Tokyo in a Day: Asakusa Temple, Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Crossing Adventure!
[Music] [Applause] [Music] So, my girlfriend’s still asleep. She’s pretty exhausted from yesterday. So, I thought I’d sneak out for a bit and explore a Sakuasa temple on my own. [Music] Around 6:00 a.m. there were just a handful of people super quiet and peaceful. But now it’s starting to get packed. Definitely recommend coming early if you want to enjoy the place without the crowds. [Music] Just look at this place. The energy here is absolutely incredible. We’re walking through the Camaran, the Thundergate, and already you can feel the history. So many people are here soaking it all in just like us. [Music] And this, my friends, is Nakamese Dory. This ancient shopping street leading up to the main temple is just bursting with life. There are so many amazing little shops here selling everything from traditional snacks to souvenirs. [Music] Okay, we’ve made it to the main hall of the Hongo. The sheer scale and beauty of this temple are just breathtaking. You can see the incense smoke rising from the huge cauldron in front. People are wafting the smoke over themselves for gut health and fortune. It’s such a cool cultural experience. Okay. Over here, people are performing the purification ritual, cleaning their hands and mouths before approaching the temple. And inside you can see people offering their prayers. It’s truly a place of peace and reflection amidst all the hustle and bustle. And check out the five-story pagota. It’s absolutely magnificent against the clear blue sky. Every detail here is just so meticulously crafted. It’s fascinating to see everyone here. Some people are just soaking at a lin taking photos while others are clearly engaging in traditional practices, offering prayers, perhaps lighting incense or just having a quiet moment. There’s a real sense of shared experience even with so many people around. [Music] Yeah. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] After all that excitement, we found a quieter spot in the temple grounds. This beautiful garden with a serene waterfall. And oh my gosh, look at these incredible koi fish. They are so vibrant and graceful. It’s such a peaceful escape from the crowds. [Music] We decided to wander a bit off the main path and it’s so peaceful back here. There are these beautiful smaller shrines and you can really feel a sense of calm away from the main crowds. It’s like finding a secret garden in the middle of a bustling city. You can hear the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant temple bells. Pure tranquility. Look at this perspective. From here, you get such a stunning view of the pagota and the main hall, but with a bit more space to breathe. It really lets you appreciate the architecture and the grandeur of it all without feeling overwhelmed. It’s incredible how such a busy place can also have these moments of quiet beauty. [Music] What are you doing? [Music] Just got a call from my girlfriend. She’s hungry, so I dashed out to the nearest Family Mart to grab us some breakfast. Family Mart is a staple in Japan, known for its quick and tasty options. [Music] I’m on my way back to the hotel now. [Music] [Music] Tried the complimentary hotel coffee. Surprisingly good. [Music] After breakfast, we headed to a Sakuasa station. As we strolled through the historic district, we were greeted by the stunning view of the Tokyo Sky Tree towering in the distance. The Tokyo Sky Tree standing at 6304 meters is the tallest structure in Japan. Its presence is felt throughout the city and the view from Asakua is particularly breathtaking. [Music] Our first destination today is Miji Jingu. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Come [Applause] [Music] on. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Today, we’re stepping back in time and immersing ourselves in a truly special place right in the heart of Tokyo, the Magi Jingu Shrine. As you can see, even from the approach, there’s this incredible sense of calm and natural beauty that completely transports you away from the bustling city. Just look at this first massive Tory gate. It’s one of the largest wooden Tory gates in Japan. Standing at an impressive 12 meters tall, these gates mark the transition from the mundane to the sacred. And you can already feel the shift in atmosphere. What many people might not realize is that this isn’t just a shrine. It’s also a vast forest covering 70 hectares. And here’s a little historical nugget for you. This forest isn’t natural. It was actually planted by volunteers from all over Japan starting in 1915 and taking about 5 years to complete. They used about 100,000 trees donated from across the country and even from overseas, all to create a sacred grove for the enshrined deities. It’s an incredible testament to community spirit and foresight. And as we continue our walk, you’ll see these fascinating displays. On one side, we have these beautifully