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Sensoji temple is an old Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. This temple was once assorted with the Tendai sect. After World War II it gained independence. Next to the temple is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Jinja. Getting to Sensoji temple Asakusa Getting to Sensoji temple is not difficult. It is just a few steps from Asakusa Station. The Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line and Tobu Railways function from here. If you come from Tokyo station then you have to take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station. This takes just 2minutes. After that you take the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa. You can even come from Shinjuku Station by getting into the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station which takes 10 minutes. And from there, similarly you transfer to Ginza Line and catch a train for Asakusa. History The temple is consecrated to the bodhisattva Kannon. According to legend, a statue of the Kannon, the goddess of mercy, was found in the Sumida River in 628 by two fishermen, the brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. Even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. The chief of their village, Hajino Nakamoto, discerned the holiness of the statue and enshrined the statue by remaking his own house into a small temple in Asakusa so that the villagers could worship the Kannon. Consequently, Sensoji was built there for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. The blessings of the Kannon gradually received a high reputation throughout Japan, and people near and far flocked to Asakusa to venerate the statue. About the temple Commanding the entrance to the temple is the 'Kaminarimon' or "Thunder Gate" which is the outer gate of the Sensoji and symbol of Asakusa. The baronial Buddhist structure characterizes a huge paper lantern outstandingly colored in vivid re-and-black shades to represent thunder clouds and lightning. Within the precincts there is an imposing five-story pagoda and the main hall which is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu. Beyond the Hozomon main gate stands the temple's main building and a five storied pagoda. The Asakusa Shrine, built in the year 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu can be found close by the temple's main building. Catering to the needs of the huge foreign travelers that visit this temple a number of shops have opened. A shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Besides typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise. The shopping street has a history of several centuries. Various festivals held in Sensoji Temple - Sanja Matsuri is held in May and is one of the three major festivals of Tokyo.
- Hozuki-ichi (Hozuki Market) is held in July
- Asakusa Samba Carnival is one of the famous carnivals here. It takes place in August.
- Tokyo Jidai Matsuri is a festival in November which marks the history of Tokyo and the Edo culture.
- Hagoita-ichi (Hagoita Market) is held in December. Hagoita means the wooden paddle which is employed in Hanetsuki, a traditional game that resembles badminton. You can have lots of enjoyment when you drop into this ancient temple. This oldest temple of Tokyo will really move you by its atmosphere and beauty.
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