Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, has over 30 million visitors every year!
The temple was built in 628. It is said that during the Warring States Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu came here to pray for victory in the “Battle of Sekigahara”, an important battle for the world.
Within the temple, there are many buildings that represent the unique charm of Japanese history and culture, including the “Thundermon” gate, which is the symbol of Sensoji Temple, and the “Sensoji Temple Den Court”, which is designated as an important cultural property.
Nakamise-dori is about 250 meters long from the Kaminarimon gate to the main hall, and is lined with various shops such as souvenir shops and food stalls. You can buy souvenirs such as wagashi, Japanese tea, and souvenirs that reflect traditional Japanese culture in the shopping streets that are constantly crowded with people, and enjoy the unique nostalgic atmosphere of Tokyo’s Shitamachi.
“Sensoji Temple”, which is so full of Japanese history and traditional culture, is a charming attraction that must be visited once in Tokyo.
1.Thundermon Kaminarimon is the entrance to Sensoji
Temple and the symbol of Asakusa. The most eye-catching thing is the red lantern hanging on the Thunder Gate. The lantern is 3.9 meters high and 3.3 meters in diameter. It is a popular attraction for tourists. The “dragon sculpture” at the bottom of the large lantern, the “Thunder God” and “Wind God” statues on the left and right sides of the gate, and the “Golden Dragon” and “Celestial Dragon” statues on both sides of the back of the gate are also quite interesting to see.
2. Treasure Gate
“Housemon Gate” is located in front of the main hall and is the gate tower of a two-story building. Like the Kaminarimon Gate, there is also a huge lantern hanging on the gate, with the words “Obuna-cho” written on it. There is a statue of “Nioh God” on the left and right sides of the door. The gnashing expressions of the statues are impressive. The one on the left with its mouth open is “A-shaped”, and the one on the right with its mouth closed is “Hung-shaped”.
The biggest attraction of Treasure Gate is a pair of large straw sandals enshrined on the back of the door. The giant straw sandals were a tribute to the Nioh and were said to be able to ward off evil spirits.
3. Five-story pagoda
The five-story pagoda is a Buddhist building found in many Buddhist temples. In Japan, the five-story pagoda in Sensoji Temple is the most famous.
The tower height is about 53 meters from the ground, which is equivalent to a 15 to 20-story building. The top floor is the “Holy Buddha Relic”, which enshrines the relic of “Sakyamuni Buddha”.
4. Sensoji Temple Main Hall
The main hall of Sensoji Temple enshrines the statue of the main deity, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and is therefore also called Kannon-do. A large lantern with a diameter of 4.5 meters hangs at the door, which is larger than the lanterns at the Kaminarimon Gate. The must-see highlights are the “Dragon Picture” painted in the center of the ceiling of the main hall and the “Goddess Scattering Flowers” on the left and right sides. The beautiful, spectacular and charming patio paintings are of extremely high artistic value. Don’t forget to look up to admire them (please note that photography is prohibited here).
Sensoji Temple is a temple that fully embodies the compassionate spirit of Guanyin Bodhisattva. The greatest merit of this temple is that it can bless visitors to “achieve their wishes.” It treats everyone equally, and no matter what anyone wishes, it is said that the wish will be fulfilled.
Sensoji Temple is lit up every day from sunset to around 11pm. The illuminated Kaminarimon Gate, the Treasure Gate, the five-storied pagoda, and the main hall shine brightly in the night, making you feel like you have stepped into a dreamlike world.
What is particularly worth mentioning is that after the shops close in the evening, the crowds recede, and “Nakamise Dori”, which is bustling during the day, looks particularly peaceful and quiet. At this time, it is recommended that you take a good look at the “Asakusa Corridor Mural” painted on the rolling doors of all the shops in the street. You can get a glimpse of the history of Asakusa and the lively scenes when Sensoji Temple holds festivals.