decorated sake barrels offerings from various sake brewers throughout Japan. And just opposite them, you’ll find a similar display of wine barrels, gifts from Burgundy, France. It’s a wonderful blend of Japanese tradition and international goodwill. [Applause] Further into the grounds, we encounter another grand Tory gate signifying our deeper entry into the sacred space. The journey here truly feels like a pilgrimage, preparing your mind and spirit for what lies ahead. Before entering the main hall, it’s customary to perform teisu, a purification ritual at this fountain called a teazuya. You cleanse your hands and mouth to purify yourself before approaching the deities. It’s a simple yet meaningful act that really connects you to the traditions of Shinto. Here [Music] I am. Yeah, And here we are at the heart of Maji Jingu. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Magi and Empress Shoken. They passed away in 1912 and 1914 respectively. And the shrine was established in 1920 to commemorate their virtues and to pray for the peace and prosperity of Japan. It’s a place of deep respect and reverence you’ll see many people offering prayers. And over here we have the omuji not fortune telling in the usual sense but rather sacred poems written by the emperor and empress themselves offering guidance and wisdom. It’s a unique and thoughtful way to receive a message. [Music] Look at this. My omikuji is quite beautiful. It’s a lovely tradition to take a moment and reflect on these wise words. All right, so picking up right where we left off at the incredible Miji Jingu Shrine. One of the most touching things you’ll see here and something I always love to observe are these these wooden prayer tablets. People write their wishes, hopes, and prayers on them and then hang them up for the kami deities to receive. It’s just so beautiful to see the collective aspirations of so many people from all over the world all gathered in one place. From wishes for good health and academic success to happy relationships and world peace, it’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Miji Jingu is a must visit for those seeking history, spirituality, and a serene escape from Tokyo’s bustling streets. Just made it outside Miji Jingu. Seriously, add this to your must visit list when you’re in Tokyo. Next stop, the world famous Shabuya Crossing. Yes, you saw that right. That’s the famous street car or what many people call Mario Kart Tours. You actually get to dress up in costumes, often character costumes, and drive go-karts right through the streets of Tokyo. It’s an absolutely wild and unforgettable experience. Definitely something that adds to the unique charm of this city. Since it’s only about a 16-minute walk according to Google Maps, we decided to enjoy the city on foot. And what better way to cap off our journey than the iconic Shibuya crossing. This is the epitome of Tokyo’s bustling electric energy. Thousands of people crossing at once, lights flashing, sounds of the city all around. It’s chaotic, it’s mesmerizing, and it’s quintessentially Tokyo. this time. [Music] Stop. [Music] [Music] scored some awesome Onitsuka sneakers, too. They were on sale here in Shabuya. [Music] wanted to grab a selfie with Hiko, but the line was crazy long. Still such a heartwarming sight. [Music] Tokyo Skytree at night was on our list, but we ran out of time. Still, just catching a glimpse of it glowing in the skyline felt magical. Definitely saving this for the next Tokyo trip. [Music] Oh, little [Music] [Music] speech. Early rise today for our AM flight. Got a bit of luggage with us, so we grabbed a taxi to make things smoother. Beer sweet leaving, but it’s been such a memorable Tokyo adventure. [Music] This is a Skyliner bound for NIA airport. This train will stop on route at Ala airport terminal 2. [Music] passenger in front of you again on the train. Thank you. [Music] Sky9. [Music] [Music] [Music] foreign. Come on. You can say [Music] [Music]
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🇯🇵 Tokyo in One Day! Join me as we explore three of the most iconic spots in Japan’s capital city:
✨ Asakusa Temple (Senso-ji) – Tokyo’s oldest temple, filled with tradition, culture, and street food!
🌳 Meiji Jingu Shrine – A peaceful forested escape in the heart of the city, dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
🚦 Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing where Tokyo’s energy comes to life!
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Tokyo or just love Japanese culture, this vlog will take you through the perfect mix of history, spirituality, and modern chaos. 🗾
📍 Locations visited:
Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
🎥 Filmed in 2025 | Shot in 4K | Travel Vlog
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Japan travel videos!
#Tokyo2025 #JapanTravel #AsakusaTemple #MeijiJingu #ShibuyaCrossing #TokyoVlog #JapanVlog #TokyoTravelGuide
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