Sensoji Temple is an large Buddhist temple complex in Tokyo dedicated to the Buddhist Deity, Bodhisattva Kannon. Sensoji consists of gates, multiple halls, gardens, a pagoda, and a waterfall. There is also Asakusa Shrine, not technically not part Sensoji, but it’s adjacent to the Main Hall.
Getting Around Sensoji:
The traditional entrance to Sensoji is Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). It’s the outer gate of Sensoji and it’s also the symbol of Asakusa. After entering, walk down the shopping street, Nakimise Dori, which will lead you to a second gate, called Hozomon. After seeing Hozomon, look straight ahead to see Kannondo Hall (Main Hall). And on the left of Hozomon, you will see the Pagoda. After seeing the popular sights of Sensoji, don’t forget to wonder around and see the rest of the complex. It’s less crowded and it’s beautiful. Below is a map.
http://www.senso-ji.jp/guide/index_e.html
History:
According to legend, two brothers fished the Statue of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) from the Sumida River in 628. When the village headman of Asakusa heard about this, he immediately realized the statue was of the important Buddhist deity, Bodhisattva Kannon. He then took vows as a Buddhist priest and remade his home into into a temple and spent the rest of his life in devotion to the Bodhisattva Kannon. In 645, renowned Buddhist priest Shokai Shonin built Kannondo Hall upon visiting the Asakusa district. Following a revelation he received in a dream, Shokai decided that the image of Bodhisattva Kannon should be hidden from view, and this tradition has remained in place ever since. The buildings have been rebuilt over the years because of fires. Kannondo Hall was rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed by a World WarTwo Air Raid in 1945
Overview:
Sensoji Temple complex in Tokyo is one of Japan’s most famous and traveled to temples in the country, having about 30 million visitors a year. For me Sensoji mirrors Japan and explains why so many travelers love Japan like they do. The crowded shopping street in Sensoji, Nakimise Dori, has a captive audience looking to buy souvenirs, snacks and sweets. And yet, prices are reasonable, the food is great and the shopkeepers are polite. Even vending machines within the complex charge the same price as most other locations. And the whole complex is clean. So you feel like your getting excellent value and service while enjoying the great architecture of Sensoji. And like Japan Sensoji is presented so beautifully.
Food:
If the snacks and sweets of Nakimise Dori don’t fill you up, try eating at a restaurant in the surrounding neighborhood. We tried a place just outside the complex and we got our meals for less than $10 each. It was very tasty and beautifully presented.
How to Get There:
You can get to Sensoji by the Ginza and Toei Asakusa City Metro Lines or the Tobu Isesaki Line. The station stop in Asakusa for all of those lines.
Interesting!