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Sensoji Temple (浅草寺) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is
Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with
the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II.
Dominating the entrance to the temple is the kaminari-mon or "Thunder Gate".
This imposing Buddhist structure features a massive paper lantern dramatically
painted in vivid red-and-black tones to suggest thunderclouds and lightning.
Within the precincts stand a stately five-story pagoda and the main hall, devoted
to Kannon Bosatsu.
Pilgrims and tourists flocking to Sensō-ji have shopped at the small stores here
for centuries.
Enlarge
Pilgrims and tourists flocking to Sensō-ji have shopped at the small stores here
for centuries.
Many tourists, both Japanese and from abroad, visit Sensō-ji every year.
Catering to the visiting crowds, the surrounding area has many traditional shops
and eating places that feature traditional dishes (hand-made noodles, sushi,
tempura, etc.). Nakamise-dori, the street leading from the Thunder Gate to the
temple itself, is lined with small shops selling souvenirs ranging from fans, ukiyo-e
(woodblock prints), kimono and other robes, Buddhist scrolls, traditional sweets,
to Godzilla toys, t-shirts, and cell-phone trinkets. These shops themselves are
part of a living tradition of selling to pilgrims who walked to Sensō-ji.
Within the temple is a quiet contemplative garden kept in the distinctive Japanese
style.
History
The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. According to legend, a
statue of the Kannon was found in the Sumida River in 628 by two fishermen, the
brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. The chief of their village,
Hajino Nakamoto, recognized the sanctity of the statue and inshrined the statue
by remaking his own house into a small temple in Asakusa so that the villagers
could worship the Kannon.
The blessings of the Kannon gradually received a high reputation throughout
Japan, and people near and far flocked to Asakusa to venerate the statue.
Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with
the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II.
Dominating the entrance to the temple is the kaminari-mon or "Thunder Gate".
This imposing Buddhist structure features a massive paper lantern dramatically
painted in vivid red-and-black tones to suggest thunderclouds and lightning.
Within the precincts stand a stately five-story pagoda and the main hall, devoted
to Kannon Bosatsu.
Pilgrims and tourists flocking to Sensō-ji have shopped at the small stores here
for centuries.
Enlarge
Pilgrims and tourists flocking to Sensō-ji have shopped at the small stores here
for centuries.
Many tourists, both Japanese and from abroad, visit Sensō-ji every year.
Catering to the visiting crowds, the surrounding area has many traditional shops
and eating places that feature traditional dishes (hand-made noodles, sushi,
tempura, etc.). Nakamise-dori, the street leading from the Thunder Gate to the
temple itself, is lined with small shops selling souvenirs ranging from fans, ukiyo-e
(woodblock prints), kimono and other robes, Buddhist scrolls, traditional sweets,
to Godzilla toys, t-shirts, and cell-phone trinkets. These shops themselves are
part of a living tradition of selling to pilgrims who walked to Sensō-ji.
Within the temple is a quiet contemplative garden kept in the distinctive Japanese
style.
History
The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. According to legend, a
statue of the Kannon was found in the Sumida River in 628 by two fishermen, the
brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. The chief of their village,
Hajino Nakamoto, recognized the sanctity of the statue and inshrined the statue
by remaking his own house into a small temple in Asakusa so that the villagers
could worship the Kannon.
The blessings of the Kannon gradually received a high reputation throughout
Japan, and people near and far flocked to Asakusa to venerate the statue.
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