I like sometimes to wander aimlessly on Tokyo’s backstreets, because almost every time I discover something nice: a shop or a restaurant, an old Japanese building or a small temple or shrine…
That was the case with the Akiba Shrine from Asakusa, and as I promised a few days ago, now I’m getting back to it with a full photo visit.
Akiba Shrine main building, Asakusa
The shrine is not visible from the street, because of trees and other buildings. However, the two entrances are marked by beautiful white stone torii.
Torii, Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
I walked the path under the torii…
Koma-inu statue, Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
… and I reached the Shrine:
Akiba Shrine building, Asakusa
It was a hot day (and you know how powerful the sun can be in Tokyo) so, for a few moments, I rested under the shade …
Akiba Shrine building, Asakusa
… admiring the metallic adornments…
Akiba Shrine building, Asakusa
Akiba Shrine building, Asakusa
… the paper lanterns…
Akiba Shrine building, Asakusa
… and the roof ornaments…
Akiba Shrine building, Asakusa
I liked the koma-inu guardians…
Koma-inu, Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
Koma-inu, Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
… and the two wooden lanterns, placed on both sides of the main building…
Akiba Shrine building, Asakusa
I walked further down the path, I reached the other entrance and left the shrine’s yard, passing under another torii…
Torii, Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
Notice the lintel of this torii, made from 2 pieces. This is an earthquake resistant technique, designed to allow independent movement of the pillars…
Torii, Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
The drying laundry, the cars parked in the backyard, the flower pots and the bicycles were making the place friendly, even familiar…
Torii, Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
… and if you’ll be in the area in November, remember that here, on November 6th, a Hiwatari no Shinji (Fire-Crossing Ceremony) takes place: barefoot walking on charcoal fire.
Akiba Shrine, Asakusa
