Tokyo, Japan | Seeing the future at the Sensoji Temple

On my first (whirlwind) trip to Tokyo I knew I wanted to do two things: eat all the sushi and delicious Japanese cuisine, and cram as much culture as I could into my short three days. I’m happy to report I did eat a TON of great food (post coming soon), and I managed to visit a few key areas that make Japan so awesome and unique. Although three days is not nearly enough time to see and eat everything in such a large city, I consider this my “test” trip, and will definitely visit again while I live in Asia. My first day in Tokyo I woke up bright-eyed and bushy tailed ready for some exploring. After doing some research, I set my sights on the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district. About 35 minutes from where I was staying in the financial district, I hopped on the metro and made my way Northeast towards Asakusa.

The Tokyo metro is super easy to navigate; it’s not Hong-Kong-easy, but it’s not bad if you pay attention and read the signs (some of which are in English!) I was also able to use my phone and let Google Maps guide my way. Honestly, what did people do before smart phones? I would be lost. Literally.

After my 13 stops on the Ginza line I arrived at Asakusa and made the short seven-minute walk to the temple. Leading up to Sensoji is a long corridor of shopping stalls called Nakamise. Here you can find all of the little Japanese trinkets you need to take home as souvenirs. I wish I had spent more time roaming these stalls.

The entrance to the temple is really beautiful. Living in Hong Kong, I’ve been to my fair share of temples and shrines, but I’ve never seen an entryway or grounds like this one. The Sensoji is a Buddhist temple and was constructed in 654, making it the oldest temple in Tokyo. Beyond the entrance stands the main hall and to the left and right are other various shrines and worship areas, such as the Asakusa Shrine built in 1649.

After walking the grounds I noticed a lot of people gathered around a smaller pagoda shaking baskets of wooden sticks. I recognized this act as fortune telling as I’ve done it before at a temple in Hong Kong. Given the last month or so of my life, I figured it couldn’t hurt to gain some additional insight and guidance on what’s next for me. What ever your beliefs are, the act of saying a prayer to Buddha while drawing an omikuji (paper fortune) is sacred and has been done for several thousand years. I respect the culture and enjoy doing anything that is local.

The act of drawing an omikuji is done by shaking a basket of “sticks” whilst saying a prayer to yourself. As you begin shaking the basket, a stick starts to emerge from the bottom. This stick has a number engraved on it, that is your fortune. Next, take that number and find the corresponding paper (omikuji) that will tell you all about your future.

There are seven types of results for omikuji – all ranging from excellent luck to absolutely terrible luck. To receive excellent fortune one would be considered extremely blessed, especially here at Sensoji. Sensoji’s omikuji follows the traditional method of Kannonhyakusen. According to Kannonhyakusen, 30 percent of the 100 bamboo sticks inserted into the baskets are bad fortunes. Because of this notoriety, the Sensoji explains that all who draw bad fortunes can alter their luck by the actions they take moving forward. Basically, don’t get depressed if you pull a bad fortune, you are in charge of your own destiny. Needless to say, I was happy with my “regular” fortune.

After you draw your fortune, it is customary to tie it to the metal rods located next to the pagoda, the act of kami wo musubu. This is recommended by the temple as a way of sealing your fate.

No. 73 Regular Fortune

Cloudy sky for a long period, finally get clear, everything get bright again. At the same time, the water get clean and clear like no trouble in our mind. Receiving a tare letter from far away, and found out you got success. Meeting a person unexpected, and by whose help, your request and desire will all be granted.

*Your request will be granted later. *The patient will get well. *Lost article will be found. *The person you want for will come. *Building a new house and removal are both well. *To start a trip is good. *Marriage of any kind and new employment are both well.

Here’s to the future.