Asakusa Kannon Temple For
Every Visiting Tokyo Tourist

Asakusa Kannon Temple (commonly called Sensoji Temple) in Asakusa, Tokyo has a wonderful atmosphere and is a must see if you are in that neck of the woods.

Instantly recognizable by a huge red and black Japanese paper lantern hanging from the "Kaminarimon" (Thunder Gate), an amazing Japanese gate at the entrance of the temple, it has become a landmark in its own right.

I love the tale of the temple`s origin.

As the story goes, two fishermen accidently retrieved a statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon, from Sumida-gawa (Sumida river) in 628.

Around this small gold statue a shrine was built and dedicated to Kannon. Some 17 years later, a temple was built in her honor by the holy man Shokai. Asakusa temple continued to grow in wealth and popularity and was even given a large area of land by Tokugawa Ieyasu sometime in the 1600`s.

Unfortunately, disaster awaited, which not even the Goddess of Mercy herself could avoid.

War!

One of Tokyo`s oldest temples, it was almost completely destroyed in World War II.

Fortunately it was rebuilt and is now a major tourist attraction for both Japanese and visitors from overseas.

However, it is not only these beautiful Japanese Buildings that make this spot worth visiting.

Upholding the tradition of catering to the needs of pilgrims, there are also a large number of restaurants and shops.

Passing through the Thunder Gate will lead you onto Nakamise-dori (Nakamise Street), which lies between the gate and the main buildings. It is lined with stores selling traditional wares such as:

- fans

- umbrellas

- kimono

- sweets

There are also more modern offerings like t-shirts, an incredible array of key rings and cell phone straps that will stab you in the thigh everytime you sit down.

It is this street and the liveliness it adds that makes Asakusa Kannon Temple well worth visiting.

On the main grounds of the temple, beside the Main Hall and other smaller buildings, is a beautiful 5 story Japanese Pagoda.

PLEASE NOTE: The Main Hall will be covered until December 2010 due to renovations. The inside of the Main Hall and the rest of the temple area are still accessible.

Opening Hours:

Main Hall 6:00am - 5:00pm

6:30am weekdays October - March

Closed:

4:30pm in Winter

Entry:

Free