Name: Sensō-ji
Address: 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Telephone: 03-3842-0181
Rating: 4.5

Completed in 645, this temple, Tokyo's oldest, was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

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Sensō-ji attracts over 30 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited religious sites globally.

Annual Visitors

Sensō-ji was established in 645, making it one of Tokyo's oldest temples.

Year of Establishment

The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, whose statue was said to have been found by two brothers fishing in the Sumidagawa river.

Goddess of Mercy

The current temple building was rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed multiple times throughout history.

Modern Reconstruction

Sensō-ji gained prominence because the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, designated it as a prayer temple due to its location in the unlucky northeast direction from Edo Castle.

Unlucky Direction

A 250-meter shopping street, Nakamise-dōri, leads visitors from the Kaminari-mon gate to the Hōzōmon gate, offering a vibrant experience with traditional Japanese goods.

Shopping Street

Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, stands proudly in Taito City, its history dating back to 645. The temple complex is a vibrant hub of activity, with the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) marking the entrance. Nakamise, a bustling shopping street, leads to the Hozomon Gate, beyond which lies the temple's main hall and a five-storied pagoda.

Despite being destroyed during World War II, the temple was meticulously rebuilt in the 1950s, becoming a symbol of rebirth and peace. Today, it attracts over 30 million visitors annually, making it the most visited religious site in the world.

One of the temple's unique features is the absence of a visible principal image. The statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, is enshrined in a miniature temple within the main hall, hidden from public view. Visitors can pray at the main hall, placing their hands together in the Buddhist prayer position and chanting "Namu Kanzeon Bosatsu."

Sensō-ji is not only a religious site but also a cultural landmark. The surrounding area is home to the Asakusa Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the three men credited with the temple's founding. The temple complex also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo's largest and most vibrant festivals.

Introduction

Nakamise Shopping Street, a vibrant artery leading to the revered Sensō-ji temple, is a captivating microcosm of traditional Japanese culture. As you traverse its bustling length, you'll be greeted by an array of shops, each a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and delectable treats.

The street's history is intertwined with Sensō-ji, dating back to the 17th century when local merchants were granted permission to establish shops on the temple grounds. Today, Nakamise boasts over 80 shops, offering a kaleidoscope of goods.

Stroll past stalls adorned with colorful lanterns and discover exquisite handmade crafts, from intricate fans to delicate ceramics. Indulge in the sweet aroma of freshly baked ningyo-yaki, sponge cakes shaped like adorable figurines. Savor the crunch of senbei rice crackers, a beloved snack among locals and visitors alike.

As you approach Sensō-ji, the atmosphere becomes even more charged with reverence. The iconic Kaminarimon Gate, adorned with a massive lantern, marks the entrance to the temple complex. Step through its threshold and be enveloped by the serene beauty of Sensō-ji, one of Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.

Nakamise Shopping Street is not merely a commercial thoroughfare; it's a living testament to the enduring bond between faith and commerce, a vibrant tapestry woven into the fabric of Sensō-ji's rich history.

Nakamise Shopping Street

During the Sanja Matsuri Festival, Sensō-ji transforms into the heart of the festivities. The temple's grounds host a vibrant parade on Friday, featuring priests, geisha, and musicians adorned in Edo-period attire. This procession culminates in a Shinto ceremony and traditional dance, invoking blessings for prosperity and a bountiful harvest.

On Saturday, the focus shifts to the neighborhood mikoshi, nearly 100 of them, carried through the streets to Sensō-ji for blessings. The atmosphere crackles with excitement as locals vie to carry the three grand mikoshi of Asakusa Shrine on Sunday. These massive shrines, each weighing over a ton, are paraded through the district, accompanied by thunderous drumming and chanting.

The festival's climax unfolds at Asakusa Shrine, where hundreds of revelers gather at dawn to compete for the honor of carrying the main mikoshi. The competition is intense, with groups jostling to demonstrate their strength and devotion. By evening, the mikoshi have visited every corner of Asakusa, spreading blessings and fostering a sense of community.

Throughout the festival, Sensō-ji's grounds teem with food stalls, offering a delectable array of festival treats. The temple's iconic Kaminarimon gate, adorned with lanterns, provides a stunning backdrop for the revelry. As night falls, Sensō-ji transforms into a magical realm, illuminated by lanterns and the vibrant energy of the festival.

Sanja Matsuri Festival

Kaminarimon Gate, the iconic entrance to Sensō-ji, stands as a testament to the temple's rich history and cultural significance. Built in 941 AD, the gate has undergone numerous reconstructions, with the current structure dating back to 1960. Its towering presence, adorned with intricate carvings and a massive red lantern, welcomes visitors to the sacred precincts of Sensō-ji.

Flanking the gate are two fierce deities: Fūjin, the god of wind, and Raijin, the god of thunder. These colossal statues, each over 3 meters tall, are believed to protect the temple from storms and other calamities. The gate's name, "Kaminarimon," translates to "Thunder Gate," a reference to Raijin's presence.

