Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple is known as the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, located in the Asakusa district. The temple is dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu), who represents the compassion of all Buddhas, and is popularly known as Asakusa Kannon. It belongs to the Sho Kannon Sect. This major center of religious belief in Japan attracts an average of 30 million visitors each year.

The history of Senso-ji Temple dates back to 628 and it is Tokyo’s oldest temple. According to its founding legend, Hinokuma Hamanari and his brother Takenari found a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Kannon) in the Sumida River, and the local leader Haji no Nakatomo converted his home into a shrine to house this sacred object.

In 645, Priest Shokai, following a vision, decided to permanently conceal the original statue (Hibutsu). In the ninth century, Priest Ennin commissioned a second statue resembling the original so that the public could worship it. From the Kamakura Period onward, the temple received support from shoguns and military leaders, and in 1590 it was designated by Tokugawa Ieyasu as the central place for the shogunate’s prayers. During this time, devotion to Kannon spread among the people, and Asakusa, where the temple is located, became the cultural center of Edo (1603–1867). The temple continues to maintain this historical and cultural significance today.

^{Senso-ji Temple (}Picryl⁾

Senso-ji Temple spans a large area and houses numerous structures:

• Kaminari-mon Gate (Furaijin-mon Gate): The main entrance to Senso-ji, meaning “Thunder Gate.” It was first constructed in 942 by Taira no Kinmasa. The gate features statues of Fujin (god of wind) and Raijin (god of thunder and lightning), believed to protect the temple from natural disasters. It was destroyed by fire in 1865 and rebuilt in 1960 through a donation by Konosuke Matsushita, founder of Panasonic. A large red lantern hangs in front of it.

• Hozo-mon Gate (Nio-mon Gate): The second major gate. The current structure was rebuilt in 1964 through a donation.

• Nakamise Shopping Street: One of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, located between Kaminarimon and Hozo-mon gates. Traditional Japanese toys, sweets, and souvenirs are sold here.

• Main Hall (Kannondo Hall): The temple’s primary place of worship. The original hall, built by the third Tokugawa shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and designated a national treasure, was destroyed during the Great Tokyo Air Raid on 10 March 1945. The current hall was rebuilt in 1958 through donations from devotees across Japan. Its most striking feature is its high, dramatically sloped roof. The hall is divided into two sacred areas: the naijin (inner sanctuary), which houses the main statue, and the gejin (outer sanctuary).

• Five-Storied Pagoda: Originally built in 942, the pagoda was destroyed in the 1945 air raid and rebuilt in 1973. It houses the Busshari (Buddha’s relics), gifted by a royal temple in Sri Lanka.

• Niten-mon Gate: Constructed in 1649 as the eastern entrance to Senso-ji. It features two protective Buddhist deities, Zochoten and Jikokuten, and is designated an Important Cultural Property.

• Yogodo Hall: A hall belonging to the Buddhist Yogoshu sect, housing eight Buddhas who protect the teachings of Kannon.

• Bentendo Hall: Houses one of the three most important statues of Benzaiten in the Kanto region.

^{Hozo-mon Gate (}Flickr⁾

The temple hosts numerous events throughout the year:

• Hatsumode (First Temple Visit of the Year): Held from 1 to 7 January, during which visitors pray for safety, health, and a good harvest.

• Setsubun (Spring Festival): Celebrated around 3 February. Dry beans are thrown to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune. At Senso-ji, instead of “Demons out!” the chant is “Long life! Welcome good fortune!”

• Honzon Jigen-e (Celebration of Bodhisattva Kannon’s Appearance): Commemorates the appearance of Bodhisattva Kannon on 18 March 628.

• Hana Matsuri (Celebration of Buddha’s Birthday): Buddha’s birthday is celebrated by pouring sweet tea over a statue of Buddha.

• Shiman-rokusen-nichi (46,000 Daily Visits): Held on 9–10 July, these days are believed to multiply the power of prayers by 46,000 times. They are also known as the Hoozuki Market, where hoozuki (lantern plant) in pots are sold.

• Osame-no-Kannon Goennichi (Year-End Festival): Held from 17 to 19 December, this is Senso-ji’s year-end festival, during which the Hagoita (warrior) Market is held.

^{Bean Throwing Ceremony at Setsubun (}Flickr⁾

Located in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, Senso-ji Temple is easily accessible via the city’s extensive public transportation network.

The most common and practical way to reach the temple is by subway. Visitors can take the Ginza Subway Line directly to Asakusa Station. It is also possible to reach Asakusa by train from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. After exiting the station, visitors can walk to the temple grounds by following signs to the Kaminarimon Gate.

Senso-ji is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The temple complex offers good accessibility for visitors due to its proximity to public transport and generally flat terrain. Transportation options and the surrounding area are wheelchair accessible.