What is the history of Asakusa temple?
Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II. Adjacent to the temple is a five-story pagoda, the Asakusa Shinto shrine, as well as many shops with traditional goods in the Nakamise-dōri.
What are the oldest temples in Tokyo?
This temple (which also goes by the name of Asakusa Kannon Temple) is Tokyo's oldest, originally built in the year 645 AD. Unfortunately, like so many structures in Tokyo, much of the ancient work was completely destroyed during World War II.
Is Sensoji temple in Japan famous?
.: About Sensoji Temple :. Senso-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II.
What is Asakusa Kannon?
The temple is widely known as "Asakusa Kannon" or "Kannon-sama of Asakusa" because of the Kannon Bodhisattva as the main deity. It is the only temple in Tokyo to be designated as one of the 33 sacred places of the Kannon in Banto (No. 13) and one of the 33 sacred places of the Kannon in Edo (No. 1).
What is the oldest temple in Japan?
Gango-ji Temple, originally Asuka-dera that was Japan's oldest temple, is known to be the temple where the original form of Japanese Buddhism started....Location.NameGango-ji TempleAddress11 Chuin-cho, Nara-shi, Nara5 more rows
Which is Tokyo oldest Buddhist temple?
Sensō-ji (金龍山浅草寺, Kinryū-zan Sensō-ji) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant.
When was Asakusa Shrine built?
The Asakusa Shrine, built in the year 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, stands only a few dozen meters to the left of the temple's main building. Various events are held throughout the year in the Sensoji Temple area.
Is Sensoji temple the oldest?
Sensoji temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon and located in Tokyo's Asakusa district, is the city's oldest religious building and one of its most colorful and popular. With roughly 20 million annual visitors, it's also the most visited-temple in Japan and the most-frequented spiritual site in the world.
What is Tokyo known for?
Tokyo is known for iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Crossing. It's famous for its sakura tree-lined streets, shrines and temples, its otaku culture and wonderful cuisine, and its world-class transport system. It's a quirky city that combines millennia-old traditions with futuristic technology.
What is the name of the famous temple in Tokyo with big red lanterns?
The gate, with its lantern and statues, is popular with tourists....Kaminarimon.Kaminarimon 雷門Height11.7mLength11.4mArea69.3 m2LocationAsakusa, Tokyo, Japan5 more rows
How old are Tokyo temples?
Exploring Tokyo's Old-town Charm. Senso-ji, located in the heart of Asakusa, is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It has a long history of over 1400 years and is well known as the symbol of Shitamachi, the downtown area of Tokyo.
Where is the sky tree located?
It is the centerpiece of the Tokyo Skytree Town in the Sumida City Ward, not far away from Asakusa. With a height of 634 meters (634 can be read as "Musashi", a historic name of the Tokyo Region), it is the tallest structure in Japan and was the second tallest in the world at the time of its completion.
Which shrine is located in Tokyo's biggest gardens?
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city.
Why is Sensoji famous?
Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, boasting over 1300 years of history. Located in the popular sightseeing area of Asakusa, this temple is especially famous for its large red lantern hanging at the entrance gate called Kaminarimon.
Why is the Sensoji temple so famous?
Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is the oldest and most famous temple in Tokyo with a history going back 1,400 years. This temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and it is incredibly popular with millions of people visiting every year.
Is Sensoji temple free?
Sensōji (浅草寺) is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Tokyo. The Kaminari-mon (lightning gate), long promenade (Nakamise Dori) and the temple itself are some of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. There is no admission fee, but you can make a donation if you wish at the temple.
What is the oldest Buddhist temple?
The Buddha Ashoka's Mahabodhi Temple and Diamond throne in Bodh Gaya, built c. 250 BCE.
When was the first Buddhist temple built in Japan?
Buddhism in Japan Buddhism was first introduced to Japan from mainland Asia in the 6th century CE, and monasteries were built from the 7th century CE, a trend first promoted by the regent Prince Shotoku (l. 574-622 CE).
What is the oldest temple in the world?
Göbekli Tepe is famous for being the oldest temple in the world. According to historians and archaeologists, this temple was erected in southern Turkey 11,600 years ago.
What is the oldest structure in Japan?
Hōryū-ji is not just the oldest temple, but the oldest building of any category in Japan. The temple, found in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, contains wood that dates back to 597CE, with original construction said to have been completed in 607CE.
What is the Buddhist custom of spreading incense?
One such custom is the spreading of smoke of incense over oneself, which is considered to purify, heal, and bring luck.
What is the main gate in Sensoji Temple?
At the entrance to the main temple is the Hozomon Gate. Among other things, this gate is used to store special artifacts related to the temple.