Beyond the Kaminarimon Gate lies Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street lined with traditional shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and religious goods. This vibrant thoroughfare leads to the Hōzōmon Gate, the second entrance to Sensō-ji. The Hōzōmon, adorned with colorful lanterns and intricate carvings, houses two more guardian deities, Niō, who symbolize strength and protection.

Passing through the Hōzōmon, visitors enter the inner sanctum of Sensō-ji, where the main hall stands. Dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, the main hall is a place of pilgrimage and worship for millions of devotees. The temple complex also boasts a five-story pagoda, a serene garden, and numerous other structures, each contributing to the spiritual and cultural significance of Sensō-ji.

Kaminarimon Gate

The Five-Storied Pagoda of Sensō-ji, a majestic architectural marvel, stands tall within the temple's sacred grounds. Originally constructed in 942, it has endured centuries of fires and been rebuilt several times, with its current incarnation dating back to 1973. Measuring an impressive 53.32 meters in height, the pagoda is a testament to the resilience and artistry of Japanese craftsmanship.

Its exterior, adorned in vibrant vermilion, is a striking sight against the Tokyo skyline. The pagoda's intricate design incorporates a central pillar, known as the shinbashira, which provides structural support and has been employed in earthquake-resistant architecture like the Tokyo Skytree.

While the pagoda's interior is generally closed to the public, it houses a sacred relic – Buddha's ashes, bestowed upon the temple from Sri Lanka. The pagoda also serves as a repository for over 10,000 ihai tablets, inscribed with the posthumous names of the deceased, and 100 statues of the Buddhist deity of mercy, Kannon.

At nightfall, the pagoda transforms into an ethereal spectacle. Illuminated by carefully designed lighting, its vermillion hues come alive, casting a warm glow over the temple grounds. This nightly illumination, introduced in 2003, highlights the pagoda's architectural beauty and creates a captivating ambiance for visitors.

Five-Storied Pagoda

Asakusa Kannon Temple, officially known as Sensō-ji, is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, and its origins date back to the 7th century when a statue of Kannon was found in the Sumida River. The temple has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently after being destroyed in a firebombing raid during World War II.

Asakusa Kannon Temple is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its impressive architecture and its lively atmosphere. The temple complex includes a number of buildings, including the main hall, a five-story pagoda, and a gate called the Kaminarimon, or "Thunder Gate." The Kaminarimon is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo, and it is often used as a symbol of the city.

In addition to its architectural beauty, Asakusa Kannon Temple is also known for its many festivals and events. The most famous of these is the Sanja Matsuri, which is held every year in May. The Sanja Matsuri is one of the largest festivals in Tokyo, and it attracts millions of visitors each year.

Asakusa Kannon Temple is a must-see for anyone visiting Tokyo. It is a beautiful and historic temple that offers a glimpse into the city's past and present.

Asakusa Kannon Temple

Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and spiritual heritage. Founded in 645 AD, it is the oldest established temple in Tokyo and has witnessed the city's transformation over the centuries. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, and its main hall houses a sacred statue of the deity that is said to have been fished out of the Sumida River in the 7th century.

Beyond its historical significance, Sensō-ji is renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) welcomes visitors with its massive red lantern, while the Nakamise-dori shopping street leads to the temple's inner sanctum. The Hōzōmon (Treasure House Gate) grants access to the main hall, where worshippers offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple complex also includes a five-story pagoda, a serene garden, and several smaller shrines.

As Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji holds a special place in the hearts of the city's residents and visitors alike. It is a living testament to Tokyo's enduring spirit and a symbol of the city's deep-rooted cultural traditions. Whether seeking spiritual solace, historical insights, or simply a glimpse into Tokyo's past, Sensō-ji offers an unforgettable experience that transports visitors to the very origins of the city.

Tokyo's Oldest Temple

Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, holds immense significance in the Buddhist heritage of Japan. Founded in 645 AD, it enshrines a sacred statue of Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, which was miraculously discovered in the Sumida River. The temple complex boasts an array of architectural marvels, including the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and the majestic five-story pagoda.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, Sensō-ji is renowned for its deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. It was initially associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism but later became independent. The temple has played a pivotal role in shaping Japanese Buddhism, serving as a center for pilgrimage and spiritual practice for centuries.

One of the most captivating aspects of Sensō-ji is its vibrant atmosphere. The temple grounds are always bustling with pilgrims, worshippers, and tourists, creating a unique blend of spirituality and cultural immersion. Visitors can witness traditional rituals, such as incense burning and prayer offerings, and immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of the temple's gardens.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of Buddhist heritage, Sensō-ji offers guided tours that delve into the temple's history, symbolism, and religious significance. These tours provide insights into the profound teachings of Buddhism and the role of Sensō-ji in preserving and transmitting these teachings throughout Japanese history.

Sensō-ji

Did You Know?

Annual Visitors

Year of Establishment

Goddess of Mercy

Modern Reconstruction

Highlights from Reviews

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