Why it stays with you
The temple with the oldest history in Tokyo. Early on the 18th day of the 3rd month in the 36th year of Empress Suiko's reign (628), the brothers Hinokuma no Hamanari and Takenari, fishing in Edo Bay, received the sacred image of Kannon — that, the temple relates, is how it began. The precinct gathers more than 20 halls and gates, among them Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Hozomon, the main hall and the five-story pagoda, so simply walking it has the density of a small town. Morning is best. The main hall opens at 6:00. Walk up to the main hall while the shops along the approach haven't started their day, then browse Nakamise on the way back. The crowds build sharply toward midday, so in this order you get the same place twice over.