Asakusa is part of Tokyo‘s downtown Taito district greatest identified for its many temples, notably Sensoji.
Sensoji, also referred to as Asakusa Kannon, is Tokyo’s largest Buddhist temple and a main attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike. Take the Sensoji exit of the subway and comply with the crowds.
Every yr, many vacationers from Japan and all over the world go to Sensoji Temple. In the rapid neighborhood of the temple, there are a lot of conventional retailers and eating places providing genuine Japanese meals similar to handmade noodles, sushi and tempura.
Consider to go to the temple at evening, till 23:00 it’s superbly lit.
What to learn about Sensoji
Admission to the temple grounds and websites is usually free. However, sure areas have totally different opening and shutting instances.
Kaminarimon – Thunder Gate
Up first is the Kaminarimon or “Thunder Gate“, that includes a much-photographed big lantern and statues of guardian gods Raijin (god of thunder) and Fujin (god of wind). First inbuilt 942, the gate has been destroyed quite a few instances and the present incarnation dates to solely 1950.
The gate has an enormous lantern and 4 guards within the archway. The gate is a vital image of Asakusa and all of Tokyo.
The Nakamise purchasing arcade main as much as the temple begins after the gate (see beneath).
Nakamise – Shopping and Souvenir Street
Behind the Kaminarimon is the vigorous Nakamise Street, a purchasing mile stuffed with memento retailers and colourful hustle and bustle. These retailers are an essential a part of the historic custom of promoting to pilgrims on their technique to Sensoji Temple.
It is lined with small retailers promoting souvenirs similar to followers, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimonos, and Buddhist scrolls. You can even discover conventional Japanese sweets, in addition to Star Wars toys, T-shirts, and smartphone and iPad instances. For centuries, it has been a preferred place to purchase genuine Japanese souvenirs similar to yukata garments, followers or native sweets to take dwelling.
At dusk, this avenue is remodeled right into a sea of lights that enchants guests.
Hozomon
At the tip of the arcade is the principle gate Hozomon, notable for an enormous straw sandal (waraji) hung up on one facet. The two gigantic straw sandals (waraji) weighing a formidable 400-500 kg. These are donated by town of Maruyama each 10 years and had been final renewed in 2018.
The Hozomon Gate homes two guardians adorned with three imposing lanterns. The central lantern in shiny crimson weighs greater than 400 kg, whereas the opposite two are product of copper and weigh about 1000 kg every!
Gojonoto – Five-Story Pagoda
Right subsequent to the Hozomon Gate and to the west is the gorgeous five-story pagoda Gojonoto, which has a formidable size of over 53 meters. Inside you may admire inventive photographs of Buddha and treasured relics. The prime of the pagoda symbolically represents the sacred grave of the Buddha, apparently containing among the ashes of the Buddha. Unfortunately, it’s not doable to discover this majestic pagoda from the within.
Hondo (Main Hall)
The most important corridor of the Hondo constructing is the center of the place. It has been destroyed by hearth a number of instances over time, most lately throughout an air raid in World War II. In entrance of the principle constructing are small buildings with drawers the place you may have your fortune informed in English and Japanese utilizing omikuji slips.
Asakusa-Jinja
To the proper of the principle corridor is Asakusa-jinja, a small Shinto shrine. Japanese weddings are sometimes held right here on weekends. The shrine is devoted to the reminiscence of three males: two brothers and a village headman who had been instrumental within the development of Sensoji Temple. Interestingly, three fishing nets are the image of this shrine – all three males had been fishermen.
Nitenmon
Standing subsequent to the shrine, you may see the Nitenmon Gate. It was inbuilt 1618 and is the oldest constructing on the grounds of Sensoji Temple. This spectacular gate typically attracts many vacationers, particularly from China, so it could get fairly crowded at peak instances.
Kannondo
The perennially busy Kannondo (Kannon Hall) is behind the gate, with a gradual stream of worshippers wafting incense over themselves and trooping up the steps to wish and donate. According to legend, the corridor was initially inbuilt 628 to deal with a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, fished out of the Sumida River by two brothers.
History of the Sensoji Temple
The temple is devoted to the bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokitesvara). According to legend, a statue of Kannon was found within the Sumida River in 628 AD by brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari, two fishermen. Their village chief, Hajino Nakamoto, acknowledged the sacredness of this statue and had it transformed right into a small temple in his personal home in Asakusa in order that the villagers may worship the Kannon.
In 645 AD, very early through the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate, the primary temple was based – making it the oldest temple in Tokyo wherever! At that point, the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu appointed Senso-ji because the protecting temple of his clan. The Nishinomiya Inari Shrine can be positioned on the grounds of Senso-ji; a torii solemnly marks the doorway to the sacred grounds of this shrine.
A bronze plaque on this archway names the individuals who contributed to the development of this torii, which was inbuilt 1727 (Kyoho 12, month 11). During the Second World War, bombs fell on this temple and destroyed it utterly – however later it was rebuilt.
Today it serves as a logo of latest life and peace throughout the Japanese inhabitants. In the courtyard of the temple rises a tree, which was hit by a bomb; nonetheless, it continued to develop and has stored its roots within the outdated trunk.
Fun Fact
The temple has a captivating historical past. It is claimed that two fishermen found a golden picture of the merciful, nirvana-reaching Kannon in what’s now the Sumida River.
Despite a number of makes an attempt to return the statue to the water, it stored coming again to them. Because of its recognition as Kannon, it was lastly delivered to the temple.
Although Sensoji Temple was based in 628, the present crimson constructing is way more fashionable and was constructed after it was destroyed throughout World War II.
Extra ideas
Kimono Experience
Expect curious and seems. The expertise is a door opener to interacting with the locals and it’s actually a variety of enjoyable!
Rent a kimono right here and discover Asakusa the standard method.
Look ahead to exploring Asakusa whereas sporting a wonderful conventional Japanese kimono from Kimono Miyabi. At Kimono Miyabi, you will see that quite a lot of kimono units to select from to make your expertise as stress-free as doable.
The educated employees at Kimono Miyabi might be comfortable to help you to find the right outfit.
Explore Tokyo’s highlights in a personal tour
Not feeling like staying lengthy in Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the world’s most populous metropolis?
Then you must search for a technique to see all the highest sights directly!
This nice tour does simply that.
First, you’ll go to the world-famous Asakusa district, the place you’ll see the colourful Senso-ji Temple and stroll alongside the spectacular Kaminari-mon Gate and Nakamise Avenue.
Then head to Sumida Park on the banks of the Sumida River – an ideal place to view the cherry blossoms in spring or the breathtaking fireworks in summer season.
After a scrumptious lunch, you’ll cross considered one of Japan’s most well-known intersections – Shibuya Crossing.
Other highlights of this tour embrace Hachiko, Takeshita Street and the Omotesando Meiji Shrine.
With this tour you may simply discover each the outdated and fashionable sides of Tokyo!
Price: €112 per group (1-8 individuals)
Start: 09:30
Ends: 16:30
Good to know: This tour is Muslim and vegetarian vacationers pleasant. During the tour, the group will journey on public transport
The tour consists of:
- Professional Guide
- English talking information
- Taxes
- Operator insurance coverage
- Train tour ticket
- The information will meet you on the lodge with no automotive (strolling tour)