What is the oldest temple in Japan?
If that appeals to you, then make a plan a visit to Sensoji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa District. This temple (which also goes by the name of Asakusa Kannon Temple) is Tokyo's oldest, originally built in the year 645 AD.
Where is the new Tokyo Skytree located?
The structure is located only a few kilometers away across the Sumida River, and towers above almost everything in the area. Having such a modern marvel so close to a piece of Japan's history is a sight to behold, ...
When was the Asakusa Kannon Temple built?
This temple (which also goes by the name of Asakusa Kannon Temple) is Tokyo's oldest, originally built in the year 645 AD. Unfortunately, like so many structures in Tokyo, much of the ancient work was completely destroyed during World War II.
Is Sensoji Temple worth visiting?
As you can see, Tokyo's Sensoji Temple is a must-see and well worth the trip. Between the architecture, history, culture, and tourist attractions, it's the perfect place to spend a few hours exploring and enjoying the wonder of Japan.
The main hall
The main hall, also called Kannondo, houses the principal image of the temple. It was rebuilt by Iemitsu Tokugawa and remained until modern times, and was designated as a "National Treasure" in the Meiji period. However, it was destroyed by fire in the Tokyo Air Raid in March 1945, and the present one was rebuilt in 1958.
The Kaminarimon
The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is the main gate of Sensoji Temple, and is a symbol of Asakusa. The correct name is "Kaze Raijinmon" (Wind and Thunder God Gate), and the god of thunder is enshrined on the left and the god of wind on the right.
Hozomon Gate (Niomon)
At the Hozomon Gate, lanterns with "Kobunacho" written on them are lowered, and two statues of Nioh are placed on either side. The statue on the right side facing the main hall is by the Buddhist monk Hisasaku Muraoka, and the statue on the left side is by the Buddhist monk Shinkan Nishikido.
The water stall. (Temizuya)
On the ceiling is an ink painting of a dragon (by Higashi Yinkou), and above the octagonal rusty granite basin is a statue of a dragon god (Sakara Ryuo) by Takamura Koun, which used to be enshrined in a fountain behind the main hall.
Ceiling Paintings on the Outer Sanctuary of the Main Hall
On the ceiling of the outer sanctuary of the main hall is a painting of dragons by Ryuko Kawabata, and on the ceiling is a painting of heavenly men scattering flowers by Impression Domoto.
July "Hozuki Market"
It is said that if you visit the shrine on July 9 and 10, you will receive the same benefits as if you had visited the shrine for 46,000 days, and worship on these days has been popular since ancient times. The Sensoji Temple is lined with about 100 stores selling hozuki, and the cool sound of wind chimes, the vivid vermilion color of the hozuki, and people in colorful yukata (light summer kimono) strolling around the temple grounds add to the festive atmosphere of the downtown market..
November "Tokyo Period Festival"
The Tokyo Jidai Matsuri, Asakusa's autumn festival, recreates the period from the founding of Sensoji Temple in 628 A.D. with the manifestation of the Goddess of Mercy, through the Heian, Kamakura, and Edo periods, to the end of the Edo period, and the beginning of civilization.
How was Asakusa formed?
Asakusa was formed by sediment deposition carried by the Tone River, the Arakawa River and the Iruma River. During the Kofun era (250 – 538 A.D.), it was a small village where fishermen and farmers lived.
What was the cultural center of Edo?
Along with the prosperity of Edo Tokyo, the visitors of Sensoji increased, Asakusa became the cultural centre for Edo. At the golden age of the Edo era, hundreds of small Shinto shrines were built in the temple grounds and Asakusa became a sacred place to worship by the common people.
How tall is the Kannon statue?
This is said to be the beginning of Sensoji. The Kannon statue is said to be a golden statue of 5.5 cm tall, however the entity is unknown as it is a treasure never to be disclosed. 4. Revitalisation by Jikaku Daishi.
What is the 6th district?
Sixth District became famous as an entertainment district, making the great contribution to Japanese film and theatre history. With the opening of the horse-driven railway-carriage line in 1882 and the Japan’s first skyscraper, Ryounkaku (also known as Asakusa Twelve-stories, 52m high) in 1890, Asakusa led the movement of civilisation and enlightenment.
Why did Minamoto Yoritomo visit Sensoji?
6.A visit by Minamoto Yoritomo. In 1180, when Minamoto Yoritomo arranged his army in Ishihama, Asakusa, he visited Sensoji to pray for victory over the Heike Clan. He also requested Sensoji’s temple carpenters to help building the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura.
What is the thunder gate called?
