SENSŌ-JI

Located in the heart of Asakusa district, it is hard to miss this gigantic and colorful complex which is as much a Buddhist pilgrimage as a big fair. This is where Tokyoites gather to celebrate special occasions in one of the most famous places in the city. Indeed, Sensō-ji is nothing less than the oldest temple in Tokyo, and is the center of many celebrations throughout the year. The Sanja-Matsuri, a festival celebrating its three founders, takes place in May and draws crowds. In July, the temple is in the midst of the Sumidagawa fireworks festivities, and in August, it dances to the rhythm of the Samba Festival. For all these reasons, it is one of the must-visit places in the city. And the rickshaw pullers waiting at the entrance should not contradict us!
According to the legend, the temple was founded in 628 by two fishermen who had brought up a golden statue of Kannon (goddess of compassion) in their nets. With the help of a rich merchant who taught them the teachings of Buddha, they built the temple to protect her. The Hon-dō, the main building, dates from 1651, but it was destroyed along with the Nio-mon gate and the pagoda during World War II. A replica of the Kannon-dō was erected in 1950.

One enters the temple through the Kaminari-mon gate, which is located on Asakusa-dōri. Built of wood, this imposing red gate was burned down and rebuilt in concrete in 1960. Two terrifying guardians, the god of wind (Fūjin) and the god of thunder (Raijin), flank the gate while a gigantic red paper lantern inscribed with kanji descends from its center. It is under this lantern that all the passers-by stop for the traditional souvenir photos. From the gate extends the long Nakamise shopping street, lined with souvenir shops. Walking up this street, one reaches the second gate, the Hozo-mon. The Hon-dō is located north of the Hozo-mon Gate. A formidable copper censer emits smoke with which worshippers baste themselves. To the southwest of the beautiful garden, designed by Enshū Kobori, one can see a monastery, the Denbōin, and a five-story pagoda, the Gojūnotō. Standing at 53.3 meters, it is the second tallest pagoda in Japan. While the building has been in existence since 942, it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times and the current building dates back to 1973. There are relics of Buddha on the top floor.