovering the hidden sides of Asakusa, from the art of the kimono to an unforgettable private cruise along the Sumida River.