The gate of Asakusa Temple "Thunder gate". We call"Kaminarimon".
Where is the Buddha statue?
Appearance of Gohonzon (principal object of worship) According to legend, a Buddha statue was found in the Sumida River in 628 by two fishermen, the brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. This is the statue of a bodhisattva Kannon, which Sensoji is dedicated to.
What is the name of the inner gate of Sensoji Temple?
The inner gate, called Hozomon Gate, ultimately leads you to the temple’s main complex, housing the main hall, a five-storied pagoda, and Asakusa Shrine.
What is the oldest temple in Tokyo?
Ultimate Guide to Tokyo's oldest temple. 11. February 2020. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and also one of the most-visited ones. You haven’t really been to Tokyo if you haven’t visited the temple.
How much does a Kaminarimon lantern weigh?
Kaminarimon is the gateway to Sensoji Temple. Its centerpiece is a giant, red lantern inscribed with the word “Thunder Gate”. The lantern weighs just about 1,410 lbs. Despite its weight, I recommend you to walk below it and look ob to the lantern’s base. What you see there are incredible dragon carvings at the base.
How many stalls are there in Sensoji Temple?
In total, there are about 90 different stalls.
How many people visit Sensoji Temple every year?
Roughly 30 million people flock to the temple every year. Sadly, Sensoji Temple was destroyed in WWII along with many other landmarks, including Meiji Shrine. As a result, you won’t be able to see Sensoji in its originality, but a reconstruction of it. There is an interesting story behind the construction of Sensoji.
What does Senso Ji mean?
The name rather pays tribute to its location, Asakusa. Senso is another reading for “Asakusa” and Ji means “temple ”. Together Senso-Ji makes Asakusa Temple. For many, Asakusa Temple is easier to remember as they already know the name of the district.
What is the story behind Sensoji?
Legend has it that two brothers stumbled upon a golden statue whilst fishing it was is now the Sumida River. Despite multiple attempts to return the statue to the river, the statue would always come back to them.
What is the nearest airport to Gracery Asakusa?
Staff speak English and Japanese at the reception. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 30 km from Hotel Gracery Asakusa.
What gate is the Sensoji Temple in?
When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Sensoji Temple and the symbol of Asakusa and the entire city of Tokyo.
What is the most visited temple in Tokyo?
most visited in Tokyo. Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo 's most colorful and popular temples.
Where is Onyado Nono Asakusa?
Situated conveniently in the Taito district of Tokyo, Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring is set 300 metres from Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center, 400 metres from Asakusa Public Hall and 500 metres from Asakusa ROX Shopping Center. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site. The hotel offers a buffet or Asian breakfast. At Onyado Nono Asakusa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot spring bath and a sauna. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kinryu Park, Kaminarimon Gate Senso-ji and Nitenmon Gate. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 18 km from Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring.
Where is Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu?
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu is situated a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Subway Station, near Nakamise-dori Street and Senso-ji Temple. Asakusa Subway Station provides direct access to Ueno, Shibuya and Ginza areas, and also to the Narita and Haneda international airports. Japanese-style rooms and Western single rooms are available. Each guest room comes equipped with air conditioning, a satellite TV, a refrigerator and an en suite bathroom. Hairdryers, yukata robes, tea sets and mineral water are provided. On-site restaurant Ajidokoro Hozuki offers breakfast at an additional charge per person, which is served between 07:30 ? 09:00. There is a bath for each gender on site and both the female and male baths offer a view of Senso-ji Temple’s Five-storied Pagoda.
Where is Gracery Asakusa?
Luxury. 800 metres from Sensoji Temple, Hotel Gracery Asakusa provides a 4-star accommodation in the Taito district of Tokyo. The property is located 1.7 km from Tokyo Skytree and 1.8 km from Edo Tokyo Museum. The property is 2 km from Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium and 5 km from Marunouchi Building.
When was Sensoji built?
Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo 's oldest temple. When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Sensoji Temple and the symbol of Asakusa and the entire city of Tokyo.
What is the oldest shopping street in Tokyo?
The word Nakamise indicates the traditional shopping street inside the temple grounds. In recent years, these kinds of shopping streets are losing its liveliness due to the appearance of large shopping malls. However, Nakamise-dori is still very much loved and appreciated as a traditional shopping street in the Shitamachi area. It is always full of tourists from all over the world, Japanese field trip students and locals. There are around 90 stores along the street and is a must for souvenir shopping.
Where is the shrine of Senso Ji?
