SENSŌ-JI

Located in the heart of the Asakusa district, it's hard to miss this gigantic, colorful complex that's as much a Buddhist pilgrimage as a funfair. This is where Tokyoites gather to celebrate special occasions in one of the city's most famous places. Indeed, Sensō-ji is no less than Tokyo's oldest temple, and is at the center of numerous celebrations throughout the year. The Sanja-Matsuri, a festival celebrating its three founders, takes place in May and draws large 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's one of the city's must-visits. And the rickshaw pullers waiting at the entrance shouldn't contradict us! According to legend, the temple was founded in 628 by two fishermen who had hauled up a golden statue of Kannon (goddess of compassion) in their nets. With the help of a wealthy merchant who taught them the Buddha's teachings, they built the temple to protect her. The Hon-dō, the main building, dates from 1651, but was destroyed along with the Nio-mon gate and pagoda during the Second World War. A replica of the Kannon-dō was erected in 1950.

The temple is entered through the Kaminari-mon gate on Asakusa-dōri. Built of wood, this imposing red gate was burnt down and rebuilt in concrete in 1960. Two terrifying guardians, the god of wind (Fūjin) and the god of thunder (Raijin), frame the gate, while a gigantic red paper lantern inscribed with kanji descends from its center. It's under this lantern that all passers-by stop for the traditional souvenir photos. From the gate stretches the long Nakamise shopping street, lined with souvenir stalls. Walk up this street to reach the second gate, the Hozo-mon. The Hon-dō lies to the north of the Hozo-mon gate. A formidable copper incense burner emits smoke with which worshippers baste themselves. To the southwest of the beautiful garden, designed by Enshū Kobori, you can see a monastery, the Denbōin, and a five-story pagoda, the Gojūnotō. Rising to 53.3 meters, it's the second-tallest pagoda in Japan. While the edifice has existed since 942, it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and the current building dates from 1973. Buddha relics can be found on the top floor.