Just by Senso-ji is the Asakusa shrine. The three men who paid a great contribution to the building of Senso-ji are worshipped in this shrine. At most of the shrines in Japan, festivals are held mainly in the summer. Here at Asakusa shrine, Sanja festival is held on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May. 1.5 million people visit every year, and they bring an unbelievable load of enthusiasm and vibrancy into town. Mikoshi (portable shrine) are carried out to the town of Asakusa , which is a very familiar sight in Japanese festivals. Enjoy the atmosphere of Sanja-matsuri, but beware of the massive crowds!
What is the best selling item in Senso-ji?
Since it is the last one of the year, the festivals and markets in December are very crowded with people looking for goods for the coming year. The best selling item is Hagoita, which is like a traditional Japanese badminton racket made of wood. From the Edo era, there was a custom of gifting Hagoita to the family of the newborn girl. From that custom, it is now perceived as a lucky charm and bought as one.
What is the 10th of July?
On the 10th of July, Shiman-rokusen-nichi (literally meaning forty six thousand days) and hozuki (ground cherry) market is held every year. According to legend, you can receive forty six thousand days worth of grace if you go to the temple on this day. On the same day, brightly colored ground cherries are sold in the market. Wind-bells and some amulets are sold as well.
What is the most important part of the temple?
After passing through the second gate is finally the main and most important part of the temple, the Hondo. This is where the Buddha statue from the legend is placed. The Hondo rebuilt in 1649 was successfully undamaged for almost 300 years and designated as a National Treasure, but the bombings in 1945 completely destroyed it. This building is now built with reinforced concrete as well.
What is the gate of two kings called?
Walking through Nakamise-dori you will see another gate ahead, which is Hozomon. It is also called as Niomon, which literally means “the gate of two kings”. The “kings” refer to the two gods at the side of the gate, together called “A-Un”. It was rebuilt using reinforced concrete after the mass damage of the Second World War. The gate started to become referred to as Hozomon (literally translating to “treasure cellar”) since then, because of the descendent scriptures and precious resources that were stored inside the gate. It was open for entry during the Edo era, but is now closed to the public.
What color are the leaves in Senso-ji?
In autumn, falling leaves color Japan with beautiful burnt reds and a dark oranges. Senso-ji is no exception, as the temple premises are famous for its beauty during the fall. The weather is also very comfortable at this time, so taking a walk in the area under the falling leaves is perfect. The Dance of the Golden Dragon (金竜の舞; kinryu-no-mai) is also held in October, which you can see in the photo.
What do Japanese people eat at Sensoji Temple?
Catering to the visiting crowds, the surrounding area has many traditional shops and eating places that feature traditional Japanese dishes (hand- made noodles, sushi, tempura, etc.). Nakamise-Dori, the street leading from the Thunder Gate to the temple itself, is lined with small shops selling souvenirs ranging from fans, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimono and other robes, Buddhist scrolls, traditional Japanese sweets, to Star Wars toys, t-shirts and smartphone and iPad covers. These shops represent part of a historic and existing tradition of selling to pilgrims who made the journey to Senso-ji.
How tall is the Kaminarimon?
The gate, with its lantern and statues, is popular with tourists. It's just under 12 metres tall and 11.5 metres wide. .:
Where is Sensoji Temple?
Sensoji Temple. .: About Sensoji Temple :. Senso-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II.
What is the name of the street that leads to the Thunder Gate?
Nakamise-Dori, the street leading from the Thunder Gate to the temple itself, is lined with small shops selling souvenirs ranging from fans, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimono and other robes, Buddhist scrolls, traditional Japanese sweets, to Star Wars toys, t-shirts and smartphone and iPad covers.
What is the significance of the Torii?
During the Second World War, the temple was bombed and destroyed. It was rebuilt later and is a symbol of rebirth and peace to the Japanese people.
Who is the Sensoji Temple dedicated to?
History :. The Sensoji Temple is dedicated to the Kannon Bodhisattva (Avalokitesvara). According to legend, a statue of the Kannon was found in the Sumida River in 628 CE by two fishermen, the brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari.
What is the oldest temple in Tokyo?
The first temple was founded in 645 CE, which makes it the oldest temple in Tokyo. In the early years of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Senso-ji as tutelary temple of the Tokugawa clan. The Nishinomiya Inari shrine is located within the precincts of Senso-ji and a torii identifies the entry into the hallowed ground of the shrine. A bronze plaque on the gateway structure lists those who contributed to the construction of the torii, which was built in 1727 (Kyoho 12, 11th month). During the Second World War, the temple was bombed and destroyed. It was rebuilt later and is a symbol of rebirth and peace to the Japanese people. In the courtyard, there is a tree that was hit by a bomb in the air raids and it has regrown within the husk of the old tree and shares a similar symbolism to the temple itself.